Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning The name Nedabi'ah (Hebrew: נְדַבְיָה, Nedabyah) is derived from the Hebrew root "nadab," meaning "to be willing" or "to give freely." The name can be interpreted as "Yahweh has given freely" or "Yahweh is generous." Biblical References Nedabi'ah is mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. He is noted as one of the sons of Jeconiah (also known as Jehoiachin), the king of Judah who was taken into Babylonian captivity. The reference to Nedabi'ah can be found in 1 Chronicles 3:18: "Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah." Historical Context Nedabi'ah lived during a tumultuous period in the history of Judah. His father, Jeconiah, was the penultimate king of Judah before the Babylonian conquest. Jeconiah's reign was marked by political instability and the looming threat of Babylonian domination. In 597 BC, Jeconiah was taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon, along with many of the nobility and skilled workers of Jerusalem. This event marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a significant period in Jewish history. Genealogical Significance The mention of Nedabi'ah in the genealogical records underscores the continuity of the Davidic line even during the exile. The Chronicler's inclusion of Jeconiah's descendants, including Nedabi'ah, serves to affirm the enduring promise of God to David regarding his lineage. Despite the exile and the apparent cessation of the Davidic monarchy, the genealogies in 1 Chronicles highlight the preservation of David's line, which is central to the messianic hope in Jewish and Christian theology. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the mention of Nedabi'ah and his siblings in the genealogies reflects the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. The Davidic covenant, as articulated in passages such as 2 Samuel 7:12-16, promised an everlasting dynasty. The inclusion of Jeconiah's descendants in the biblical record, despite the curse pronounced upon Jeconiah in Jeremiah 22:30, is seen by some scholars as evidence of God's grace and the eventual fulfillment of His promises through the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is believed to be a descendant of David. Cultural and Religious Impact The genealogical records, including the mention of figures like Nedabi'ah, have played a significant role in Jewish and Christian traditions. For the Jewish people, these records are a testament to their historical and spiritual heritage. For Christians, the genealogies are integral to understanding the lineage of Jesus, as presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which trace His ancestry back to David and Abraham. Conclusion While Nedabi'ah himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his inclusion in the genealogical records serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Davidic line and the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. Concordance Nedabi'ah (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 3:18 Thesaurus Nedabi'ah (1 Occurrence)Nedabi'ah. Nedabiah, Nedabi'ah. Need . Multi-Version Concordance Nedabi'ah (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 3:18 and Malchiram, and ... /n/nedabi'ah.htm - 6k Need (914 Occurrences) Nedabiah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |