Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Shebaniah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the period of the return from the Babylonian exile and the subsequent religious reforms in Jerusalem. His name, which can be interpreted as "Yahweh has grown" or "Yahweh has increased," reflects the theophoric nature common in Hebrew names, indicating a connection to the divine.Role and Significance Shebaniah is noted for his role as a priest during the time of Nehemiah, a key leader in the restoration of Jerusalem's walls and religious practices. He is listed among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, as recorded in Nehemiah 12:1-7. This return was a significant event, marking the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. In Nehemiah 9:4-5, Shebaniah is mentioned as one of the Levites who stood on the stairs and called out to the people during a public confession of sins. This event was part of a larger assembly where the Israelites gathered to fast, wear sackcloth, and put dust on their heads, demonstrating repentance and a desire to renew their covenant with God. The Levites, including Shebaniah, led the people in worship and confession, highlighting his role in the spiritual leadership of the community. Furthermore, Shebaniah is also listed among those who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah 10:1-12. This covenant was a solemn agreement made by the leaders, Levites, and priests to follow God's law, refrain from intermarrying with the surrounding peoples, and observe the Sabbath and other commandments. By sealing the covenant, Shebaniah demonstrated his commitment to the spiritual and communal renewal of the Jewish people. Biblical References 1. Nehemiah 9:4-5 : "Then the Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Kenani—stood on the stairs and 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.'" 2. Nehemiah 10:1-12 : "Now these are the ones who sealed the covenant: Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, along with Zedekiah, Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah, Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah, Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests." 3. Nehemiah 12:1-7 : "These were the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, Iddo, Ginnethon, Abijah, Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the days of Jeshua." Historical and Theological Context Shebaniah's involvement in the religious reforms under Nehemiah underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in the post-exilic community. The return from exile was not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal, as the people sought to re-establish their identity as God's chosen people. The covenant renewal and public confession led by figures like Shebaniah were crucial in reorienting the community towards faithfulness to the Mosaic Law. Theologically, Shebaniah's actions reflect the themes of repentance, covenant faithfulness, and communal responsibility. His participation in these significant events highlights the role of the priesthood in guiding the people back to a right relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of obedience and worship in the life of the covenant community. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary Shebaniahthe Lord that converts, or recalls from captivity Smith's Bible Dictionary Shebaniah(increased by Jehovah).
Easton's Bible Dictionary Whom Jehovah hides, or has made grow up. (1.) A Levite appointed to blow the trumpet before the ark of God (1 Chronicles 15:24). (2.) Another Levite (Nehemiah 9:4, 5). (3.) A priest (Nehemiah 10:12). (4.) A Levite (Nehemiah 10:4). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEBANIAHsheb-a-ni'-a, she-ban'-ya (shebhanyah, in 1 Chronicles 15:24, shebhanyahu): Strong's Hebrew 7645. Shebanyah -- the name of several Israelites... the name of several Israelites. Transliteration: Shebanyah or Shebanyahu Phonetic Spelling: (sheb-an-yaw') Short Definition: Shebaniah. ... Shebaniah. ... /hebrew/7645.htm - 6k Thesaurus Shebaniah (7 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHEBANIAH. ... (4) A priest in the time of David (1 Chronicles 15:24). Multi-Version Concordance Shebaniah (7 Occurrences). ... /s/shebaniah.htm - 10k Shebani'ah (7 Occurrences) Sherebiah (8 Occurrences) Sherebi'ah (8 Occurrences) Shecaniah (10 Occurrences) Kad'mi-el (8 Occurrences) Kadmiel (8 Occurrences) Bani (15 Occurrences) Shechaniah (8 Occurrences) Jeshua (30 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Shebaniah (7 Occurrences)1 Chronicles 15:24 Nehemiah 9:4 Nehemiah 9:5 Nehemiah 10:4 Nehemiah 10:10 Nehemiah 10:12 Nehemiah 12:14 Subtopics Shebaniah: A Levite Who Joined Nehemiah in Covenant Shebaniah: A Priest in the Time of David Shebaniah: A Priest Who Joined Nehemiah in Covenant Related Terms |