Jozabad יוֹזָבָד
A Levite who married a foreign woman
Who is Jozabad in the Bible?
Jozabad was a Levite who lived during the post-exilic period under Ezra's leadership and is mentioned in Ezra 10:23 as one of several Levites who had married foreign women in violation of Israel's covenant laws. When Ezra learned of the widespread intermarriage between Israelites and pagan peoples of the land, he called the nation to repentance, and Jozabad was among those who agreed to put away their foreign wives and children as part of the covenant renewal (Ezra 9-10). His inclusion in this list illustrates both the struggle Israel faced in maintaining religious separation after the exile and the commitment of some leaders to restore covenant faithfulness during the community's critical period of religious and cultural reconstruction.
Biography
Jozabad is mentioned in Ezr.10.23 as one of the Levites who had married foreign women during the post-exilic period. The context of the passage is Ezra's reforms and the issue of intermarriage between the Israelites and the pagan peoples of the land (Ezra 9-10).
Upon learning of the widespread intermarriage, Ezra led the people in confession and repentance (Ezr.9.1-10:4). The Israelites made a covenant to put away their foreign wives and children (Ezr.10.5). Jozabad is listed among the Levites who had married foreign women and agreed to send them away (Ezr.10.23).
This event highlights the importance of maintaining religious and cultural purity among the Israelites, especially in the post-exilic period when they were re-establishing their identity and covenant relationship with God.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 10:23
"Among the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יוֹזָבָד |