Ishmaiah יִשְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ

Male H3460G 1 book

Gibeonite warrior who joined David at Ziklag.

Who is Ishmaiah in the Bible?

Ishmaiah the Gibeonite was a mighty warrior who joined David at Ziklag while David was fleeing from King Saul, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 12:4. He is listed among the elite group known as the Thirty, David's most skilled and valiant fighters, and came from Gibeon, a city that had made a treaty with Israel during the conquest of Canaan. His inclusion in this select group of warriors demonstrates his exceptional combat abilities and courage. Ishmaiah's support of David illustrates how men from various tribes and backgrounds recognized David as God's chosen leader and were willing to fight alongside him during his years of exile.

Biography

Ishmaiah the Gibeonite is mentioned in 1Ch.12.4 as one of the mighty warriors who joined David at Ziklag. He is described as a Gibeonite, indicating that he was from the city of Gibeon, which had made a treaty with Israel during the conquest of Canaan (Josh.9).

Ishmaiah is listed among the Benjamites who came to support David while he was hiding from King Saul. These men are described as brave warriors, armed with bows, and able to shoot arrows or sling stones right-handed or left-handed (1Ch.12.2).

The text highlights Ishmaiah's skill and prowess in battle by including him among the Thirty, an elite group of David's warriors. His presence among David's supporters demonstrates that David attracted valiant men from various tribes who recognized him as God's chosen leader for Israel.

No other details are provided about Ishmaiah's life or specific actions. His inclusion in this list emphasizes the diverse and capable group of warriors who helped David establish his kingdom.

In Scripture

1 biblical book
1 Chronicles 1 verse
  • 1 Chronicles 12:4

    "Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the Thirty and a leader over the Thirty; Jeremiah, Jahaziel, Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite;"

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script
Named Hebrew יִשְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ
Encyclopedia Article

Ishmaiah

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

(2) Chief of the armed contingent of the tribe of Zebulun, which served David in the monthly order of the tribes (1Ch 27:19).

ish'-me-el-its (yishme`e'li).

See ISHMAELITES.

ish'-me-ri (yishmeray, from shamar, meaning "to hedge about," i.e. "to guard,"