Tebaliah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Levitical gatekeepers. He is identified as the son of Hosah, a Merarite Levite. The Merarites were one of the three main divisions of the Levites, the others being the Kohathites and the Gershonites. The Levites were set apart for religious duties and service in the tabernacle and later the temple.

Biblical Reference:

Tebaliah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 26:11, which provides a list of the gatekeepers appointed for service in the house of the Lord. The verse reads: "Hosah the Merarite had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father had appointed him first), Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, and Zechariah the fourth. The sons and relatives of Hosah totaled thirteen."

Role and Significance:

The role of the gatekeepers was crucial in the administration and protection of the temple. They were responsible for maintaining order, securing the sacred precincts, and ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter. This role underscores the importance of holiness and reverence in the worship of God, as the temple was considered the dwelling place of the Lord among His people.

Tebaliah, as a gatekeeper, would have been part of this essential service, contributing to the orderly worship and safeguarding of the temple. His inclusion in the genealogical and functional lists of the Chronicles highlights the structured organization of temple service and the hereditary nature of Levitical duties.

Family and Lineage:

Tebaliah's father, Hosah, is noted as a Merarite, linking Tebaliah to the broader Levitical family. The Merarites were descendants of Merari, one of the three sons of Levi, and were assigned specific duties related to the tabernacle's structure and later the temple. This lineage emphasizes the continuity of service and the fulfillment of divine commands regarding worship and temple maintenance.

Theological Implications:

The mention of Tebaliah and his family in the Chronicles serves as a reminder of the faithfulness required in serving God. The detailed records of the Levitical families and their duties reflect the order and precision that God desires in worship. It also illustrates the communal aspect of worship, where each member of the community has a role to play in honoring God.

Tebaliah's position as a gatekeeper, though not as prominent as some other biblical figures, is a testament to the value of every role within the body of believers. It underscores the biblical principle that all service to God, whether seen or unseen, is significant and contributes to the greater purpose of glorifying Him.1 Chronicles 26:11
Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen.
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