Hoshaiah
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Topical Encyclopedia
Hoshaiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. His name, meaning "Yahweh has saved" or "salvation of the Lord," reflects a common theme in Hebrew names, emphasizing divine deliverance and protection.

Biblical References:

1. Nehemiah 12:32 · Hoshaiah is mentioned in the book of Nehemiah, which details the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the reestablishment of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile. In Nehemiah 12:32, Hoshaiah is noted as one of the leaders who participated in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. The verse states: "And after them went Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah."

2. Jeremiah 42:1 · Another possible reference to Hoshaiah is found in the book of Jeremiah, where a figure named Hoshaiah is mentioned as the father of Jezaniah (also known as Azariah). This Hoshaiah is part of a group that approaches the prophet Jeremiah seeking guidance from the Lord. The verse reads: "Then all the commanders of the forces, along with Johanan son of Kareah, Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest, approached."

Historical and Theological Context:

Hoshaiah's mention in Nehemiah places him in a significant period of Jewish history, during the return from Babylonian exile and the restoration of Jerusalem. This era was marked by a renewed commitment to the covenant and the Law of Moses, as the Jewish people sought to reestablish their identity and religious practices in their ancestral homeland.

The role of Hoshaiah in the dedication of the wall signifies his importance among the leaders of Judah. The dedication ceremony was a moment of communal celebration and spiritual renewal, symbolizing God's faithfulness in restoring His people and protecting them from their enemies.

In Jeremiah, the reference to Hoshaiah as the father of Jezaniah suggests a family involved in the political and military affairs of the time. The context of this passage involves a critical moment when the remnant of Judah, fearing retribution from Babylon, seeks divine direction through Jeremiah. This highlights the ongoing struggle of the Jewish people to discern and follow God's will amidst political turmoil.

Significance:

Hoshaiah's presence in these narratives underscores the themes of leadership, faithfulness, and divine salvation. His involvement in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem aligns with the broader biblical narrative of restoration and hope. The name Hoshaiah itself serves as a reminder of God's saving power and the importance of trusting in His providence.

While the biblical text provides limited information about Hoshaiah's life and deeds, his inclusion in these significant events reflects the broader community's efforts to rebuild and renew their covenant relationship with God. Through figures like Hoshaiah, the Bible illustrates the collective journey of the Israelites as they navigate the challenges of exile and restoration, always under the watchful care of their covenant-keeping God.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Hoshaiah

the salvation of the Lord

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Hoshaiah

(whom Jehovah aids).

  1. A man who assisted in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem after it had been rebuilt by Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 12:32) (B.C. 446.).
  2. The father of a certain Jezaniah or Azariah, who was a man of note after, the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezsar. (Jeremiah 42:1; 43:2) (B.C. after 588.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HOSHAIAH

ho-sha'-ya (hosha`yah, "whom Yahweh helpeth"):

(1) Father of Jezaniah (probably = Azariah, so the Septuagint; compare Jeremiah 42:1 and 43:2 with 2 Kings 25:23 and note similar letters in names in Hebrew), who with other leaders antagonized the policy and counsel of Jeremiah after the fall of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 42:1-43:7).

(2) A man, probably of Judah, who led half of the princes of Judah in procession at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 12:32).

Strong's Hebrew
1955. Hoshayah -- "Yah has saved," two Israelites
... "Yah has saved," two Israelites. Transliteration: Hoshayah Phonetic Spelling:
(ho-shah-yaw') Short Definition: Hoshaiah. ... NASB Word Usage Hoshaiah (3). Hoshaiah. ...
/hebrew/1955.htm - 6k
Library

Overcoming Great Difficulties
... The first marched to the right upon the wall toward the Dung Gate; and behind
them went Hoshaiah and half of the officials of Judah. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/overcoming great difficulties.htm

Thesaurus
Kareah (14 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 42:1 Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah,
and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even to ...
/k/kareah.htm - 12k

Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 42:1 And they come nigh -- all the heads of the forces, and Johanan son
of Kareah, and Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least ...
/k/kare'ah.htm - 10k

Joha'nan (25 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 42:1 And they come nigh -- all the heads of the forces, and Johanan son
of Kareah, and Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least ...
/j/joha'nan.htm - 13k

Azari'ah (46 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 42:1 Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah,
and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even to ...
/a/azari'ah.htm - 18k

Johanan (31 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 42:1 Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah,
and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even to ...
/j/johanan.htm - 21k

Hoshaiah (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HOSHAIAH. ho-sha'-ya (hosha ... 12:32).
Multi-Version Concordance Hoshaiah (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah 12 ...
/h/hoshaiah.htm - 8k

Hoshai'ah (3 Occurrences)
Hoshai'ah. Hoshaiah, Hoshai'ah. Hoshama . ... Hoshai'ah (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah
12:32 and after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah; (See RSV ...
/h/hoshai'ah.htm - 7k

Jezaniah (2 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 42:1 Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah,
and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even to ...
/j/jezaniah.htm - 7k

Insolent (16 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 43:2 then spoke Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah,
and all the proud men, saying to Jeremiah, You speak falsely: Yahweh our ...
/i/insolent.htm - 11k

Reside (17 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 43:2 then spoke Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah,
and all the proud men, saying to Jeremiah, You speak falsely: Yahweh our ...
/r/reside.htm - 12k

Resources
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Concordance
Hoshaiah (3 Occurrences)

Nehemiah 12:32
and after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Jeremiah 42:1
Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even to the greatest, came near,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Jeremiah 43:2
then spoke Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying to Jeremiah, You speak falsely: Yahweh our God has not sent you to say, You shall not go into Egypt to sojourn there;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Hoshaiah

Hoshaiah: A Distinguished Jewish Captive

Hoshaiah: One of the Returned Exiles

Related Terms

Hoshaiah (3 Occurrences)

Hoshama (1 Occurrence)

Hosen
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