Joiarib is a name that appears in the Old Testament, associated with several individuals and a priestly division. The name Joiarib means "Yahweh contends" or "Yahweh will plead." It is a testament to the belief in God's active role in the lives of His people.

1. Joiarib, the Head of a Priestly Family: Joiarib is noted as the head of one of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by King David. These divisions were set up to organize the service of the priests in the Temple. In 1 Chronicles 24:7, Joiarib is listed as the head of the first division: "The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah," . This indicates the prominent role his family played in the religious life of Israel.

2. Joiarib in the Post-Exilic Period: Another mention of Joiarib is found in the post-exilic period, where descendants of Joiarib returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. In Nehemiah 11:10, Joiarib is listed among the priests who settled in Jerusalem: "From the priests: Jedaiah son of Joiarib, Jakin," . This highlights the continuity of his family's priestly duties even after the Babylonian exile.

3. Joiarib in the Book of Nehemiah: Joiarib is also mentioned in Nehemiah 12:6, where he is listed among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua: "Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, Iddo, Ginnethon, Abijah, Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah," . This further emphasizes the restoration of the priestly order and the reestablishment of worship in Jerusalem.

Elnathan

Elnathan is a name found in the Old Testament, associated with several individuals. The name Elnathan means "God has given," reflecting the belief in God's providence and generosity.

1. Elnathan, the Father of Nehushta: Elnathan is mentioned in 2 Kings 24:8 as the father of Nehushta, the mother of King Jehoiachin of Judah: "Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months. His mother’s name was Nehushta daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem," . This connection places Elnathan within the royal lineage of Judah during a tumultuous period in its history.

2. Elnathan, a Royal Official: Another Elnathan is mentioned in the book of Jeremiah as a royal official during the reign of King Jehoiakim. In Jeremiah 26:22, Elnathan is sent by the king to Egypt to extradite the prophet Uriah, who had fled there: "Then King Jehoiakim sent men to Egypt: Elnathan son of Achbor and certain other men with him," . This demonstrates Elnathan's role in the political and religious affairs of the kingdom.

3. Elnathan in the Book of Ezra: In the book of Ezra, Elnathan is one of the leaders sent by Ezra to bring Levites to serve in the Temple. Ezra 8:16 states: "Then I summoned Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, who were leaders, and Joiarib and Elnathan, who were men of learning," . This highlights Elnathan's involvement in the religious restoration efforts during the return from exile.

These references to Joiarib and Elnathan illustrate their roles in the religious and political life of Israel, reflecting the broader themes of faithfulness, restoration, and divine providence that run throughout the biblical narrative.