Lexical Summary Gabbay: Gabbai Original Word: גַּבַּי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gabbai From the same as gab; collective -- Gabbai, an Israelite -- Gabbai. see HEBREW gab Brown-Driver-Briggs גַּבַּי סַלָּ֑י apparently proper name, masculine (compare Aramaic  , Talmud גַּבָּי, tax-gatherer) a Benjamite Nehemiah 11:8; but text dubious compare 1 Chronicles 9:8 & SmListen 7. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Gabai is named one time in Scripture, Nehemiah 11:8, where he is counted among “the sons of Benjamin” who resettled Jerusalem after the exile. The Berean Standard Bible records: “and after him Gabbai and Sallai—928 in all” (Nehemiah 11:8b). Though the mention is brief, it situates Gabai within the post-exilic community that re-established life and worship in the restored city. Historical Context Nehemiah’s list details families who volunteered to inhabit Jerusalem when the city’s population was sparse (Nehemiah 11:1-2). These men and their households accepted a sacrificial calling: they left ancestral lands to strengthen the political, social, and spiritual heart of Judah. Their commitment ensured fortified defenses, a functional economy, and—most critically—a restored temple culture centered on the Law of Moses. Tribal and Genealogical Importance Gabai belongs to the tribe of Benjamin, historically situated on Judah’s northern flank and sharing Jerusalem’s territory (Joshua 18:28). Benjamin’s presence in the city fulfilled earlier prophecies and preserved tribal distinctives even after the Babylonian captivity. The chronicling of names like Gabai safeguards covenantal continuity, verifying that God kept a remnant and maintained Israel’s tribal framework despite centuries of upheaval. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Faithfulness: Each post-exilic name testifies that the Lord “does not lie or change His mind” (1 Samuel 15:29). Gabai’s inclusion underscores divine fidelity in bringing His people home. Ministry Principles • Unknown Servants, Lasting Impact: Gabai is virtually anonymous, yet his obedience bolstered Jerusalem’s revival. Kingdom work often advances through believers whose names rarely appear on center stage (compare 1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Christological Considerations Jerusalem’s repopulation set the stage for the city where Jesus would teach, die, and rise. Faithful sons of Benjamin such as Gabai contributed to maintaining a viable Jewish presence, ensuring prophetic Scriptures converged in the precise locale God ordained for redemption. Lessons for the Contemporary Church 1. Embrace Obscure Callings: Whether planting churches in overlooked regions or supporting urban revitalization, believers follow Gabai’s pattern when they prioritize God’s kingdom over personal comfort. Though scarcely mentioned, Gabai’s quiet courage contributes to the unfolding biblical account of restoration, reminding every reader that even the most modest act of obedience advances God’s eternal plan. Forms and Transliterations גַּבַּ֣י גבי gab·bay gabBai gabbayLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 11:8 HEB: וְאַחֲרָ֖יו גַּבַּ֣י סַלָּ֑י תְּשַׁ֥ע NAS: and after him Gabbai [and] Sallai, 928 KJV: And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine INT: and after Gabbai Sallai nine 1 Occurrence |
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