Hodevah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the genealogies of the tribe of Judah. The name "Hodevah" appears in the book of Nehemiah, which details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The name is often associated with the Levites, who played a crucial role in the religious and communal life of Israel.

Biblical Reference:

Hodevah is mentioned in Nehemiah 7:43, which states: "The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua (through Kadmiel, through the line of Hodaviah), seventy-four." In this passage, Hodevah is referred to as "Hodaviah" in some translations, indicating a possible variation in the name. The Berean Standard Bible uses the name "Hodevah" in this context.

Genealogical Context:

Hodevah is listed among the Levites who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. The Levites were a significant tribe in Israel, set apart for religious duties and the service of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. The mention of Hodevah in the genealogical records underscores the importance of maintaining the purity and continuity of the Levitical line, which was essential for the proper worship and observance of the Law.

Role and Significance:

The Levites, including those descended from Hodevah, were responsible for various religious functions, such as assisting the priests, singing in the Temple choir, and teaching the Law to the people. Their role was vital in re-establishing the religious practices and community life of the Jewish people after the Babylonian exile. The inclusion of Hodevah in the genealogical records highlights the restoration of the Levitical order and the re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem.

Name Meaning:

The name "Hodevah" is believed to mean "praise" or "confession," reflecting the Levitical emphasis on worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. This meaning aligns with the broader biblical theme of the Levites as leaders in worship and their role in guiding the people in their relationship with God.

Historical and Theological Implications:

The mention of Hodevah in the post-exilic context of Nehemiah emphasizes the continuity of God's covenant with Israel. Despite the challenges of exile and the destruction of Jerusalem, the return of the Levites, including those from the line of Hodevah, signifies God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their religious heritage. This restoration is a testament to the enduring nature of God's promises and the centrality of worship in the life of the covenant community.

In summary, Hodevah represents a link in the chain of Levitical service that was crucial for the spiritual renewal of Israel during the time of Nehemiah. His inclusion in the genealogical records serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Levitical line and the central role of worship in the life of God's people.Hodevah

(praise ye Jehovah). (Nehemiah 7:43) [HODAVIAH]

HODEVAH

ho-de'-va, ho'-de-va (hodhewah, hodheyah, "splendor of Yah"): A Levite and founder of a Levite family, seventy-four of whom returned from exile with Zerubbabel, 538 B.C. (Nehemiah 7:43). the American Revised Version, margin gives as another reading "Hodeiah." In Ezra 2:40 he is called Hodaviah, of which Hodevah and Hodeiah are slight textual corruptions, and in Ezra 3:9 Judah, a name practically synonymous.

1937. Hodevah -- a Levitical family
Hodevah or Hodeyah. 1936, 1937. Hodevah or Hodeyah. 1938 . a Levitical
family. Transliteration: Hodevah or Hodeyah Phonetic Spelling ...
/hebrew/1937.htm - 6kHodevah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HODEVAH. ho-de'-va, ho ... practically synonymous.
Multi-Version Concordance Hodevah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7 ...
/h/hodevah.htm - 7k

Ho'devah (1 Occurrence)
Ho'devah. Hodevah, Ho'devah. Hodiah . ... Nehemiah 7:43 The Levites: the children
of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodevah, seventy-four. (See RSV). ...
/h/ho'devah.htm - 6k

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah 7:43 The Levites: the children
of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodevah, seventy-four. ...
/k/kadmiel.htm - 10k

Joda (1 Occurrence)
... 1) A Levite, whose sons were "over the works of the Lord," corresponding to Sudias
(1 Esdras 5:26), Hodaviah (Ezra 2:40), Judah (Ezra 3:9), Hodevah (Nehemiah 7 ...
/j/joda.htm - 7k

Sudias
... di-as (Soudias): In 1 Esdras 5:23, a Levitical family that returned with Zerubbabel,
called in Ezra 2:40 "Hodaviah" and in Nehemiah 7:43 "Hodevah" (which see). ...
/s/sudias.htm - 6k

Seventy-four (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB BBE DBY RSV). Nehemiah 7:43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel,
of the children of Hodevah, seventy-four. (WEB BBE DBY RSV). ...
/s/seventy-four.htm - 7k

Judah (802 Occurrences)
... of Kadmiel, one of those who had the oversight of the rebuilding of the temple
(Ezra 3:9). He is the same as Hodaviah (Ezra 2:40), and Hodevah (Nehemiah 7:43). ...
/j/judah.htm - 101k

Hodaviah (6 Occurrences)
... family in that tribe (Ezra 2:40). In Nehemiah 7:43 the name is Hodevah
(hodhewah; Qere hodheyah). Compare Ezra 3:9. (4) A son of ...
/h/hodaviah.htm - 9k

Jeshua (30 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Nehemiah 7:43 The Levites: the children
of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodevah, seventy-four. ...
/j/jeshua.htm - 21k

Hodeiah (1 Occurrence)
... Hodeiah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel,
of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four. (See JPS). ...
/h/hodeiah.htm - 6k

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