Meshezabeel is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of post-exilic Israel. His name, which can be translated to mean "God delivers" or "God rescues," reflects a common theme in Hebrew nomenclature, emphasizing divine intervention and deliverance.

Biblical References:

1. Nehemiah 3:4 : Meshezabeel is mentioned in the book of Nehemiah, which details the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership after the Babylonian exile. In Nehemiah 3:4, he is identified as the father of Berechiah, who participated in the repair of the wall. The verse states: "Next to them, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, made repairs. Next to him, Meshullam son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel, made repairs. Next to him, Zadok son of Baana made repairs."

2. Nehemiah 10:21 : Meshezabeel is also listed among those who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah 10:21. This covenant was a solemn agreement made by the leaders, Levites, and priests to follow the Law of God as given through Moses. The verse reads: "Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua."

Historical and Theological Context:

Meshezabeel's mention in the book of Nehemiah places him in the period following the Babylonian exile, a time when the Jewish people were returning to their homeland and re-establishing their religious and social structures. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was a significant event, symbolizing not only physical restoration but also spiritual renewal and commitment to God's commandments.

The inclusion of Meshezabeel's name in the list of those who sealed the covenant underscores his role, or at least his family's role, in the religious revival of the time. This act of sealing the covenant was a public declaration of faith and dedication to living according to the Torah, reflecting a collective return to the covenantal relationship with God.

Genealogical Significance:

Meshezabeel's lineage is noted through his son Berechiah, who is mentioned in the context of the wall repairs. This genealogical detail highlights the importance of family heritage and continuity in the biblical narrative, where the faithfulness of one generation impacts the next. The mention of his descendants participating in the rebuilding efforts suggests a family committed to the restoration and preservation of their community and faith.

Cultural and Religious Implications:

The name Meshezabeel, meaning "God delivers," is emblematic of the hope and trust in divine salvation that permeates the Jewish faith, especially during times of trial and restoration. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and His power to rescue and restore them, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

In summary, Meshezabeel, though a minor figure in the biblical text, represents the broader themes of restoration, covenant faithfulness, and divine deliverance that are central to the post-exilic period in Israel's history. His mention in the book of Nehemiah connects him to the significant religious and communal efforts to rebuild and renew the Jewish identity and faith in the land of their ancestors.Meshezabeel

(delivered by God).

1. Ancestor of Meshullam, who assisted Nehemiah in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 3:4)
2. One of the "heads of the people," probably a family, who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:21)
3. The father of Pethahiah, and descendant of Zerah the son of Judah. (Nehemiah 11:24)

4898. Meshezabel -- "God delivers," an Israelite name
... name NASB Word Usage Meshezabel (3). Meshezabeel. From an equiv. To shzab and 'el;
delivered of God; Meshezabel, an Israelite -- Meshezabeel. see HEBREW shzab. ...
/hebrew/4898.htm - 6kMeshezabeel (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Meshezabeel (3 Occurrences). ... And next unto them repaired
Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. ...
/m/meshezabeel.htm - 7k

Meshezabel (3 Occurrences)
... me-shez'-a-bel (meshezebhe'el, "God a deliverer"; the King James Version Meshezabeel,
me-shez'-a-bel): (1) A priest, ancestor of Meshullam, who assisted ...
/m/meshezabel.htm - 8k

Merimoth (1 Occurrence)
... And by their hand hath Merimoth son of Urijah, son of Koz, strengthened; and by
his hand hath Meshullam son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabeel, strengthened; and ...
/m/merimoth.htm - 6k

Meshes (1 Occurrence)

/m/meshes.htm - 6k

Pethahiah (4 Occurrences)
... (3) Son of Meshezabeel, descendant of Judah, who was "at the king's hand in all
matters concerning the people" (Nehemiah 11:24). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/p/pethahiah.htm - 8k

Urijah (29 Occurrences)
... And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel.
And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana. (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/u/urijah.htm - 16k

Strengthened (113 Occurrences)
... And by their hand hath Merimoth son of Urijah, son of Koz, strengthened; and by
his hand hath Meshullam son of Berechiah, son of Meshezabeel, strengthened; and ...
/s/strengthened.htm - 37k

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