Bible Dictionary
Ishmaiah
Ishmaiah was a Gibeonite warrior who joined David at Ziklag and a chief over Zebulun’s forces during David’s reign.
Definition
Ishmaiah is the name of two men associated with David: a Gibeonite warrior who joined David at Ziklag, and the son of Obadiah who served as chief of Zebulun’s forces.
Biblical Usage
The Gibeonite Ishmaiah was a chief among David’s thirty great warriors. The other Ishmaiah commanded the armed contingent of Zebulun in David’s monthly military organization.
Historical Background
The name means “Yahweh is hearing.” The two men are distinguished by their Gibeonite origin and their leadership of Zebulun, respectively.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Heard by Jehovah. (1.) A Gibeonite who joined David at Ziklag, “a hero among the thirty and over the thirty” (1 Chr. 12:4). (2.) Son of Obadiah, and viceroy of Zebulun under David and Solomon (1 Chr. 27:19).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Jehovah hears), son of Obadiah; the ruler of the tribe of Zebulun in the time of King David. (1 Chronicles 27:19) (B.C. 1046.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ish-ma'-ya (yishma`yah, "Yah is hearing"):</p><p>(1) A man of Gibeon, chief of David's 30 great warriors, who came to him at Ziklag (1Ch 12:4, the King James Version "Ismaiah").</p><p>(2) Chief of the armed contingent of the tribe of Zebulun, which served David in the monthly order of the tribes (1Ch 27:19).</p>