Sanabassarus is a figure mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history, specifically in the Book of Ezra. He is often identified with Sheshbazzar, a leader of the first group of Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. The name Sanabassarus appears in some ancient translations and historical accounts, though it is not directly found in the Berean Standard Bible text. The identification of Sanabassarus with Sheshbazzar is a subject of scholarly discussion, with some suggesting that they are the same person, while others propose that they were distinct individuals.

Biblical Context

The return from Babylonian exile marks a significant period in Jewish history, as the Israelites sought to rebuild the Temple and restore their community in Jerusalem. This period is documented in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the challenges and triumphs faced by the returning exiles.

In the Book of Ezra, Sheshbazzar is described as the "prince of Judah" who was appointed by King Cyrus of Persia to oversee the return of the Jewish exiles and the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Ezra 1:8-11 states: "Cyrus king of Persia had them brought by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah. This was the inventory: 30 gold dishes, 1,000 silver dishes, 29 silver utensils, 30 gold bowls, 410 matching silver bowls, and 1,000 other articles. In all, there were 5,400 gold and silver articles. Sheshbazzar brought all these along when the exiles went up from Babylon to Jerusalem."

Historical and Theological Significance

Sanabassarus, as identified with Sheshbazzar, plays a crucial role in the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land. The decree of Cyrus, which allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple, is seen as a divine intervention in history, fulfilling the prophetic words spoken by Jeremiah and Isaiah regarding the end of the Babylonian captivity.

The leadership of Sanabassarus/Sheshbazzar is significant in the context of God's covenant faithfulness. Despite the challenges faced by the returning exiles, including opposition from surrounding peoples and internal struggles, the efforts to rebuild the Temple symbolize the restoration of worship and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their ancestral homeland.

Contemporary Relevance

For conservative Christians, the account of Sanabassarus/Sheshbazzar serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands and the fulfillment of His promises, even in the face of adversity. The rebuilding of the Temple is seen as a precursor to the ultimate redemption and restoration that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is viewed as the true Temple and the embodiment of God's presence among His people.

The narrative also highlights the role of faithful leadership in guiding God's people through times of transition and challenge. Sanabassarus/Sheshbazzar's commitment to the task of rebuilding serves as an example of dedication to God's purposes, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and mission.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

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

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

Sanasib

/s/sanasib.htm - 6k

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