Biblical Reference:
Gabbai is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Nehemiah. The reference to Gabbai can be found in Nehemiah 11:8.

Scriptural Context:
In the book of Nehemiah, Gabbai is listed among the descendants of Benjamin who resettled in Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. This period was marked by the return of the Jewish people to their homeland and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership. The returnees were organized by families and tribes, and their genealogies were meticulously recorded to ensure the restoration of the community's religious and social order.

Nehemiah 11:8 :
"and his followers, Gabbai and Sallai—928 men."

Historical and Cultural Background:
The book of Nehemiah is set during the Persian period, around the 5th century BC, when the Jewish people were allowed to return to Jerusalem after the decree of Cyrus the Great. This was a time of significant religious and cultural restoration for the Jewish community. The listing of individuals and families, such as Gabbai, highlights the importance of lineage and tribal affiliation in re-establishing the identity and heritage of the Jewish people.

Role and Significance:
Gabbai, along with Sallai, is noted as a leader of a group of 928 men from the tribe of Benjamin. This indicates that Gabbai held a position of some authority and responsibility within the community. The tribe of Benjamin, being one of the smaller tribes, played a crucial role in the re-population and defense of Jerusalem. The mention of Gabbai underscores the collective effort of various tribes in the restoration of the city and the re-establishment of worship practices.

Theological Implications:
The inclusion of Gabbai in the genealogical records of Nehemiah reflects the biblical theme of God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises. The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem are seen as acts of divine providence, demonstrating God's commitment to His covenant with Israel. The detailed records of individuals like Gabbai serve as a testament to the continuity of God's plan and the importance of each member in the community of faith.

Application for Believers:
The account of Gabbai and the returnees in Nehemiah encourages believers to recognize the value of community and the role each person plays in the body of Christ. It highlights the importance of faithfulness, leadership, and cooperation in fulfilling God's purposes. Just as Gabbai contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, believers today are called to participate actively in the life and mission of the Church, using their unique gifts and talents for the glory of God.Gabbai

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Gabbai

(tax gatherer), apparently the head of an important family of Benjamin resident at Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 11:8) (B.C. before 536.)

GABBAI

gab'-a-i (gabbay, "collector"): One of the chiefs of the Benjamites in Jerusalem after the return from the Babylonian captivity (Nehemiah 11:8).

1373. Gabbay -- a Benjamite
... 1372, 1373. Gabbay. 1373a . a Benjamite. Transliteration: Gabbay Phonetic
Spelling: (gab-bah'ee) Short Definition: Gabbai. Gabbai ...
/hebrew/1373.htm - 5k

1373a. Gabbay -- a Benjamite
... a Benjamite. Transliteration: Gabbay Short Definition: Gabbai. Word Origin from
the same as gab Definition a Benjamite NASB Word Usage Gabbai (1). 1373, 1373a ...
/hebrew/1373a.htm - 5k

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ...
... It is of importance to notice, that the Talmud distinguishes two classes of publicans:'
the tax-gatherer in general (Gabbai), and the Mokhes, or Mokhsa, who ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii the call of.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... it was, had probably not so much to do with the bitter hatred of the Rabbinists
towards the class of tax-farmers (Moches) and tax-collectors (Gabbai), both of ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

Gabbai (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia GABBAI. ... Multi-Version Concordance Gabbai (1 Occurrence).
Nehemiah 11:8 After him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty-eight. ...
/g/gabbai.htm - 6k

Gabba'i (1 Occurrence)
Gabba'i. Gabbai, Gabba'i. Gabbatha . ... Gabba'i (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 11:8 And
after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight. (See RSV). ...
/g/gabba'i.htm - 6k

928 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 928 (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 11:8 After him
Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty-eight. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/928.htm - 6k

Gabatha

/g/gabatha.htm - 6k

Twenty-eight (13 Occurrences)
... twenty-eight. (WEB BBE DBY RSV). Nehemiah 11:8 After him Gabbai, Sallai,
nine hundred twenty-eight. (WEB BBE DBY RSV). Nehemiah 11 ...
/t/twenty-eight.htm - 9k

Salla'i (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Salla'i (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 11:8 And after him
Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight. (See RSV). ...
/s/salla'i.htm - 6k

Sallai (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sallai (2 Occurrences). Nehemiah 11:8 After him Gabbai,
Sallai, nine hundred twenty-eight. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/s/sallai.htm - 7k

Nine (55 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Nehemiah 11:8 After him Gabbai, Sallai,
nine hundred twenty-eight. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV). ...
/n/nine.htm - 22k

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