Lexical Summary Chagaba': Hagabah Original Word: חֲגָבָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hagaba, Hagabah Or Chagabah {khag-aw-baw'}; feminine of Chagab; locust; Chagaba or Chagabah, one of the Nethinim -- Hagaba, Hagabah. see HEBREW Chagab Brown-Driver-Briggs חֲגָבָא proper name, masculine head of family of returning exiles Nehemiah 7:48, ᵐ5 Ἁγαβα (compare also foregoing) probably = following. חֲגָבָה proper name, masculine head of a family of returning exiles Ezra 2:47, probably = foregoing; ᵐ5 Ἁγαβα. Topical Lexicon Scriptural Context Haggaba appears only in Ezra 2:45 and Nehemiah 7:48 within lists that record those who returned from the Babylonian exile. In both places the name is set among the Nethinim, a body of temple servants assigned to assist the Levites. Ezra 2:45: “the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Akkub.” Nehemiah 7:48: “the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Shalmai.” Historical Background The inclusion of the family of Hagabah among the returning exiles locates them in the late sixth century BC, during the reign of the Persian king Cyrus and the subsequent governorships of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah. Their appearance in both Ezra’s earlier census and Nehemiah’s later verification underscores the continuity of post-exilic community records. Such duplication attests to the priority Scripture gives to preserving covenant identity after judgment and dispersion. The Nethinim and Temple Service Originally appointed by David and the leaders “for the service of the Levites” (Ezra 8:20), the Nethinim performed essential but humble duties—drawing water, splitting wood, preparing sacrifices, guarding gates—thereby freeing the Levites for their priestly tasks. By placing Hagabah’s descendants in this group, the inspired text highlights God’s concern for every role in worship, whether public or behind the scenes. Their willingness to labor without prominence models servant leadership and anticipates Christ’s teaching, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Participation in the Return from Exile Only about ninety-five families of Nethinim are named, and Hagabah is listed among them. Their return demonstrates at least three theological truths: 1. Covenant Mercy: God preserved even the least-noticed servants through exile, fulfilling His promise in Jeremiah 29:14, “I will bring you back from captivity.” Covenantal Implications Genealogical recording of Hagabah establishes legal standing within the covenant community, securing access to worship and inheritance rights. Nehemiah’s verification some decades later confirms that this lineage remained faithful, keeping themselves separate from the idolatrous practices that had led to exile in the first place (Nehemiah 9:2). The preservation of such minor names assures readers that God’s redemptive plan operates through both prominent leaders and seemingly insignificant servants. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry • Faithfulness Over Fame: Hagabah’s family is remembered not for heroic exploits but for steadfast availability. Modern ministry thrives when believers embrace overlooked tasks with equal zeal. Intertextual Echoes Though exclusive to Ezra–Nehemiah, Hagabah’s account resonates with other Scripture: Summary Hagabah, a Nethinim family restored from exile, represents the quiet yet indispensable backbone of covenant worship. Their presence in Scripture affirms that God remembers every servant, values meticulous stewardship, and weaves even the smallest threads into His grand redemptive tapestry. Forms and Transliterations חֲגָבָ֖ה חגבה chagaVah ḥă·ḡā·ḇāh ḥăḡāḇāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:45 HEB: לְבָנָ֥ה בְנֵי־ חֲגָבָ֖ה בְּנֵ֥י עַקּֽוּב׃ NAS: the sons of Hagabah, the sons KJV: the children of Hagabah, the children INT: of Lebanah the sons of Hagabah the sons of Akkub Nehemiah 7:48 2 Occurrences |
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