Hobai'ah is a name mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The name Hobai'ah is associated with a family of priests who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The mention of Hobai'ah is found in the book of Nehemiah, which provides a record of the families and individuals who were part of the return to Jerusalem and Judah to rebuild the temple and restore the community.

Biblical Reference:

· Nehemiah 7:63-65 : "And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. The governor ordered them not to eat any of the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim."

Historical Context:

The mention of Hobai'ah occurs during the time when the Jewish exiles were returning to their homeland after the decree of Cyrus the Great, which allowed them to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This period is marked by efforts to re-establish religious practices and community life according to the Law of Moses. The genealogical records were crucial for determining the legitimacy of claims to priestly and Levitical roles, as well as for the distribution of land and responsibilities.

Significance:

The family of Hobai'ah, along with others, faced a significant challenge due to the absence of verifiable genealogical records. This lack of documentation led to their exclusion from priestly duties, highlighting the importance of lineage and purity in the priesthood. The priests were responsible for conducting sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of worship, and any uncertainty regarding their heritage was taken seriously.

The reference to the Urim and Thummim indicates the reliance on divine guidance to resolve issues of priestly legitimacy. These objects, used by the high priest, were believed to reveal God's will in matters of great importance. The situation of Hobai'ah's descendants underscores the community's commitment to upholding the standards set forth in the Torah, even as they sought to rebuild and restore their religious and cultural identity.

Theological Implications:

The account of Hobai'ah and similar families serves as a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where obedience to divine commandments and the maintenance of holiness were paramount. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and the importance of purity and order in worship. The narrative also illustrates the challenges faced by the returning exiles in re-establishing their identity and religious practices in accordance with God's law.Hobai'ah (1 Occurrence)

Nehemiah 7:63
And of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who was married to one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and took their name.
(See RSV)

Hobai'ah (1 Occurrence)
Hobai'ah. Hobaiah, Hobai'ah. Hock . Multi-Version Concordance Hobai'ah
(1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:63 And of the priests: the children ...
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Hobaiah (2 Occurrences)

/h/hobaiah.htm - 8k

Hock (1 Occurrence)

/h/hock.htm - 7k

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