Who was Jehozabad in the Bible?

Jehozabad was a military commander in the Kingdom of Judah who led a division of 180,000 armed men under King Jehoshaphat. He is mentioned in the chronicles of Judah's military organization (2 Chronicles 17:18).

What is the significance of Jehozabad's story?

Jehozabad's role highlights the military strength and organized administration of Judah during the reign of the godly King Jehoshaphat. His mention shows how faithful leaders delegate responsibility to capable officers to defend the nation.

What key events was Jehozabad involved in?

The Bible records Jehozabad's appointment as a commander responsible for defending the territory west of the Jordan River. This was part of King Jehoshaphat's nationwide effort to fortify Judah and teach the people God's law (2 Chronicles 17:12-19).

Jehozabad

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleCommander

Jehozabad was a commander who led 180,000 warriors under King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

Jehozabad

Biography

Jehozabad was a high-ranking military commander who served under King Jehoshaphat of Judah, leading a contingent of 180,000 trained warriors (2 Chronicles 17:18). He is identified as the son of Obed and commanded one of the five military divisions that Jehoshaphat stationed in the fortified cities of Judah as part of his broad national security program. Jehoshaphat's military reforms reflected his conviction that national strength came through both spiritual fidelity and practical preparedness. Jehozabad's command of nearly a fifth of Jehoshaphat's total recorded fighting force indicates he was a trusted and capable officer. His service contributed to the military stability that allowed Judah to prosper during one of its most religiously vibrant periods.

Significance

Jehozabad's role in Jehoshaphat's military apparatus illustrates the integration of faithful governance and practical strength. Jehoshaphat's reign is celebrated both for its spiritual reforms and for the military deterrence that kept Judah secure. Commanders like Jehozabad made the latter possible. Scripture presents godly rulers as those who take both spiritual and temporal responsibilities seriously, and Jehozabad's service embodies the principle that faithful leadership includes the diligent protection of those entrusted to one's care. His life challenges the false dichotomy between spiritual devotion and competent worldly administration.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherShomer

Verse Appearances (1)

2Chr

2Chr 17:18

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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