Shebuel(shubael)
“Captive of God or renown of God”
Summary
A name borne by two Levites: a descendant of Moses who became treasurer of the temple, and a son of Heman who served as a temple musician.
☩Descendant of Moses
The first Shebuel was a leading descendant of Gershom, Moses' son, and thus a direct descendant of the great lawgiver himself. He served as 'ruler of the treasures' of the house of God during David's reign around 1013 BC. The Targum contains a tradition identifying him with Jonathan the son of Gershom who returned to the fear of Jehovah, and David, seeing his skill in financial matters, appointed him chief over the treasures. He is the last traceable descendant of Moses.
☩Son of Heman
The second Shebuel was one of the fourteen sons of Heman the minstrel, who served in the temple worship organized by David. He was the chief of the thirteenth band of twelve musicians in the temple choir. Both Shebuels are also called Shubael in parallel passages, which may be the original form of the name.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shebuel," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Shebuel," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).