Original Word: יוֹזָבָד
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Yowzabad
Pronunciation: yo-zaw-bawd'
Phonetic Spelling: (yo-zaw-bawd')
KJV: Josabad, Jozabad
NASB: Jozabad
Word Origin: [a form of H3075 (יְהוֹזָבָד - Jehozabad)]

1. Jozabad, the name of ten Israelites

Josabad, Jozabad

A form of Yhowzabad; Jozabad, the name of ten Israelites -- Josabad, Jozabad.

see HEBREW Yhowzabad

Word Origin
the same as Yehozabad, q.v.
NASB Translation
Jozabad (10).

Overview of the men named Jozabad

The Old Testament records at least nine distinct individuals called Jozabad, appearing eleven times across five historical periods: the reign of Joash, the wilderness exile of David, the reforms of Hezekiah and Josiah, and the post-exilic resettlement under Ezra and Nehemiah. While their circumstances differ, the collective portrait highlights two overarching themes: (1) the LORD repeatedly raises up willing servants for critical moments, and (2) personal fidelity—not mere pedigree—determines one’s legacy.

Jozabad the regicide (2 Kings 12:21)

“His servants Jozabad son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer struck him down and he died.” Joash’s early devotion waned into apostasy; the conspiracy led by Jozabad became the instrument of divine judgment foretold by Zechariah son of Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:20–22). Though the text never praises the assassin, it shows that unrepentant covenant violation can forfeit even royal protection. Jozabad’s notoriety warns that zeal without righteousness produces violence rather than reform.

Jozabad among David’s warriors (1 Chronicles 12:4, 20)

Two Benjamite/Mannassite soldiers named Jozabad defected from Saul to David at Ziklag. Their loyalty shift illustrates the magnetism of God’s anointed king and foreshadows the gathering of Gentiles to Christ. They are listed with “leaders of thousands,” indicating strategic value far beyond mere numbers. Their courage under exile strengthens the doctrine that God fashions mighty men in obscurity before public vindication.

Levitical stewards in Hezekiah’s revival (2 Chronicles 31:13)

During Hezekiah’s restoration of temple worship, Jozabad served as an overseer of contributions. The catalog of ten supervisors underscores transparent administration of offerings. His inclusion shows that spiritual awakening requires trustworthy management of material resources; stewarding God’s house is as sacred as offering the sacrifices.

Provision for Josiah’s Passover (2 Chronicles 35:9)

“Conaniah… Jeiel, and Jozabad, chief of the Levites; provided the people with 5,000 from the flock and 500 bulls for the Passover offerings.” This lavish generosity made possible the greatest Passover since Samuel (35:18). Jozabad’s role teaches that revival flourishes when leaders give first and abundantly, echoing New Testament principles of sacrificial giving.

Post-exilic Jozabads

1. Custodian of temple treasures (Ezra 8:33).

As gold and silver from Persia were weighed, “the Levites Jozabad son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui” confirmed the inventory. Their presence guaranteed accountability and fulfilled Cyrus’s decree that the funds be used exactly as intended.

2. Priests and Levites who repented of intermarriage (Ezra 10:22–23).

Two different Jozabads appear in the lists of those who had taken foreign wives. Their willingness to obey Ezra’s painful corrective shows that genuine repentance may require relinquishing deeply personal ties for covenant purity.

3. Teacher of the Law (Nehemiah 8:7).

In the great assembly at the Water Gate, Jozabad joined thirteen Levites who “instructed the people in the Law.” This marks a transition from ritual service to expository ministry, prefiguring the pastoral task of explaining Scripture “so that people understood the reading.”

4. Superintendent of temple grounds (Nehemiah 11:16).

“Shabbethai and Jozabad… were in charge of the outside work of the house of God.” While less visible than altar duties, maintaining temple infrastructure safeguarded the continuity of worship. It affirms a theology of vocation in which practical labor is counted as sacred service.

Theological reflections

• God’s purposes span generations. From Joash to Nehemiah—nearly three hundred years—the same name surfaces, testifying that the LORD never leaves Himself without servants.

• Fidelity is multifaceted. Some Jozabads fought, others managed finances, others taught, and still others repented. The diversity of service anticipates Paul’s description of one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12:4–6).

• Character outweighs heritage. Though many were Levites, the lone royal servant turned assassin proves that status cannot substitute for obedience. Conversely, the obscure Levites who taught the Law shaped national renewal.

Practical lessons for the church

1. Vigilant accountability in handling resources preserves integrity of ministry.
2. Generous giving by leaders catalyzes congregational participation.
3. Expository teaching is essential for lasting reform.
4. Repentance, however costly, restores fellowship with God and community.
5. Unsung logistical work is indispensable to public worship.

The legacy of the various Jozabads challenges every believer to render wholehearted service—whether on the battlefield, in the treasury, at the lectern, or behind the scenes—so that in every generation the work of God may flourish.

וְיוֹזָבָ֔ד וְיוֹזָבָ֖ד וְיוֹזָבָ֜ד וְיוֹזָבָ֣ד וְיוֹזָבָ֤ד וְיוֹזָבָד֙ ויוזבד יוֹזָבָ֖ד יוֹזָבָ֣ד יוֹזָבָ֧ד יוֹזָבָ֨ד יוזבד veyozaVad wə·yō·w·zā·ḇāḏ wəyōwzāḇāḏ yō·w·zā·ḇāḏ yōwzāḇāḏ yozaVadInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts