Jehoiarib

Jehoiarib (meaning the LORD defends or the LORD fights) was the head of the first of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by David for rotation of service at the sanctuary (1 Chronicles 24:7). A Jehoiarib (or Joiarib) is also listed among the priests who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:6, 19).

The name gained historical significance in the Maccabean period: the priestly family of the Maccabees (Hasmoneans) was of the Jehoiarib/Joarib course (1 Maccabees 2:1), which explains why Mattathias and his sons were so celebrated in priestly terms. The twenty-four priestly courses established by David and named in 1 Chronicles 24 became the organizational backbone of Second Temple Judaism, each course serving two weeks per year plus the great festivals.