Josheb
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Josheb, also known as Josheb-Basshebeth, is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, specifically within the narratives concerning King David's reign. He is recognized as one of David's "mighty men," a group of elite warriors who played a crucial role in establishing and defending David's kingdom. Josheb's exploits are recorded in 2 Samuel 23:8 and 1 Chronicles 11:11, where he is celebrated for his extraordinary feats in battle.

Name and Identity

The name Josheb-Basshebeth is somewhat enigmatic, with variations in its rendering across different biblical manuscripts. In 2 Samuel 23:8, he is referred to as "Josheb-Basshebeth, a Tahkemonite," while 1 Chronicles 11:11 names him "Jashobeam, a Hachmonite." These variations may reflect differences in textual traditions or transliterations over time. Despite these discrepancies, the identity of Josheb as a leading warrior in David's army remains consistent.

Role and Achievements

Josheb is distinguished as the chief of the "Three," a subgroup within David's mighty men, which also includes Eleazar and Shammah. These three warriors are noted for their exceptional bravery and skill in combat. According to 2 Samuel 23:8 , "These are the names of David’s mighty men: Josheb-Basshebeth the Tahkemonite was chief of the Three. He wielded his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time." This remarkable feat underscores his prowess and the divine favor believed to be upon David's warriors.

Historical and Theological Significance

Josheb's inclusion in the biblical narrative serves to highlight the strength and loyalty of those who supported David during his rise to power. The accounts of his valor are not merely historical records but are also intended to demonstrate the fulfillment of God's promises to David. The mighty men, including Josheb, are portrayed as instruments through which God provided victory and stability to Israel under David's leadership.

Theologically, Josheb's account exemplifies themes of courage, loyalty, and divine empowerment. His actions, as recorded in Scripture, reflect the belief that God equips and strengthens those who are called to fulfill His purposes. Josheb's legacy, therefore, is not only one of military might but also of faithfulness to God's anointed king.

Cultural Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, warriors like Josheb were highly esteemed for their martial skills and their role in securing the safety and prosperity of their people. The narrative of Josheb and the other mighty men would have resonated with the original audience, who understood the importance of strong leadership and divine favor in the face of external threats.

Josheb's account, as part of the larger narrative of David's reign, continues to inspire readers with its depiction of heroism and divine providence. His legacy is preserved in the biblical text as a testament to the enduring power of faith and courage in the service of God's kingdom.
Strong's Hebrew
3429. Yosheb Bashshebeth -- "sitting in the seat," one of David's ...
... in the seat," one of David's heroes. Transliteration: Yosheb Bashshebeth Phonetic
Spelling: (yo-shabe' bash-sheh'-beth) Short Definition: Josheb-basshebeth. ...
/hebrew/3429.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Josheb (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Josheb (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 23:8 These are the
names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb Basshebeth ...
/j/josheb.htm - 6k

Josheb-basshebeth (1 Occurrence)
Josheb-basshebeth. Joshebbasshebeth, Josheb-basshebeth. Josheb-basshe'
beth . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOSHEB-BASSHEBETH. ...
/j/josheb-basshebeth.htm - 7k

Josheb-basshe'beth (1 Occurrence)
Josheb-basshe'beth. Josheb-basshebeth, Josheb-basshe'beth. Joshibiah .
Multi-Version Concordance Josheb-basshe'beth (1 Occurrence). ...
/j/josheb-basshe'beth.htm - 6k

Joshebbasshebeth
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JOSHEB-BASSHEBETH. jo-sheb-ba-she'-beth (yoshebh
ba-shebheth): This proper name in the Revised Version ...
/j/joshebbasshebeth.htm - 7k

Adino (1 Occurrence)
... ad'-i-no, a-di'-no (`adhino, "his adorned one"): The senior of David's "mighty men."
"Josheb-basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was ...
/a/adino.htm - 8k

Joshibiah (1 Occurrence)

/j/joshibiah.htm - 7k

Joshbekash'ah (2 Occurrences)
Joshbekash'ah. Joshbekashah, Joshbekash'ah. Josheb . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Joshbekashah, Joshbekash'ah. Josheb . Reference Bible.
/j/joshbekash'ah.htm - 7k

Wielded (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 23:8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb Basshebeth
a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite ...
/w/wielded.htm - 8k

Tahchemonite (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 23:8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb Basshebeth
a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite ...
/t/tahchemonite.htm - 7k

Tahkemonite (1 Occurrence)
... 2 Samuel 23:8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb-basshebeth
a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite; he ...
/t/tahkemonite.htm - 6k

Resources
Who were the mighty men of David? | GotQuestions.org

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Concordance
Josheb (1 Occurrence)

2 Samuel 23:8
These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb Basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite, against eight hundred slain at one time.
(WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Josheb

Related Terms

Jashobeam (3 Occurrences)

Josheb (1 Occurrence)

Josheb-basshebeth (1 Occurrence)

Joshbekesha
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