Zabbai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. His name appears in the Book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and its walls after the Babylonian exile. The name "Zabbai" is of Hebrew origin, and it is generally understood to mean "pure" or "flowing."

Biblical References:

1. Nehemiah 3:20 · Zabbai is mentioned as the father of Baruch, who is noted for his zealous work in repairing a section of the wall of Jerusalem. The verse states: "Next to him, Baruch son of Zabbai diligently repaired another section, from the angle to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest." This passage highlights the dedication and commitment of Baruch, which may reflect the values and upbringing imparted by his father, Zabbai.

2. Nehemiah 11:8 · In this verse, Zabbai is listed among the descendants of Benjamin who resettled in Jerusalem. The verse reads: "and his followers, Gabbai and Sallai—928 men." Although Zabbai is not directly mentioned in this verse, the context suggests that he was part of the community that returned to Jerusalem, contributing to the restoration and repopulation of the city.

Historical and Theological Context:

Zabbai's mention in the Book of Nehemiah places him in the significant period of Israel's history when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity. This era was marked by a strong emphasis on religious reform, community rebuilding, and the re-establishment of Jewish identity centered around the worship of Yahweh and adherence to the Law of Moses.

The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, in which Zabbai's son Baruch participated, was a crucial project that symbolized the restoration of security, order, and religious life in the city. It was a collective effort that required the cooperation and dedication of various families and individuals, reflecting the communal spirit and shared faith of the returning exiles.

Significance:

While Zabbai himself is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his mention as the father of Baruch and as part of the returning community underscores the importance of family lineage and heritage in the Jewish tradition. The genealogical records in the Bible often serve to connect individuals to the larger account of God's covenant with Israel, highlighting the continuity of faith and the fulfillment of divine promises through successive generations.

Zabbai's inclusion in the biblical text, though brief, serves as a reminder of the many individuals who played vital roles in the restoration of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of the Jewish community after the exile. His legacy, through his son Baruch, contributes to the overarching narrative of redemption and renewal that characterizes the post-exilic period in the history of Israel.Zabbai

flowing

Zabbai

(pure).

1. One of the descendants of Bebai who had married a foreign wife in the days of Ezra. (Ezra 10:28) (B.C. 458.)
2. Father of Baruch who assisted Nehemiah in rebuilding the city wall. (Nehemiah 3:20) (B.C. before 446.)

Wanderer; pure.

(1.) Ezra 10:28.

(2.) The father of Baruch, who "earnestly repaired" part of the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:20; marg., "Zaccai").

ZABBAI

zab'-a-i, zab'-i (zabbay, meaning unknown; Zabou):

(1) One of those who had married foreign wives (Ezra 10:28) = "Jozabdus" of 1 Esdras 9:29.

(2) Father of Baruch (Nehemiah 3:20). The Qere has zakkay = "Zaccai"of Ezra 2:9 Nehemiah 7:14.

2079. Zabbay -- an Israelite
... 2078, 2079. Zabbay. 2080 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Zabbay Phonetic Spelling:
(zab-bah'-ee) Short Definition: Zabbai. ... NASB Word Usage Zabbai (2). Zabbai ...
/hebrew/2079.htm - 6kZabbai (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZABBAI. ... Multi-Version Concordance Zabbai (2
Occurrences). Ezra 10:28 Of the sons of Bebai: Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, Athlai. ...
/z/zabbai.htm - 7k

Zab'bai (2 Occurrences)
Zab'bai. Zabbai, Zab'bai. Zabbud . Multi-Version Concordance Zab'bai (2
Occurrences). Ezra 10:28 And of the sons of Bebai: Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, ...
/z/zab'bai.htm - 6k

Zaccai (3 Occurrences)
... Pure, one whose "sons" returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:9; Nehemiah
7:14). (see ZABBAI.). Int. ... ZACCAI. zak'-ai, zak'-i. See ZABBAI, (2). ...
/z/zaccai.htm - 7k

Zealously (4 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired another portion,
from the turning of the wall to the door of the house of Eliashib the high ...
/z/zealously.htm - 7k

Zabadeas

/z/zabadeas.htm - 6k

Jehohanan (9 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS NIV). Ezra 10:28 Of the sons of Bebai: Jehohanan, Hananiah,
Zabbai, Athlai. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/j/jehohanan.htm - 12k

Jozabdus
... Jeshua the Levite (1 Esdras 8:63), called "Jozabad" in Ezra 8:33. (2) Son
of Bebai (1 Esdras 9:29), called "Zabbai" in Ezra 10:28. ...
/j/jozabdus.htm - 6k

Jehoha'nan (8 Occurrences)
... them of the captivity. (See RSV). Ezra 10:28 And of the sons of Bebai: Jehohanan,
Hananiah, Zabbai, Athlai. (See RSV). Nehemiah 6:18 ...
/j/jehoha'nan.htm - 8k

Entry (36 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired another piece,
from the angle to the entry of the house of Eliashib the high priest. (DBY). ...
/e/entry.htm - 18k

Eliashib (15 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired another portion,
from the turning of the wall to the door of the house of Eliashib the high ...
/e/eliashib.htm - 13k

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