Josiphiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the return of the exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. His name appears in the genealogical records that detail the families and individuals who participated in this significant event in Jewish history.

Biblical References:

Josiphiah is mentioned in the Book of Ezra, which provides an account of the return of the Jewish exiles under the leadership of Zerubbabel and later Ezra. The specific reference to Josiphiah is found in Ezra 8:10:

"of the sons of Bani, Shelomith son of Josiphiah, and with him 160 men;"

In this passage, Josiphiah is identified as the father of Shelomith, who is one of the leaders of the family groups returning to Jerusalem. The mention of Josiphiah, though brief, places him within the larger narrative of the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

Genealogical Significance:

The genealogical records in Ezra serve to establish the continuity of the Jewish people and their rightful claim to the land and religious heritage of Israel. Josiphiah's inclusion in these records underscores the importance of family lineage and the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham. The return from exile is seen as a fulfillment of prophetic promises and a testament to God's faithfulness.

Historical and Theological Context:

The return from Babylonian exile marks a pivotal moment in Jewish history. It represents not only a physical return to the land but also a spiritual renewal and recommitment to the covenant with God. Figures like Josiphiah, though not prominent in the biblical narrative, contribute to the collective identity and mission of the returning exiles.

Theologically, the return from exile is viewed as an act of divine providence. It highlights themes of repentance, restoration, and the hope of redemption. The participation of families like that of Josiphiah in this event reflects the communal nature of Israel's relationship with God and the collective responsibility to uphold the covenant.

Name Meaning and Etymology:

The name Josiphiah is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is often understood as "Yahweh adds" or "Yahweh increases." This name reflects a common biblical theme where names are indicative of divine action or blessing. The use of the theophoric element "iah," a form of the divine name Yahweh, signifies a connection to the God of Israel.

Conclusion:

While Josiphiah is a minor figure in the biblical text, his mention in the genealogical records of Ezra highlights the importance of every individual and family in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. His legacy, through his son Shelomith, is part of the larger tapestry of Israel's history and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.Josiphiah

increase of the Lord; the Lord's finishing

Josiphiah

(whom Jehovah will increase), the father or ancestor of Shelomith, who returned with Ezra. (Ezra 8:10) (B.C. 459.)

JOSIPHIAH

jos-i-fi'-a (yociphyah, "Yah adds"): Found in Ezra 8:10, where Massoretic Text is "and of the sons of.... Shelomith the son of Josiphiah." With the help of Septuagint A and 1 Esdras 8:36, the name "Bani" (which is the same in the unpointed text as "the sons of" and was omitted through haplography) can be supplied above before "Shelomith." Josiphia is thus the father of Shelomith, one of Ezra's companions. 1 Esdras 8:36 has "Josaphias."

3131. Yosiphyah -- "Yah adds," an Israelite
... "Yah adds," an Israelite. Transliteration: Yosiphyah Phonetic Spelling:
(yo-sif-yaw') Short Definition: Josiphiah. ... NASB Word Usage Josiphiah (1). Josiphiah. ...
/hebrew/3131.htm - 6kJosiphiah (1 Occurrence)
...JOSIPHIAH. jos-i-fi'-a (yociphyah, "Yah adds"): Found in Ezra 8:10, where Massoretic
Text is "and of the sons of.... ...Josiphiah (1 Occurrence). ...
/j/josiphiah.htm - 7k

Josiphi'ah (1 Occurrence)
Josiphi'ah. Josiphiah, Josiphi'ah. Jostle . ... Ezra 8:10 And of the sons of Shelomith,
the son of Josiphiah; and with him a hundred and threescore males. ...
/j/josiphi'ah.htm - 6k

Shelomith (9 Occurrences)
... The Massoretic Text here should read, "and the sons of Bani; Shelomith, son of
Josiphiah"; and in 1 Esdras 8:36, "of the sons of Banias, Salimoth, son of ...
/s/shelomith.htm - 10k

Josibiah (1 Occurrence)

/j/josibiah.htm - 6k

Bani (15 Occurrences)
... keepers. (BBE). Ezra 8:10 Of the sons of Shelomith, the son of Josiphiah;
and with him one hundred sixty males. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/bani.htm - 13k

Shelo'mith (5 Occurrences)
... Shelomith. (See RSV). Ezra 8:10 And of the sons of Shelomith, the son of Josiphiah;
and with him a hundred and threescore males. (See RSV). ...
/s/shelo'mith.htm - 7k

Males (51 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). Ezra 8:10 Of the sons of Shelomith,
the son of Josiphiah; and with him one hundred sixty males. ...
/m/males.htm - 22k

Sixty (70 Occurrences)
... RSV). Ezra 8:10 Of the sons of Shelomith, the son of Josiphiah; and with
him one hundred sixty males. (WEB BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV). Ezra ...
/s/sixty.htm - 28k

Threescore (87 Occurrences)
... ASV). Ezra 8:10 And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with
him an hundred and threescore males. (KJV JPS ASV). Ezra ...
/t/threescore.htm - 33k

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