Topical Encyclopedia Sabathus is a figure mentioned in the apocryphal text known as 3 Esdras, which is not included in the canonical books of the Bible but is found in some versions of the Septuagint and the Apocrypha. The name Sabathus appears in the context of the return of the exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, a period of significant restoration and rebuilding for the Jewish people.Historical Context The return from Babylonian exile is a pivotal event in Jewish history, marking the end of a 70-year period of captivity as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). This return was initiated by the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, who allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4). The books of Ezra and Nehemiah in the canonical Bible provide detailed accounts of this period, focusing on the rebuilding of the temple and the walls of Jerusalem, as well as the spiritual and social reforms undertaken by the returning exiles. Role in the Return from Exile In 3 Esdras, Sabathus is listed among the leaders of the families who returned to Jerusalem. While the canonical books of Ezra and Nehemiah do not mention Sabathus by name, the inclusion of his name in 3 Esdras suggests that he was considered a person of some importance among the returning exiles. The role of such leaders was crucial in organizing the return, overseeing the reconstruction efforts, and re-establishing the religious practices and community life in Jerusalem. Theological Significance The return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple hold deep theological significance in the biblical narrative. They symbolize God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, His mercy in restoring His people, and the hope of spiritual renewal. Leaders like Sabathus, though not prominently featured in the canonical texts, represent the collective effort and dedication of the Jewish people to restore their relationship with God and rebuild their community according to His laws. Biblical Themes 1. Restoration and Renewal: The return from exile is a powerful theme of restoration, both physically in the rebuilding of the temple and spiritually in the renewal of the covenant relationship with God. 2. Leadership and Community: The mention of leaders like Sabathus highlights the importance of strong, faithful leadership in guiding the community through times of transition and challenge. 3. Faithfulness of God: The overarching narrative of the return from exile underscores God's faithfulness to His promises, as He brings His people back to their land and restores their fortunes. Related Biblical Passages While Sabathus is not mentioned in the canonical Bible, the themes associated with his role can be explored in related passages: · Ezra 1:1-4 : "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: 'This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem.'" · Nehemiah 8:1-3 : "At that time, all the people gathered together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law." These passages reflect the broader context of the return from exile, the rebuilding efforts, and the spiritual renewal that leaders like Sabathus would have been part of during this significant period in Israel's history. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SABATHUSsab'-a-thus (Sabathos; the King James Version Sabatus): An Israelite who put away his "strange wife" (1 Esdras 9:28) = "Zabad" in Ezra 10:27. Thesaurus Sabathus...SABATHUS. sab'-a-thus (Sabathos; the King James Version Sabatus): An Israelite who put away his "strange wife" (1 Esdras 9:28) = "Zabad" in Ezra 10:27. ... /s/sabathus.htm - 6k Sabatus Zabad (8 Occurrences) Sabateus Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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