Topical Encyclopedia Hashbaddana is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Nehemiah. The name Hashbaddana appears in the context of a significant event in the history of Israel, during the period of the return from the Babylonian exile and the subsequent rebuilding of Jerusalem and its walls.Biblical Reference: Hashbaddana is mentioned in Nehemiah 8:4, which describes the public reading of the Law by Ezra the scribe. The verse in the Berean Standard Bible reads: "Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. To his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; to his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddana, Zechariah, and Meshullam." In this passage, Hashbaddana is listed among the Levites and leaders who stood beside Ezra as he read the Law to the assembly of Israelites. This event was a pivotal moment in the spiritual renewal of the people, as they gathered to hear the Word of God and to recommit themselves to the covenant. Historical and Cultural Context: The setting of Nehemiah 8 is during the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish people were returning to their homeland after the Babylonian captivity. Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt, and there was a renewed focus on restoring religious practices and adherence to the Law of Moses. The public reading of the Law was a significant act of communal worship and instruction. It was intended to remind the people of their identity as God's chosen people and to encourage them to live according to His commandments. The presence of leaders like Hashbaddana alongside Ezra underscores the importance of unity and leadership in guiding the people back to faithfulness. Name Meaning and Significance: The name Hashbaddana is of Hebrew origin, though its exact meaning is not definitively known. Like many biblical names, it may carry a theophoric element, reflecting a relationship with God or a characteristic valued in the culture of ancient Israel. Role and Function: As one of the individuals standing with Ezra, Hashbaddana likely played a role in supporting the reading and interpretation of the Law. The Levites and leaders present would have been responsible for helping the people understand the Scriptures, as Nehemiah 8:8 indicates that they "read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read." Theological Implications: Hashbaddana's inclusion in this event highlights the collaborative effort required in spiritual leadership and the dissemination of God's Word. It reflects the biblical principle of shared responsibility among leaders to teach and uphold the truth of Scripture. This moment in Israel's history serves as a reminder of the power of God's Word to transform and renew a community when it is faithfully proclaimed and embraced. In summary, Hashbaddana's mention in the book of Nehemiah, though brief, places him in a crucial moment of Israel's rededication to the covenant, illustrating the importance of leadership and the centrality of Scripture in the life of God's people. Concordance Hashbaddana (1 Occurrence)Nehemiah 8:4 Thesaurus Hashbaddana (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Hashbaddana (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 8:4 Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made ... /h/hashbaddana.htm - 6k Stage (5 Occurrences) Standeth (111 Occurrences) Hashbadana (1 Occurrence) Hashbaddanah (1 Occurrence) Hilkijah (30 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |