Tabbaoth is a name mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period when the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity. The name appears in the genealogical records of those who returned to Jerusalem and Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The mention of Tabbaoth is found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the efforts to rebuild the temple and restore the community in Jerusalem.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:43 · "The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth."

2. Nehemiah 7:46 · "The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth."

In both Ezra and Nehemiah, Tabbaoth is listed among the temple servants, also known as the Nethinim. The Nethinim were a group of temple assistants who performed various duties to support the Levites in the service of the temple. Their roles were crucial in maintaining the daily operations and rituals that were central to the worship practices of the Israelites.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The return from Babylonian exile marked a significant period in Jewish history, as the Israelites sought to reestablish their religious and cultural identity. The temple in Jerusalem was the focal point of their worship, and the temple servants played an essential role in its functioning. The inclusion of Tabbaoth in the genealogical records underscores the importance of every group and individual in the collective effort to restore the spiritual life of the nation.

The Nethinim, including the descendants of Tabbaoth, were likely non-Israelites who had been integrated into the community of Israel, possibly as a result of earlier conquests or agreements. Their dedication to temple service highlights the inclusive nature of the worship community, where individuals from diverse backgrounds could contribute to the religious life of Israel.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Tabbaoth and other temple servants in the biblical narrative emphasizes the theme of restoration and renewal. It reflects God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people and providing for the restoration of worship in Jerusalem. The detailed genealogies serve as a testament to the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and His provision for the means to worship Him according to the Law.

Furthermore, the role of the Nethinim, including the descendants of Tabbaoth, illustrates the principle of servanthood in the worship of God. Their service, though not as prominent as that of the priests or Levites, was vital to the functioning of the temple and the spiritual life of the community. This underscores the biblical teaching that all members of the community have a role to play in the worship and service of God, regardless of their status or background.

In summary, Tabbaoth represents a group of temple servants who were integral to the restoration of worship in post-exilic Jerusalem. Their inclusion in the biblical record highlights the themes of restoration, servanthood, and the inclusive nature of the worship community in ancient Israel.Tabbaoth

(rings). The children of Tabbaoth were a family of Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:43; Nehemiah 7:46) (B.C. before 536.)

Impressions; rings, "the children of," returned from the Captivity (Ezra 2:43). TABAOTH, TABBAOTH

ta-ba'-oth, tab'-a-oth (tabba`oth; Tabaoth, Taboth): The name of a family of temple-servants (1 Esdras 5:29) = "Tabbaoth" (Hebrew: Tabba`oth) of Ezra 2:43 Nehemiah 7:46; perhaps called after the name of a place.

Compare TABBATH.

2884. Tabbaoth -- an Israelite
... Tabbaoth. 2885 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Tabbaoth Phonetic Spelling:
(tab-baw-othe') Short Definition: Tabbaoth. ... NASB Word Usage Tabbaoth (2). Tabaoth. ...
/hebrew/2884.htm - 6kTabbaoth (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TABAOTH, TABBAOTH. ta-ba ... place. Compare TABBATH.
Multi-Version Concordance Tabbaoth (2 Occurrences). Ezra ...
/t/tabbaoth.htm - 7k

Tabba'oth (2 Occurrences)
Tabba'oth. Tabbaoth, Tabba'oth. Tabbath . ... Ezra 2:43 The Nethinim: the children
of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth; (See RSV). ...
/t/tabba'oth.htm - 6k

Tabaoth
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia TABAOTH, TABBAOTH. ta-ba'-oth,
tab'-a-oth (tabba`oth; Tabaoth, Taboth): The name of a family of ...
/t/tabaoth.htm - 6k

Ziha (3 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:43 The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children
of Tabbaoth, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/z/ziha.htm - 8k

Nethinims (15 Occurrences)
... Nethinims. (KJV WBS). Ezra 2:43 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children
of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, (KJV WBS). Ezra ...
/n/nethinims.htm - 11k

Nethinim (16 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:43 The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the
children of Tabbaoth, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT). ...
/n/nethinim.htm - 18k

Hasupha (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:43 The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children
of Tabbaoth, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/h/hasupha.htm - 7k

Hasu'pha (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Hasu'pha (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:43 The Nethinim: the
children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth; (See RSV). ...
/h/hasu'pha.htm - 6k

Hashupha (1 Occurrence)
... Hashupha (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:46 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha,
the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth, (KJV WBS). ...
/h/hashupha.htm - 6k

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