Kadmiel
“Before God, or God is the ancient one”
Summary
A Levite who returned from the Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel and played a prominent role in rebuilding the temple and leading the people in worship.
☩Return from Exile
Kadmiel was a Levite who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel in the first wave of exiles coming back to Jerusalem. He is consistently mentioned alongside Jeshua (a different Jeshua from the high priest), indicating their close association in leadership among the Levites. His family is listed among those who returned, with their descendants numbering seventy-four according to both Ezra and Nehemiah's census records. The name means "before God" or "priest," suggesting his family's devotion to divine service.
☩Temple Reconstruction
Kadmiel and his sons played an active role in overseeing the reconstruction of the temple. When the foundation of the Lord's house was laid, he and his household, together with Jeshua and his sons and the sons of Henadad, supervised the workmen in the temple. This supervisory role indicates his respected position among the Levites and his commitment to restoring proper worship in Jerusalem. His participation in this foundational work established his family's prominence in the restored community.
☩Spiritual Leadership
Beyond construction work, Kadmiel provided spiritual leadership to the restored community. He is named among the Levites who stood on the stairs and led the people in a great confession of praise to God. His family participated in the public reading of the law and helped the people understand what was being read. Kadmiel also sealed the covenant that the people made to follow the law of God, demonstrating his continued leadership in later reforms under Nehemiah. The length of time covered by these notices suggests that the references may include both an original Kadmiel and his descendants who continued in his name and office.
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Kadmiel," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.George Morrish, "Kadmiel," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Kadmiel," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Kadmiel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).