Jozabad
Jozabad, along with Noadiah, was a priest appointed to weigh the silver, gold, and vessels brought as offerings to the temple.
Biography
Jozabad was a priest who served alongside Noadiah in a role of sacred financial accountability during the return from Babylonian exile under Ezra (Ezra 8:33). When the enormous collection of silver, gold, and sacred vessels was transported from Babylon to Jerusalem, a collection so valuable that Ezra had appointed Levites to guard it and refused a military escort, trusting in God's protection, Jozabad and Noadiah were among those who officially received and weighed the offerings upon arrival at the temple. This careful accounting before witnesses ensured transparency in the handling of sacred resources dedicated to God's house.
Significance
Jozabad's role as a priestly accountant of temple treasures highlights the biblical principle that sacred trust requires scrupulous integrity and verifiable accountability. Ezra's decision to weigh the offerings publicly, with named witnesses, reflects an ethic of transparency that safeguards both the resources and the reputation of those who handle them. This practice anticipates the New Testament emphasis on financial integrity within the community of faith (2 Corinthians 8:20–21). Jozabad's faithful service in this unglamorous but essential administrative role demonstrates that stewardship of God's resources is itself a holy calling worthy of honorable mention in Scripture.
Verse Appearances (1)
Ezra
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]