Zebadiah זְבַדְיָהוּ
Leader of returning exiles with Shecaniah
Who is Zebadiah in the Bible?
Zebadiah, son of Michael, was a leader of the returning Jewish exiles who journeyed from Babylon to Jerusalem under Ezra's direction. He led a group of 80 men from the descendants of Shephatiah during this return, as recorded in Ezra 8:8. Zebadiah was among the respected leaders whom Ezra gathered at the river Ahava, where they camped and fasted for three days to seek God's protection before beginning their journey. His prominent role in leading a substantial contingent of exiles demonstrates his significance in the restoration of the Jewish community after the Babylonian captivity.
Biography
Zebadiah, the son of Michael, was one of the leaders who accompanied Ezra on his journey from Babylon to Jerusalem after the exile. He led a group of 80 men from the descendants of Shephatiah. The text records that Ezra gathered these leaders and their families at the river that flows to Ahava, where they camped for three days before setting out for Jerusalem. Ezra had called for a fast to seek God's protection for their journey. The inclusion of Zebadiah in this list suggests he was a respected leader among the returning exiles.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 8:8
"from the descendants of Shephatiah, Zebadiah son of Michael, and with him 80 men;"
Study Ezra →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | זְבַדְיָהוּ |