Jehohanan יְהוֹחָנָן
Father of Ishmael, a military leader under Jehoiada
Who is Jehohanan in the Bible?
Jehohanan was the father of Ishmael, a military leader who played a key role in supporting the priest Jehoiada's coup against Queen Athaliah around 835 BC, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 23:1. After Athaliah seized the throne of Judah and executed the royal heirs, Jehoiada gathered military commanders, including Ishmael son of Jehohanan, to help restore the young prince Joash to his rightful place as king. Though Jehohanan himself receives no further mention in Scripture, his son's participation in this pivotal event demonstrates the importance of military support in restoring legitimate rule and protecting God's line of succession through the house of David.
Biography
Jehohanan is mentioned in 2Ch.23.1 as the father of Ishmael, one of the military leaders who supported the priest Jehoiada in his coup against Queen Athaliah. Athaliah had seized the throne of Judah after the death of her son, King Ahaziah, and had ordered the execution of all the royal heirs. However, Jehoiada and his wife, Jehosheba, managed to rescue the young prince Joash and hide him in the temple for six years. In the seventh year, Jehoiada gathered the military leaders, including Ishmael, son of Jehohanan, and revealed the existence of the rightful heir to the throne. The military leaders pledged their support to Joash and helped Jehoiada execute a plan to overthrow Athaliah and install Joash as king. The text does not provide any further information about Jehohanan himself, but his son's involvement in this significant event suggests that the family may have held a prominent position in the military or royal court.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book2 Chronicles 1 verse
- 2 Chronicles 23:1
"Then in the seventh year, Jehoiada strengthened himself and made a covenant with the commanders of hundreds—with Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יְהוֹחָנָן |