Ishmael son of Jehohanan

Background and Family

Ishmael is identified in the biblical record as the son of Jehohanan. While his specific tribe is not explicitly mentioned in the text of 2 Chronicles 23, his role as a commander in the Judean military and his cooperation with the High Priest in Jerusalem strongly suggest he was a member of the tribe of Judah or perhaps Benjamin, both of which remained loyal to the Davidic throne. His father, Jehohanan, is not further detailed in this specific context, but Ishmael’s position as a 'commander of a hundred' indicates he was a man of significant authority and professional military standing during the mid-9th century BC.

Major Life Events

The primary event defining Ishmael’s historical footprint occurred in the seventh year of the reign of Athaliah (c. 835 BC). Athaliah had seized the throne after the death of her son Ahaziah and attempted to eliminate the entire royal family of Judah. However, the infant prince Joash was hidden away in the Temple by his aunt Jehoshabeath and the High Priest Jehoiada.

After six years of Athaliah’s rule, Jehoiada decided to act. He summoned five trusted military leaders to the Temple to form a secret covenant. Ishmael son of Jehohanan was among this select group. According to 2 Chronicles 23:1, Jehoiada 'strengthened himself' by enlisting these commanders to organize a coup. This involved gathering the Levites from all the towns of Judah and the heads of the families of Israel to Jerusalem.

Ishmael and his fellow commanders were responsible for securing the Temple grounds and ensuring the safety of the young Joash during his coronation. Their military backing provided the necessary force to deter Athaliah’s guards and ultimately facilitate her execution, ending her illegal reign and restoring the Davidic monarchy.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Ishmael’s most significant professional relationship was with Jehoiada the High Priest, under whose direction he served during the transition of power. He worked alongside four other named commanders: Azariah son of Jeroham, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zichri. These five men formed the core military leadership that supported the young King Joash. By participating in this covenant, Ishmael aligned himself against the influence of Queen Athaliah and the foreign religious practices (Baal worship) she represented.

Spiritual Significance

Though Ishmael son of Jehohanan is mentioned only once, his role is significant in the narrative of redemptive history. By risking his life and position to join Jehoiada’s covenant, he helped preserve the line of David, which the Bible presents as the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. His participation highlights the theme of faithful resistance against corruption and the restoration of God-ordained leadership in Judah. As a military leader who deferred to the spiritual authority of the High Priest, Ishmael represents the ideal of the 'faithful soldier' dedicated to the protection of the covenant and the rightful king.