Jehoiarib

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Jehoiarib was a priest of ancient Israel after the order of Aaron, during the reign of King David in the 10th century BCE. Jehoiarib lead the first of the 24 priestly divisions. The biblical passage of 1 Chronicles 24 documents the division of the priests during the reign of King David. These priests were all descendants of Aaron, who had four sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. However, Nadab and Abihu died before Aaron and only Eleazar and Ithamar had sons. One priest, Zadok, from Eleazar's descendants and another priest, Ahimelech, from Ithamar's descendants were designated to help create the various priestly orders. Sixteen of Eleazar's descendants were selected to head priestly orders while only eight of Ithamar's descendants were so chosen. The passage states that this was done because of the greater number of leaders among Eleazar's descendants. Lots were drawn to designate the order of ministering for the heads of the priestly orders when they entered the temple. Since each order was responsible for ministering during a different week, Jehoiarib's order was stationed as a watch at the Tabernacle during the first week of the year on the Hebrew calendar.

A priest of the same name is menioned in the Book of Nehemiah, most likely a descendant of the Jehoarib mentioned in 1 Chronciles 24:7 and a member of the first priestly division. This latter Jehoiarib lived at the time of the return from the Babylonian exile in the 5th century BCE.

The meaning of this Hebrew name has been variously translated as Jehovah defends, Jehovah will contend or Jehovah pleads. In baby naming books it is sometimes listed as meaning fighting, multiplying and of the Lord.