Who was Hashabiah in the Bible?

Hashabiah was a Levite who served as a leader during the reign of King David. He was specifically appointed as the leader of the Levites for the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 27:17).

What was Hashabiah's role and significance?

His primary significance was his administrative leadership over the Levites, who were responsible for the religious duties of Israel. This role was crucial for maintaining worship and order during David's kingdom organization.

What key events was Hashabiah involved in?

The key recorded event is his appointment by King David to oversee the Levites. This is part of the extensive organization of David's government and military as chronicled in 1 Chronicles 27.

Hashabiah

Old TestamentDivided MonarchyMaleLeader

Hashabiah was the leader of the Levites during King David's reign. (1Ch.27.17)

Hashabiah

Biography

This Hashabiah is identified in 1 Chronicles 27:17 as the officer appointed over the tribe of Levi during King David's administrative organization of the kingdom. David's organizational genius extended beyond military affairs to include the careful structuring of tribal oversight, and Hashabiah was entrusted with leadership over the Levites, the tribe responsible for the religious and cultic life of Israel. The name Hashabiah, meaning "the LORD has regarded" or "the LORD has reckoned," was common among Levitical families, fitting for a tribe whose identity was defined by service before God. His appointment reflects the close integration of religious and civil administration in the Davidic kingdom, where the Levites functioned as both spiritual servants and administrative officers.

Significance

Hashabiah's appointment as leader over the Levites during David's reign underscores the vital role of administrative faithfulness in sustaining Israel's worship life. David's careful organization of the kingdom, including tribal officers, was preparatory work for the temple his son Solomon would build. By appointing capable Levitical leadership, David ensured that the religious infrastructure of Israel was properly ordered. Hashabiah's role illustrates that leadership in sacred service requires both competence and trustworthiness, qualities that David prized in his administration. His example affirms the biblical principle that orderly, well-led worship communities do not arise spontaneously but are built through deliberate investment in human leadership.

Verse Appearances (1)

1Chr

1Chr 27:17

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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