Jozabad, Levite Officer under Josiah
Who was Jozabad in the Bible?
A high-ranking Levite official who provided significant livestock donations for King Josiah's massive Passover celebration in Jerusalem.
This is one of 10 people named Jozabad in the Bible. See all 10 →
Jozabad was a prominent Levite officer who served during the late Divided Monarchy period in the Kingdom of Judah. He is specifically identified in the biblical record for his administrative and charitable role during the reign of King Josiah (640–609 BC). As one of the 'officers of the Levites,' Jozabad held a position of significant influence and resources, enabling him to support the national restoration of religious feasts.
His primary contribution occurs in the context of Josiah’s reforms, which sought to centralize worship in Jerusalem and return the nation to the Mosaic Law. Jozabad is remembered for his personal generosity and logistical support in ensuring that the Levites had sufficient animals for the Passover sacrifices, marking one of the largest religious gatherings in Judah's history.
Background and Family
The biblical record identifies Jozabad as one of the prominent "officers of the Levites" during the 7th century BC. While his specific ancestral lineage within the tribe of Levi is not detailed in the text of 2 Chronicles, his classification as an officer (sar) suggests he was a man of both status and means. He served alongside other notable Levite leaders such as Conaniah, Shemaiah, Nethanel, Hashabiah, and Jeiel. His name, which means "Yahweh has endowed" or "Yahweh has bestowed," reflects the monotheistic devotion characteristic of the Judean faithful during the Josian reforms.
Major Life Events
The life of Jozabad is anchored to the great Passover celebration held in the eighteenth year of King Josiah's reign (c. 622 BC). Following the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple, Josiah initiated a nationwide covenant renewal. A central component of this spiritual awakening was the celebration of a Passover that, according to 2 Chronicles 35:18, had not been equaled since the days of the prophet Samuel.
Because many of the people and lower-ranking Levites may have lacked the personal resources to provide the required sacrifices, the leadership stepped in to facilitate the event. Jozabad, in his capacity as an officer, joined with his colleagues to donate a massive amount of livestock. Specifically, Jozabad and the other named officers provided 5,000 Passover offerings (lambs and goats) and 500 bulls to their fellow Levites. This act of patronage ensured that the ritual requirements of the Law could be met by the entire priestly class, regardless of their individual wealth.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Jozabad is listed in direct association with five other Levite leaders: Conaniah (the chief), Shemaiah, Nethanel, Hashabiah, and Jeiel. They acted as a unified administrative body. He also worked in coordination with the king’s officials and the high priest Hilkiah to organize the logistics of the festival. His role was complementary to the king's own massive donation of 30,000 lambs and goats and 3,000 bulls.
Spiritual Significance
Jozabad’s inclusion in the sacred history serves to highlight the collaborative nature of Josiah’s reforms. While the king provided the primary impetus for spiritual change, the success of the restoration depended on the willing participation and generosity of the Levitical leadership. Jozabad represents the administrative and sacrificial support necessary to translate royal decrees into communal worship. His contribution ensured that the Passover was not merely a royal ceremony, but a participatory event for the entire tribe of Levi, reinforcing the importance of communal responsibility in the maintenance of the covenant.
Jozabad signifies the importance of administrative leadership and generosity within the religious structure of Judah. His actions demonstrate that spiritual revival requires not only prophetic or royal vision but also the practical support of those in charge of resources. By providing for the needs of his subordinates, he modeled the biblical principle of leadership as service, ensuring that no Levite was excluded from the sacred rites due to poverty.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jozabad live?
Jozabad lived during the late 7th century BC, specifically during the reign of King Josiah of Judah (reigned 640–609 BC).
What was Jozabad's occupation?
He was an officer (a high-ranking administrative leader) of the Levites in Jerusalem.
What did Jozabad contribute to the Temple?
He and his fellow officers donated 5,000 Passover offerings and 500 bulls to the Levites for King Josiah’s great Passover celebration.
In which book of the Bible is this Jozabad mentioned?
His actions are recorded in 2 Chronicles 35:9.
Categories
Mentions by Book
- 2 Chronicles1
Scripture References
All 1 indexed verse, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
2 Chronicles · 1
- 2 Chronicles 35:9
Additionally, Conaniah and his brothers Shemaiah and Nethanel, as well as Hashabiah, Jeiel, and Jozabad, officers of the Levites, donated to the Levites 5,000 Passover offerings and 500 bulls.
Others Named Jozabad
Compare all 10 bearers →Jozabad, Levite Teacher of the LawNehemiah 8:7
A Levite during the Post-Exilic Period who helped Ezra instruct the people of Israel in the understanding of the Mosaic Law during a public assembly in Jerusalem.
Jozabad, Leader of the LevitesNehemiah 11:16
A high-ranking Levite official in post-exilic Jerusalem who supervised the external maintenance and administration of the Temple of God.
Jozabad, Overseer under Hezekiah2 Chronicles 31:13
Jozabad was a Levite official appointed by King Hezekiah to manage the abundant tithes and offerings brought to the Temple during the religious reforms of the 8th century BC.
Jozabad, Levite of the Exile and ReturnEzra 10:23
A Levite who returned from the Babylonian exile and was identified among those who had taken foreign wives during the reforms of Ezra.
Jozabad, Chief of Manasseh1 Chronicles 12:20
A military commander and tribal chief of Manasseh who defected from King Saul to join David's army at Ziklag during the Divided Monarchy period.
Jozabad, Levite of the ReturnEzra 8:33
A Levite during the post-exilic return to Jerusalem who assisted in the critical task of accounting for the Temple’s gold and silver vessels.
Jozabad, Chief of Manasseh1 Chronicles 12:20
A military leader from the tribe of Manasseh who defected to David at Ziklag during the Divided Monarchy period.
Jozabad, Son of PashhurEzra 10:22
A descendant of Pashhur who was among the post-exilic community that repented of marrying foreign women during the reforms of Ezra.
Jozabad the Gederathite1 Chronicles 12:4
Jozabad the Gederathite was a skilled warrior and Benjamite defector who joined David at Ziklag during his flight from King Saul.