Ishmael יִשְׁמָעֵאל
Judah's leader under King Jehoshaphat.
Who is Ishmael in the Bible?
Ishmael son of Jehohanan was a prominent leader in the kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Jehoshaphat in the ninth century BC (2 Chronicles 19:11). He served as the father of Zebadiah, who held significant authority over judicial and civil matters in Jerusalem alongside the religious leaders appointed by the king. When Jehoshaphat instituted reforms to strengthen the administration of justice throughout Judah, he placed Ishmael's son in a position of leadership to oversee the king's matters while the chief priest Amariah supervised religious concerns (2 Chronicles 19:8-11). Though briefly mentioned in Scripture, Ishmael's prominence illustrates the dual authority system Jehoshaphat established, combining civil and religious oversight to ensure faithful governance and the administration of God's law throughout the kingdom.
Biography
Ishmael son of Jehohanan is mentioned as one of the leaders in Judah during the reign of King Jehoshaphat (2Ch.19.11). After Jehoshaphat appointed judges throughout the land, he charged them to judge faithfully and warned them against corruption (2Ch.19.5-10).
In Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat appointed some of the Levites, priests, and heads of Israelite families to administer the law of the Lord and settle disputes (2Ch.19.8). Amariah the chief priest was over them in matters of the Lord, while Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the leader of the tribe of Judah, was over them in the king's matters (2Ch.19.11).
This brief mention of Ishmael highlights his role as a leader in Judah under Jehoshaphat's rule. He had authority in civil and administrative matters, working alongside the religious leaders who oversaw spiritual concerns. Ishmael's position indicates he was a trusted figure in Jehoshaphat's government, helping to implement the king's reforms and maintain order in the kingdom.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 19:11
"Note that Amariah, the chief priest, will be over you in all that pertains to the LORD, and Zebadiah son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all that pertains to the king. And the Levites will serve as officers before you. Act resolutely; may the LORD be with the..."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יִשְׁמָעֵאל | yišĕmāʿēʾl | Jishmael , the name of Abraham's oldest son, and of five Israelites |