יְהוֹשָׁפָט

The Hebrew name Jehoshaphat, יְהוֹשָׁפָט (yehoshaphat), is a compound of the divine name YHWH and the verb שָׁפַט (shaphat), meaning "to judge." Thus, the name itself carries the meaning "YHWH has judged" or "YHWH is judge." While the name appears for several individuals in the Old Testament, the most prominent bearer is Jehoshaphat, the fourth king of Judah after the division of the kingdom. His reign is described primarily in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

King Jehoshaphat is consistently depicted as a righteous king who sought to follow the LORD. He is noted for his religious reforms, including the removal of idolatry from Judah and the establishment of judges and Levites to teach the law throughout the land. He also engaged in both military and diplomatic activities, sometimes forming alliances that proved problematic, as seen in his association with Ahab, king of Israel. The narratives surrounding him highlight themes of reliance on God in times of war and his dedication to justice and the worship of YHWH.

Beyond the king, the name Jehoshaphat also refers to a valley, often called the Valley of Jehoshaphat, mentioned in Joel 3:2 and 3:12. This geographical location is significant in prophetic literature as the place where God will gather the nations for judgment. This is a clear connection to the meaning of the name "YHWH has judged." While its precise location is debated, it is often associated with the Kidron Valley near Jerusalem. The prophetic usage underscores the theological weight of the name as a symbol of divine judgment and justice.