Shebaniah
“Increased of Jehovah”
Summary
A name borne by four Levites and priests in the Old Testament, particularly during the time of David and the post-exilic period under Ezra and Nehemiah.
☩Trumpet Player Under David
The first Shebaniah was one of the Levitical trumpeters who participated in the solemn procession when David removed the ark of the covenant from the house of Obed-edom to Jerusalem around 1043 BC.
☩Levite Under Ezra
A second Shebaniah was one of Ezra's Levitical attendants who stood on the steps and led the congregation in the prayer of confession and thanksgiving around 459 BC. He joined in sealing the sacred covenant that renewed Israel's commitment to God's law.
☩Other Bearers
Two other men named Shebaniah appear in Nehemiah's account: another Levite who sealed the covenant, and a priest who also joined in the covenant ceremony. The priestly Shebaniah had a son named Joseph and is apparently the same person elsewhere called Shechaniah.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shebaniah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Shebaniah," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).