Shabbethai שַׁבְּתַי
Levite who helped explain the Law to the people
Who is Shabbethai in the Bible?
Shabbethai was a Levite mentioned in Nehemiah 8:7 who assisted in explaining the Law to the people during a significant public reading led by Ezra. After the completion of the wall of Jerusalem, Shabbethai and other Levites helped interpret the Book of the Law of Moses as Ezra read it aloud to the gathered exiles in the square before the Water Gate. His role was to make the meaning of the Law clear to the people and provide them with instruction in God's commandments. This event represented a crucial moment of spiritual renewal for the returned exiles, and Shabbethai's involvement illustrates the vital function that Levites played as teachers and interpreters of Scripture in ancient Israel.
Biography
Shabbethai, mentioned in Neh.8.7, was a Levite who played a role in the public reading and explanation of the Law during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. After the completion of the wall of Jerusalem, the people gathered in the square before the Water Gate, and Ezra the scribe read aloud from the Book of the Law of Moses. Shabbethai, along with several other Levites, helped to explain the Law to the people, making its meaning clear and providing instruction. This event marked a significant moment of spiritual renewal and recommitment to God's commandments among the returned exiles. Shabbethai's involvement highlights the important role of the Levites in teaching and interpreting the Law for the people.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 8:7
"The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places."
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | שַׁבְּתַי |