Hobaiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The name "Hobaiah" is found in the context of the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name itself is of Hebrew origin, and while its exact meaning is not definitively known, it is often associated with the idea of "hidden" or "concealed."

Biblical References:

Hobaiah is mentioned in the book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and restore the community of Israel after the Babylonian captivity. The specific reference to Hobaiah is found in Nehemiah 7:63:

> "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)." (Nehemiah 7:63)

This passage is part of a larger list that enumerates the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem and Judah. The mention of Hobaiah here is significant because it highlights the challenges faced by certain priestly families in proving their genealogical lineage. The descendants of Hobaiah, along with those of Hakkoz and Barzillai, were unable to demonstrate their ancestral records, which was a critical issue for those claiming priestly status.

Historical and Theological Context:

The return from exile was a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marked by a renewed emphasis on religious and cultural identity. The genealogical records were essential for re-establishing the priesthood and ensuring that those serving in the temple were legitimate descendants of Aaron, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. The inability of Hobaiah's descendants to verify their lineage would have had significant implications for their role and status within the community.

The mention of Hobaiah in this context underscores the importance of maintaining a clear and unbroken line of descent for the priesthood, which was central to the religious life of Israel. It also reflects the broader theme of restoration and the challenges faced by the returning exiles in re-establishing their identity and religious practices.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In the broader narrative of the Bible, the account of Hobaiah and his descendants serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the need for purity in worship. The post-exilic community was deeply concerned with adhering to the laws and traditions that defined their relationship with God. The scrutiny of genealogical records was part of a larger effort to ensure that the community was aligned with divine standards.

The account of Hobaiah also highlights the grace and mercy of God, as the returning exiles were given the opportunity to rebuild their lives and their relationship with Him, despite the challenges and obstacles they faced. The inclusion of Hobaiah's descendants in the biblical record, despite their inability to prove their lineage, suggests a recognition of their desire to be part of the covenant community and their commitment to the restoration of Israel.

In summary, Hobaiah is a minor yet significant figure in the biblical narrative, representing the complexities and challenges of maintaining religious identity and purity in the face of historical upheaval. His account is a testament to the enduring importance of faithfulness and the hope of restoration for God's people.HABAIAH; HOBAIAH

ha-ba'-ya, (cha-bhayah, chobhayah): A post-exilic priestly family which was unable to establish its pedigree. "Habaiah" is the form in Ezra 2:61; in the parallel passage (Nehemiah 7:63), the King James Version has "Habaiah," and the Revised Version (British and American) "Hobaiah"; in the parallel passage in 1 Esdras 5:38, the form is Obdia, Codex Vaticanus, Obbeia.

HOBAIAH

ho-ba'-ya (chobhayah, "whom Yahweh hides," i.e. "protects"): The head of a priestly family that returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. Because they could not trace their genealogy, they were not permitted to serve in the priestly office (Nehemiah 7:63 f). In the Qere of this passage and in the parallel list of Ezra 2:61, this name appears in the form "Habaiah" (chabhayyah). "Obdia" is the form of the word in 1 Esdras 5:38.

2252. Chabayah -- "Yah has hidden," an Israelite
... Habaiah. Word Origin from chabah and Yah Definition "Yah has hidden," an
Isr. NASB Word Usage Habaiah (1), Hobaiah (1). Habaiah. Or ...
/hebrew/2252.htm - 6kHobaiah (2 Occurrences)
... HABAIAH; HOBAIAH. ha-ba'-ya, (cha-bhayah, chobhayah): A post-exilic priestly
family which was unable to establish its pedigree. ...HOBAIAH. ...
/h/hobaiah.htm - 8k

Habaiah (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HABAIAH; HOBAIAH. ha-ba'-ya, (cha-bhayah, chobhayah):
A post-exilic priestly family which was unable to establish its pedigree. ...
/h/habaiah.htm - 7k

Hobai'ah (1 Occurrence)
Hobai'ah. Hobaiah, Hobai'ah. Hock . Multi-Version Concordance Hobai'ah (1
Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Hobaiah, Hobai'ah. Hock . Reference Bible.
/h/hobai'ah.htm - 6k

Koz (5 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:63 Of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the
children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the ...
/k/koz.htm - 8k

Obdia
... a (Codex Alexandrinus Obdia; Codex Vaticanus Hobbeia): One of the families of usurping
priests (1 Esdras 5:38) = "Habaiah" of Ezra 2:61; "Hobaiah" of Nehemiah 7 ...
/o/obdia.htm - 6k

Gileadite (10 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:63 Of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the
children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the ...
/g/gileadite.htm - 9k

Barzillai (10 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:63 Of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the
children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the ...
/b/barzillai.htm - 12k

Hakkoz (6 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:63 Of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the
children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the ...
/h/hakkoz.htm - 9k

Hobah (1 Occurrence)

/h/hobah.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus