Lexical Summary Chashabnah: Chashabnah Original Word: חֲשַׁבְנָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hashabnah Feminine of cheshbown; inventiveness; Chashnah, an Israelite -- Hashabnah. see HEBREW cheshbown NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chashab Definition an Isr. leader in Nehemiah's time NASB Translation Hashabnah (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֲשַׁבְנָה proper name, masculine (this and following perhaps textual error for חשׁביה(וׅ; yet ᵐ5 Εσβανα, ᵐ5L Ασβανα) — a chief of the people, Nehemiah's time Nehemiah 10:26. See also following. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Nehemiah 10:25 names חֲשַׁבְנָה among the community leaders who affixed their seals to the renewed covenant in Jerusalem: “Rehum, Hashabnah, and Maaseiah”. His appearance is singular in Scripture, yet his inclusion in this solemn act underscores the collective resolve of post-exilic Judah to walk in wholehearted obedience to the Law of Moses. Historical Setting The covenant ceremony recorded in Nehemiah 9–10 follows the public reading of the Law during the seventh month of 445 BC. After confessing national sin (Nehemiah 9:1-37), the leaders, Levites, and people bound themselves “with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God” (Nehemiah 10:29). Hashabnah’s seal—likely impressed upon a clay bulla—stands beside that of priests, Levites, and civic officials, illustrating a unified, cross-sectional commitment to covenant fidelity at a critical juncture in Judah’s restoration. Name Theology Derived from the Hebrew root חשב (“to think, account, consider”), the name suggests ideas of thoughtful reckoning or intentional planning. In biblical narrative, names often function as testimonies to character or calling. Hashabnah’s participation in the covenant implies a man who willingly aligned his life—and perhaps guided others—to “consider” God’s statutes and “account” obedience as life’s highest priority. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Renewal: Hashabnah’s signature embodies a recurring biblical motif—God’s people recommitting themselves after periods of declension (Exodus 24:7-8; Joshua 24:25-27; 2 Kings 23:1-3). Ministerial Significance • Leadership by Example: Ministry today still requires visible commitment to Scripture’s authority. Hashabnah’s public act encourages modern leaders to embody obedience, not merely exhort it (1 Timothy 4:12). Practical Lessons for Believers 1. Do not underestimate “minor” characters; Scripture’s single mention of Hashabnah enshrines his choice before all generations (Romans 15:4). Connections to the New Testament • The covenant sealed in Nehemiah’s day anticipated the ultimate covenant sealed by Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 9:15). Summary Though appearing only once, חֲשַׁבְנָה exemplifies thoughtful commitment amid national renewal. His name, rooted in deliberate reflection, his role as covenant signer, and the context of Nehemiah’s reforms collectively commend to every generation a life that consciously counts the cost of obedience and unites with God’s people in covenant fidelity. Forms and Transliterations חֲשַׁבְנָ֖ה חשבנה chashavNah ḥă·šaḇ·nāh ḥăšaḇnāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 10:25 HEB: רְח֥וּם חֲשַׁבְנָ֖ה מַעֲשֵׂיָֽה׃ NAS: Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, KJV: Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, INT: Rehum Hashabnah Maaseiah 1 Occurrence |
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