Topical Encyclopedia
Joiarib is a biblical figure whose name means "Yahweh contends" or "Yahweh will plead." He is primarily recognized as the head of one of the priestly families in ancient Israel. The lineage of Joiarib holds significance in the religious and communal life of the Israelites, particularly during the post-exilic period.
Priestly Lineage and DutiesJoiarib is first mentioned in the context of the priestly divisions established by King David. In
1 Chronicles 24:7, Joiarib is listed as the head of the first of the twenty-four priestly courses. These divisions were responsible for the orderly conduct of temple services, ensuring that the worship of Yahweh was maintained with regularity and reverence. The course of Joiarib, therefore, held a place of prominence as the first in the sequence, indicating a position of honor and responsibility.
Post-Exilic PeriodThe descendants of Joiarib continued to play a significant role after the Babylonian exile. In the book of Ezra, members of the house of Joiarib are noted among those who returned to Jerusalem to help rebuild the temple and restore the religious practices of Israel.
Ezra 8:16 mentions Joiarib as one of the leading men sent by Ezra to bring ministers for the house of God. This highlights the ongoing importance of the Joiarib family in the spiritual restoration of the nation.
Nehemiah's ReformsDuring the time of Nehemiah, the Joiarib family is again mentioned in the context of the reforms and the reestablishment of the covenant community.
Nehemiah 11:10 lists Joiarib among the priests residing in Jerusalem, indicating their continued involvement in the religious and civic life of the city. The presence of Joiarib's descendants in Jerusalem underscores their commitment to the spiritual and communal renewal initiated by Nehemiah.
Historical and Theological SignificanceThe figure of Joiarib and his descendants exemplify the enduring legacy of the priestly families in maintaining the worship and religious identity of Israel. Their role in the temple services and their participation in the post-exilic restoration efforts reflect the centrality of the priesthood in the life of the covenant community. The mention of Joiarib in various biblical texts serves as a testament to the faithfulness and dedication required of those who served in the house of the Lord.
Biblical References·
1 Chronicles 24:7 : "The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,"
·
Ezra 8:16 : "Then I summoned Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, leading men, and Joiarib and Elnathan, who were men of learning."
·
Nehemiah 11:10 : "From the priests: Jedaiah son of Joiarib, Jachin,"
Joiarib's legacy, as recorded in the Scriptures, highlights the importance of faithful service and the continuity of worship practices across generations, serving as a model for spiritual leadership and dedication to God's covenant.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Joiaribchiding, or multiplying, of the Lord
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Joiarib(whom Jehovah defends.)
- A layman who returned form Babylon with Ezra. (Ezra 8:16) (B.C. 459.)
- The founder of one of the courses of priests, elsewhere called in fullJEHOIARIB. (Nehemiah 12:6,19)
- A Shilonite --i.e. probably a descendant of Shelah the son of Judah. (Nehemiah 11:5) (B.C. before 536.)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(whom Jehovah defends) = Jehoiarib.
(1.) The founder of one of the courses of the priests (Nehemiah 11:10).
(2.)Nehemiah 11:5; a descendant of Judah.
(3.)Nehemiah 12:6.
(4.)Ezra 8:16, a "man of understanding" whom Ezra sent to "bring ministers for the house of God."
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
JOIARIBjoi'-a-rib (yoyaribh, "Yahweh pleads" or "contends"; compare JEHOIARIB):
(1) A "teacher" of Ezra's time (Ezra 8:16).
(2) A Judahite (Nehemiah 11:5).
(3) InNehemiah 11:10;Nehemiah 12:6, 19 = JEHOIARIB (which see).
Strong's Hebrew
3114. Yoyarib --Joiarib... Yoyarib. 3115 .
Joiarib. Transliteration: Yoyarib Phonetic Spelling: (yo-yaw-reeb')
Short Definition:
Joiarib. Word Origin the same as Yehoyarib, qv.
Joiarib...3080. Yehoyarib -- "the LORD contends," two Israelites, also a...
... "the LORD contends," two Israelites, also a priestly family. Transliteration: Yehoyarib
Phonetic Spelling: (yeh-ho-yaw-reeb') Short Definition:Joiarib....
Library
Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of...
... In fact such was the feeling, that the priestly course ofJoiarib - to which the
Asmon??ans belonged - is said to have been on service when the first and the...
Thesaurus
Joiarib (5 Occurrences)...JOIARIB. joi'-a-rib (yoyaribh, "Yahweh pleads" or "contends"; compare JEHOIARIB):
(1) A "teacher" of Ezra's time (Ezra 8:16).
...Joiarib (5 Occurrences).
...Joi'arib (5 Occurrences)
Joi'arib.Joiarib, Joi'arib. Join . Multi-Version Concordance... (See RSV). Nehemiah
11:10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the son ofJoiarib, Jachin, (See RSV)....
Jedaiah (13 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the son ofJoiarib, Jachin, (WEB KJV JPS
ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah 12:6 Shemaiah, andJoiarib, Jedaiah....
Jehoiarib (2 Occurrences)
... the 24 courses of priests = the familyJoiarib (yoyaribh, same meaning as above,
Nehemiah 1:2, 6), the head of which is Matrenai in Nehemiah 12:19....
Jedai'ah (13 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Nehemiah 11:10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the son ofJoiarib, Jachin, (See
RSV). Nehemiah 12:6 Shemaiah, andJoiarib, Jedaiah; (See RSV)....
Mattenai (3 Occurrences)
... (3) A priest in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua (Nehemiah 12:19), representing
the house ofJoiarib. Multi-Version Concordance Mattenai (3 Occurrences)....
Shemai'ah (38 Occurrences)
... for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan,
and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also forJoiarib, and for...
Zechari'ah (51 Occurrences)
... for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan,
and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also forJoiarib, and for...
Shemaiah (40 Occurrences)
... for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan,
and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also forJoiarib, and for...
Uzzi (11 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Nehemiah 12:19 and ofJoiarib, Mattenai;
of Jedaiah, Uzzi; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)....
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