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Isshiah
Isshiah, also spelled Jesiah in some translations, means "Jehovah will lend" or "Jehovah exists." This name is less common, but its inclusion here highlights the diversity and reach of David's supporters. Isshiah's presence among the Korahites suggests a strong family lineage dedicated to service and worship, as the Korahites were known for their roles in temple service.

Azarel
Azarel means "God has helped." This name is indicative of the divine assistance and favor that David's men believed they had. Azarel's inclusion in this list underscores the belief that God was actively involved in the establishment of David's rule, providing him with capable and divinely supported warriors.

Joezer
Joezer, meaning "Jehovah is help," further emphasizes the theme of divine assistance. The repetition of names with similar meanings in this passage may suggest a cultural emphasis on God's providence and support during times of conflict and transition, such as David's rise to power.

Jashobeam
Jashobeam is noted elsewhere in the Bible as one of David's chief warriors (1 Chronicles 11:11). His name means "the people will return" or "the people will be restored," which could symbolize the restoration of Israel under David's leadership. Jashobeam's reputation as a mighty warrior is consistent with the martial context of this passage.

who were Korahites;
The Korahites were a Levitical family descended from Korah, a figure known for his rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16). Despite this infamous ancestry, the Korahites were later known for their roles in temple service, particularly in music and gatekeeping (1 Chronicles 9:19). This transformation from rebellion to service is a powerful narrative of redemption and grace, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God using flawed individuals for His purposes. The Korahites' support of David signifies a shift towards unity and divine order in Israel.

1 Chronicles 12:6 opens with a name that echoes faithfulness. Throughout Scripture, men named Elkanah are found in Levitical lines (1 Chronicles 6:23;1 Samuel 1:1), reminding us that God often calls worship-leaders into battle when His kingdom purposes demand it. Here, Elkanah physically joins David at Ziklag, standing in solidarity with the rejected king. His presence underscores two truths:

• God raises worshipers to become warriors when righteousness is at stake (compare2 Chronicles 20:21-22).

• Those who identify early with God’s anointed share in future victory (2 Samuel 5:1-3).

Next comes Isshiah (also spelled Jeshaiah elsewhere,1 Chronicles 24:21). His name appears with temple-serving Levites, yet he is listed among David’s fighting men. Joining David meant leaving familiar duties behind, echoing the call Jesus later issues—“Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny himself” (Matthew 16:24). Isshiah’s decision highlights:

• Courage to step beyond inherited roles when God redirects (Numbers 8:14-16).

• The blessing that follows obedience; Isshiah shares in the restoration of true worship once David reigns (1 Chronicles 15:16-17).

Azarel, another Korahite, illustrates how seemingly anonymous servants still matter to God’s record-keeping. Though no exploits are detailed, his inclusion parallels the later roll call ofHebrews 11:32-40—many are unnamed but “the world was not worthy of them.” Azarel teaches:

• God values faithful presence as much as famous deeds (Luke 16:10).

• Every believer’s loyalty is remembered; the chronicler’s list anticipates the “book of remembrance” inMalachi 3:16.

Joezer reappears in1 Chronicles 26:1, helping guard the temple after David’s reign begins. His journey moves from battlefield to gatekeeping, showing how service can shift without losing significance. Key takeaways:

• Skill in war today can become skill in guarding worship tomorrow (Psalm 84:10).

• Flexibility in God’s service is indispensable; Joezer is effective because he follows God’s timing (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

Elsewhere Jashobeam is credited with single-handedly killing three hundred enemy soldiers (1 Chronicles 11:11). Placing him here among Levites shows that extraordinary valor and priestly heritage are not mutually exclusive. Lessons include:

• The Spirit empowers ordinary men for extraordinary feats when they align with God’s chosen leader (Judges 6:34).

• Great exploits flow from a heart fixed on covenant loyalty, not personal glory (Psalm 108:1-3).

All five share the lineage of Korah, the Levite who once led rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16). Their loyalty to David redeems that family history, proving God’s grace can rewrite any legacy. Consider:

• Family failures need not dictate future faithfulness (Ezekiel 18:20-22).

• When descendants honor God, He delights to restore and re-commission them (Psalm 103:17-18).

Their Korahite identity also signals that worship and warfare intertwine; the same clan later leads praise in temple liturgy (2 Chronicles 20:19).

1 Chronicles 12:6 is more than a list of hard-to-pronounce names. It records five Levites—Elkanah, Isshiah, Azarel, Joezer, and Jashobeam—who broke with comfort, sided with the fugitive David, and helped secure God’s kingdom agenda. Their story affirms that:

• God remembers every act of quiet loyalty.

• Heritage can be redeemed through wholehearted obedience.

• Worshipers may become warriors, and warriors may guard worship, as the Lord directs.

Reading their names encourages us to stand with God’s purposes today, confident He will weave our faithfulness into His unfolding history.

Jesiah.--Heb.,Yishshiy?h-;"Jahu is ray possession." (Comp.Psalm 16:5.)

Azareel is a priestly name. (SeeNehemiah 11:13.) There must have been Levites about the Tabernacle at Gibeon. But these Korhitesmay have been members of the Judean clan Korah, mentioned in1Chronicles 2:43, but otherwise unknown. . . .