Sanabassar is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. His name appears in the book of Ezra, specifically in Ezra 1:8, where he is identified as a leader involved in the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem. The Berean Standard Bible refers to him as "Sheshbazzar," which is often considered to be the same individual as Sanabassar.

Biblical References:

· Ezra 1:8 : "Cyrus king of Persia had them brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah."

Sanabassar, or Sheshbazzar, is described as "the prince of Judah," indicating a position of leadership and authority among the returning exiles. His role was significant in the initial efforts to rebuild the temple, as he was entrusted by King Cyrus of Persia with the sacred articles that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem. This act of returning the temple articles symbolized the restoration of worship and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their homeland.

Historical Context:

The period of the return from exile was a pivotal moment in Jewish history. After the fall of Babylon to the Persians in 539 BC, Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). Sanabassar's leadership in this endeavor highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land, as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10).

Identity and Role:

There is some debate among scholars regarding the identity of Sanabassar/Sheshbazzar. Some suggest that he may be the same person as Zerubbabel, another prominent leader mentioned in the book of Ezra. However, others argue that they were distinct individuals, with Sheshbazzar being the initial leader appointed by Cyrus and Zerubbabel succeeding him in the later stages of the temple reconstruction.

Despite these discussions, Sanabassar's role as a leader in the early phase of the return is undisputed. His actions laid the groundwork for the eventual completion of the Second Temple, which was a central aspect of Jewish religious life and identity.

Theological Significance:

Sanabassar's involvement in the return from exile and the temple restoration underscores the themes of divine providence and faithfulness. His leadership exemplifies how God uses individuals to fulfill His purposes and restore His people. The return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple were not merely historical events but were seen as acts of divine intervention and fulfillment of prophecy.

In summary, Sanabassar, or Sheshbazzar, is a key figure in the narrative of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile. His leadership in the restoration of the temple signifies a critical step in the re-establishment of Jewish worship and community life, reflecting God's ongoing covenantal relationship with His people.SANABASSAR; SANABASSARUS

san-a-bas'-ar, san-a-bas'-a-rus (in 1 Esdras 2:12, 15), (in 1 Esdras 6:18, 10; a name appearing in many variations, Codex Alexandrinus always reading Sanabassaros; Codex Vaticanus Sanamassaro, in 1 Esdras 2:12(11) (the Revised Version margin, Samanassar), Samanassarou, in 1 Esdras 2:15(14), but Sabanassaro, in 1 Esdras 6:18 (17) (Revised Version margin) and Sanabassaros, in 1 Esdras 6:20 (19)): He was "governor of Judea" under Cyrus, conveyed the holy vessels of the temple from Babylon to Jerusalem and "laid the foundations of the house of the Lord" for the first time since its destruction (1 Esdras 2:12, 15; 6:18-20) = "SHESHBAZZAR (which see) the prince of Judah" (Ezra 1:8).

Some identify him with Zerubbabel as the King James Version margin in 1 Esdras 6:18: "Z., which is also Sanabassar the ruler." This view appears to be favored by the order of the words here, where, in case of two persons, one might expect "Sanabassar the ruler" to come first. Zerubbabel appears as "governor of Judea" also in 1 Esdras 6:27-29. Ezra 3:10 speaks of the foundation of the temple under Zerubbabel and 5:16 as under Sheshbazzar. There is further the analogy of 1 Esdras 5:40, where Nehemias and Attharias refer to the same person. Against this identification: Zerubbabel is not styled ruler or governor either in Nehemiah or Ezra, but in Haggai 1:14; Haggai 2:2, 21 he is pechah or governor of Judah; no explanation is given of the double name, as in the case of e.g. Daniel, Belteshazzar; the language of Ezra 5:14 seems to refer to work commenced under a different person than Zerubbabel. Nor is there any reason against supposing a first return under Sheshbazzar (Sanabassar) and a foundation of the temple previous to the time of Zerubbabel-an undertaking into which the Jews did not enter heartily, perhaps because Sanabassar may have been a foreigner (though it is uncertain whether he was a Babylonian, a Persian, or a Jew). A later proposal is to identify Sanabassar with Shenazzar, the uncle of Zerubbabel in 1 Chronicles 3:18. But either of these identifications must remain doubtful.

See SHENAZZAR; ZERUBBABEL.

S. Angus

How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ...
... Jerusalem, and to have them restored to their own temple, when it was built; for
he had sent to them to have that done speedily, and commanded Sanabassar to go ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the temple.htm

How Cyrus, King of the Persians, Delivered the Jews Out Of
... So he committed these things to Mithridates, the treasurer, to be sent away, with
an order to give them to Sanabassar, that he might keep them till the temple ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how cyrus king.htm

Sanabassar
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SANABASSAR; SANABASSARUS. san-a-bas'-ar,
san-a-bas'-a-rus (in 1 Esdras 2:12, 15), (in 1 Esdras 6 ...
/s/sanabassar.htm - 8k

Sanabassarus
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SANABASSAR; SANABASSARUS. san-a-bas'-ar,
san-a-bas'-a-rus (in 1 Esdras 2:12, 15), (in 1 Esdras 6 ...
/s/sanabassarus.htm - 8k

Mithradates
... The treasurer of Cyrus to whom the king committed the vessels which had been taken
from the temple and who delivered them to the governor, Sanabassar (1 Esdras ...
/m/mithradates.htm - 7k

Sheshbazzar (4 Occurrences)
... God which was in Jerusalem. See SANABASSAR. R. Dick Wilson. Multi-Version
Concordance Sheshbazzar (4 Occurrences). Ezra 1:8 even those ...
/s/sheshbazzar.htm - 10k

Sanaas

/s/sanaas.htm - 6k

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