Sherebiah
“Heat of Jehovah or parched by Jehovah”
Summary
A prominent Levite who returned from Babylon with Ezra and played a significant role in post-exilic worship and covenant renewal.
☩Return with Ezra
Sherebiah was a Levite of the family of Mahli, descended from Merari. Along with his sons and brethren—eighteen persons in all—he joined Ezra's party of returning exiles at the river Ahava in 459 BC. Ezra specifically sent for Levites to join the caravan because none had initially volunteered, and Sherebiah was among those who responded.
☩Trusted with Temple Treasures
Sherebiah was among the twelve leaders commissioned to carry the precious vessels and offerings of silver and gold to Jerusalem. Ezra weighed out to them the treasures donated by the king, his counselors, and the people of Israel for the Temple. This demonstrates the high regard in which he was held.
☩Ministry in Jerusalem
After arriving in Jerusalem, Sherebiah assisted Ezra in reading and explaining the Law to the people, helping them understand its meaning. He took part in the great psalm of confession and thanksgiving sung at the solemn fast after the Feast of Tabernacles. He also signed the covenant with Nehemiah pledging to keep the Law, and served among the chief Levites who led the choir.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sherebiah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Sherebiah," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Sherebiah," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).