Mishael מִישָׁאֵל
A Levite who stood beside Ezra during the reading of the Law.
Who is Mishael in the Bible?
Mishael was a Levite who lived during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, serving as a religious leader in the restored Jewish community after the Babylonian exile. According to Nehemiah 8:4, he stood beside Ezra on a high wooden platform as Ezra read the Book of the Law aloud to the assembled people of Israel. As a Levite, Mishael held a significant role in teaching the people about God's laws and assisting in religious practices. His presence at this pivotal moment underscores the importance of the public reading of the Torah and the Levites' central role in reestablishing proper worship and obedience to God's word among the returning exiles.
Biography
Mishael was a Levite who lived during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He is mentioned in Neh.8.4 as one of the Levites who stood beside Ezra on a high wooden platform when Ezra read the Book of the Law to the assembled people of Israel. This significant event took place after the Israelites had returned from Babylonian exile and were reestablishing their community and religious practices in Jerusalem.
Mishael's presence alongside Ezra during this important public reading of the Law highlights his role as a Levite and his involvement in the religious life of the community. The Levites were responsible for assisting the priests and teaching the people about God's laws and commandments. By standing with Ezra, Mishael demonstrated his support for the restoration of the Torah as the central guide for the nation's life and faith.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 8:4
"Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for this occasion. At his right side stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, and at his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מִישָׁאֵל | Mishael , the name of three Israelites |