Original Word: עֲזוּבָה
Part of Speech: Proper Name Feminine
Transliteration: `Azuwbah
Pronunciation: ah-zoo-BAH
Phonetic Spelling: (az-oo-baw')
KJV: Azubah
NASB: Azubah
Word Origin: [the same as H5805 (עֲזוּבָה - forsaken places)]

1. Azubah, the name of two Israelitesses

Azubah

The same as azuwbah; Azubah, the name of two Israelitesses -- Azubah.

see HEBREW azuwbah

Word Origin
from azab
Definition
two Isr. women
NASB Translation
Azubah (4).

II. עֲזוּבָה proper name, feminine 1. Αζαεβα, Αζουβα, mother of Jehoshaphat 1 Kings 22:42 2Chronicles 20:31.

2 (Γ)αζουβα, wife of Caleb 1 Chronicles 2:18,19.

Occurrences and Personages

1 Kings 22:42 and 2 Chronicles 20:31 present Azubah as the mother of King Jehoshaphat and daughter of Shilhi. 1 Chronicles 2:18–19 introduces another Azubah, the wife of Caleb son of Hezron and mother of Jesher, Shobab, and Ardon. Thus Scripture records two distinct women bearing this name, each set within pivotal covenant-history families: the royal house of Judah and the tribe of Judah’s ancestral line through Caleb.

Historical Context

1. Royal Line. Jehoshaphat’s reign (circa 873–848 B.C.) was marked by spiritual reforms and decisive leadership against external threats (2 Chronicles 17–20). Mentioning his mother underscores the Davidic tradition of highlighting queen mothers, indicating Azubah’s influence on the king’s upbringing during a period of covenant renewal.
2. Tribal Ancestry. Caleb’s generation sits in the formative era of Israel’s settlement in Canaan. His wife Azubah belongs to the genealogical record that links the wilderness-tested faith of Caleb to subsequent generations (1 Chronicles 2). Her sons extend the tribe’s heritage, while her death marks a transition that leads to Caleb’s later marriage to Ephrath and the birth of Hur, an ancestor of Bethlehem’s notable families.

Character Insight

Though details are sparse, each Azubah is strategically placed at turning points: one nurtures a reforming king; the other bears sons in the line that will eventually produce Bezalel the craftsman (Exodus 31:2) and David the king (Ruth 4:22). Their remembered names testify that seemingly hidden domestic roles are woven into redemptive history.

Theological and Ministry Significance

• Covenant Faithfulness in the Home: The inclusion of mothers and wives in genealogies affirms that covenant transmission is not solely through public leaders but through faithful parenting and marriage.
• God’s Regard for the Overlooked: A name that evokes abandonment is attached to women whom God used to secure royal and tribal continuity, illustrating the divine pattern of exalting those the world might overlook (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
• Intercession and Influence: Jehoshaphat’s spiritual integrity suggests a maternal investment in covenant truth. Ministry today draws encouragement to nurture future leaders in the faith, trusting God to multiply unseen labor.

Key Passages for Reflection

• 1 Kings 22:42 – “Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he became king… His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi.”
• 1 Chronicles 2:18 – “Caleb son of Hezron had children by his wife Azubah….”
• 2 Chronicles 20:31 – Repeats the royal lineage, anchoring Azubah in Judah’s throne story.

Personal Application

Family roles, whether as mother, wife, or daughter, shape the destinies of nations and the advance of God’s kingdom. The two Azubahs remind believers that steadfast faith and quiet service inside the home participate in the broader narrative of redemption, encouraging every disciple to steward family influence for the glory of Christ.

עֲזוּבָ֑ה עֲזוּבָ֖ה עֲזוּבָ֥ה עזובה ‘ă·zū·ḇāh ‘ăzūḇāh azuVahInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts