Shabbethai
“Sabbatical, born on the Sabbath”
Summary
A chief Levite who was active in the reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah, involved in explaining the Law and overseeing temple affairs.
☩Role Under Ezra
Shabbethai appears in connection with the matter of foreign marriages addressed by Ezra around 450 BC. The Hebrew phrase describing his role is debated—it may mean he 'stood against' Ezra's proposal to put away foreign wives, or more likely that he 'stood over' the matter, helping to administer it. His later prominent position under Nehemiah suggests he was an ally rather than an opponent of reform.
☩Explaining the Law
Shabbethai was among the Levites who helped the people understand the Law when Ezra read it publicly. These Levites 'caused the people to understand the law,' likely by translating from Hebrew to Aramaic and providing exposition.
☩Temple Oversight
Under Nehemiah, Shabbethai was one of the chief Levites who had oversight of 'the outward business of the house of God.' This involved the external affairs and administration of the temple, a position of significant responsibility.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shabbethai," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Shabbethai," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).