Meshezabel
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Topical Encyclopedia
Meshezabel is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the books of Nehemiah and 1 Chronicles. His name, which can be interpreted as "God delivers" or "God rescues," reflects a common theme in Hebrew nomenclature, emphasizing divine intervention and faithfulness.

Genealogical Context

Meshezabel is identified as a member of the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In 1 Chronicles 9:14, Meshezabel is noted as the father of Sallu, a descendant of the Levites who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This genealogical mention places Meshezabel within the post-exilic community, highlighting the restoration of Israel's religious and social structures.

Role in the Book of Nehemiah

In the book of Nehemiah, Meshezabel is mentioned in the context of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the reestablishment of the covenant community. Nehemiah 3:4 lists him as the father of Berechiah, who participated in the repair of the wall. This involvement underscores the collective effort of the Israelites to restore their city and religious practices after the exile.

Furthermore, in Nehemiah 10:21, Meshezabel is listed among those who sealed the covenant, a significant act of recommitment to the Mosaic Law and the community's spiritual renewal. This covenant was a pivotal moment for the Israelites, as it represented a formal acknowledgment of their dependence on God and their dedication to His commandments.

Theological Significance

The mention of Meshezabel, though brief, carries theological weight. His inclusion in the genealogies and covenant renewal signifies the importance of individual and familial contributions to the larger narrative of Israel's restoration. Meshezabel's descendants, like many others, played a crucial role in the physical and spiritual rebuilding of the nation.

The name Meshezabel itself serves as a reminder of God's deliverance and faithfulness to His people. Throughout the Old Testament, names often reflect divine attributes or actions, and Meshezabel's name is no exception. It encapsulates the hope and trust that the Israelites placed in God during times of trial and restoration.

Historical and Cultural Context

The period following the Babylonian exile was marked by significant challenges and opportunities for the Jewish people. The return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding efforts required strong leadership and communal cooperation. Figures like Meshezabel, though not prominent in the biblical narrative, represent the many faithful individuals who contributed to the reestablishment of Israel's identity and religious life.

In summary, Meshezabel's brief appearances in the biblical text highlight the interconnectedness of family, faith, and community in the history of Israel. His legacy, though understated, is part of the broader tapestry of God's redemptive work among His chosen people.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
MESHEZABEL

me-shez'-a-bel (meshezebhe'el, "God a deliverer"; the King James Version Meshezabeel, me-shez'-a-bel):

(1) A priest, ancestor of Meshullam, who assisted Nehemiah in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:4).

(2) One of the chiefs of the people giving name to the family which sealed the covenant with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 10:21).

(3) A descendant of Judah through Zerah, and father of Pethahiah (Nehemiah 11:24).

Strong's Hebrew
4898. Meshezabel -- "God delivers," an Israelite name
... Meshezabel. 4899 . "God delivers," an Israelite name. Transliteration: Meshezabel
Phonetic Spelling: (mesh-ay-zab-ale') Short Definition: Meshezabel. ...
/hebrew/4898.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Meshezabel (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MESHEZABEL. me-shez'-a-bel ... 11:24).
Multi-Version Concordance Meshezabel (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah 3 ...
/m/meshezabel.htm - 8k

Meshez'abel (3 Occurrences)
Meshez'abel. Meshezabel, Meshez'abel. Meshillemith . ... And next unto them repaired
Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel. ...
/m/meshez'abel.htm - 7k

Zadok (50 Occurrences)
... to the covenant made by the princes, priests and Levites of Israel (Nehemiah
10:21)-in both places his name occurring immediately after that of Meshezabel. ...
/z/zadok.htm - 40k

Koz (5 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:4 Next to them repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz.
Next to them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel. ...
/k/koz.htm - 8k

Jaddua (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jaddua (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah 10:21 Meshezabel,
Zadok, Jaddua, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/j/jaddua.htm - 8k

Jad'du-a (3 Occurrences)
... Jad'du-a (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah 10:21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua; (See RSV). Nehemiah
12:11 and Joiada begot Jonathan and Jonathan begot Jaddua. (See RSV). ...
/j/jad'du-a.htm - 7k

Repaired (46 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:4 Next to them repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz.
Next to them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel. ...
/r/repaired.htm - 21k

Relating (9 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:24 Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the children of Zerah the son
of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people. ...
/r/relating.htm - 9k

Representative (10 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Nehemiah 11:24 Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the children of Zerah
the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people. ...
/r/representative.htm - 10k

Repairs (24 Occurrences)
... And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel.
And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana. (See NAS NIV). ...
/r/repairs.htm - 13k

Resources
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Concordance
Meshezabel (3 Occurrences)

Nehemiah 3:4
Next to them repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz. Next to them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel. Next to them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.
(WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV)

Nehemiah 10:21
Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,
(WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV)

Nehemiah 11:24
Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.
(WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Meshezabel

Related Terms

Meshezabel (3 Occurrences)

Meshillemith (1 Occurrence)

Meshezabeel: Ancestor of Meshullam
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