Lebana is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the return of the exiles to Jerusalem. The name "Lebana" appears in the book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore the community after the Babylonian exile.

Biblical Reference:

Lebana is mentioned in Nehemiah 9:4-5. The passage describes a significant event where the Israelites gathered to confess their sins and worship the Lord. The Levites, who were responsible for leading the people in worship and teaching the Law, played a crucial role in this assembly. The text reads:

"On the stairs of the Levites stood Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, who cried out with a loud voice to the LORD their God. And the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah—said: 'Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be Your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.'" (Nehemiah 9:4-5)

In this context, Lebana is listed among the Levites who participated in this significant act of worship and confession. The Levites were instrumental in leading the people back to a covenant relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of repentance and adherence to the Law.

Role and Significance:

Lebana, as a Levite, would have been part of the tribe set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. The Levites were descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and were given the responsibility of maintaining the spiritual life of the nation of Israel. They did not receive a territorial inheritance like the other tribes but were instead distributed among the tribes to perform their duties.

The mention of Lebana in Nehemiah highlights the collective effort of the Levites in guiding the people during a time of spiritual renewal. This period was marked by a return to the Law of Moses, a recommitment to the covenant, and a desire to restore the worship practices that had been neglected during the exile.

Historical and Theological Context:

The book of Nehemiah is set during the Persian period, following the decree of Cyrus the Great that allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, was granted permission to lead the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This was a critical moment in Jewish history, as it represented not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual revival.

The role of the Levites, including Lebana, was crucial in this revival. They were responsible for teaching the Law, leading worship, and ensuring that the people understood their covenant obligations. The public reading and explanation of the Law, as seen in Nehemiah 8, were central to this process.

Conclusion:

While Lebana is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion among the Levites in Nehemiah underscores the collective effort of the community to return to God. The Levites' leadership in worship and instruction was vital in re-establishing the religious identity of the Israelites and ensuring their faithfulness to the covenant.Lebana

(white), one of the Nethinim whose descendants returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. (Nehemiah 7:48) He is called Lebanah.

LEBANA

le-ba'-na, leb'-a-na (lebhana'), or family of returning exiles (Ezra 2:45 Nehemiah 7:48; compare 1Es 5:29).

3838. Lebana -- an Israelite
Lebana or Lebanah. 3837c, 3838. Lebana or Lebanah. 3839 . an Israelite.
Transliteration: Lebana or Lebanah Phonetic Spelling: (leb ...
/hebrew/3838.htm - 6kLebana (1 Occurrence)
...LEBANA. le-ba'-na, leb'-a-na (lebhana'), or family of returning exiles (Ezra
2:45 Nehemiah 7:48; compare 1Es 5:29). ...Lebana (1 Occurrence). ...
/l/lebana.htm - 6k

Leb (1 Occurrence)

/l/leb.htm - 6k

Leba'na (1 Occurrence)
Leba'na. Lebana, Leba'na. Lebanah . Multi-Version Concordance Leba'na
(1 Occurrence). ... Lebana, Leba'na. Lebanah . Reference Bible.
/l/leba'na.htm - 6k

Lebanah (2 Occurrences)
... ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah 7:48 the children of Lebana, the
children of Hagaba, the children of Salmai, (See JPS YLT). ...
/l/lebanah.htm - 6k

Shalmai (2 Occurrences)
... WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah 7:48 The children of Lebana, the children of
Hagaba, the children of Shalmai, (KJV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/shalmai.htm - 7k

Salmai (2 Occurrences)
... of Hanan, (See JPS). Nehemiah 7:48 the children of Lebana, the children
of Hagaba, the children of Salmai, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY). ...
/s/salmai.htm - 7k

Hagaba (1 Occurrence)
... Hagaba (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:48 the children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba,
the children of Salmai, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/h/hagaba.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus