The Hebrew name Chashbaddânâh, represented by H2806, translates to considerate judge. It appears just 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible, identifying a specific Israelite named Hasbadana.
The sole appearance of Hasbadana H2806 is in the account of the public reading of the Law following the Israelites' return to Jerusalem. He is listed among a group of men who stood H5975 with Ezra H5830 the scribe H5608 upon a wooden pulpit H4026, or tower, that was made H6213 for this specific purpose H1697. Hasbadana was positioned on Ezra's left hand H8040, signifying his role as one of the leaders present for this solemn and historic occasion Nehemiah 8:4.
Several other individuals and terms from this event provide context for Hasbadana's role:
- H5830 ʻEzrâʼ (Ezra): The central figure of the event, a ready scribe H5608 who brought the book of the law before the congregation Nehemiah 8:1 and prepared his heart to teach it in Israel Ezra 7:10.
- H4026 migdâl (pulpit): The wooden platform upon which Ezra and the leaders stood H5975. The word also means a tower, often used to signify a place of strength or refuge Proverbs 18:10.
- H8040 sᵉmôʼwl (left hand): This marker specifies Hasbadana's position beside H681 Ezra, along with others like Pedaiah H6305, Mishael H4332, and Malchiah H4441, as part of the formal assembly Nehemiah 8:4.
- H4918 Mᵉshullâm (Meshullam): Another leader who stood on the left. The name means "allied" and appears with Zechariah H2148 in other contexts related to the work of the Levites 2 Chronicles 34:12.
The significance of H2806 is derived entirely from the context of his single appearance.
- Unified Leadership: Hasbadana's presence on the pulpit H4026 alongside Ezra and a dozen other named men shows a unified leadership supporting the restoration of God's Word H1697 at the center of the nation's life Nehemiah 8:4.
- A Supporting Role: While Ezra was the primary reader, the men standing with him, including Hasbadana, served as public witnesses and supporters of the covenant renewal taking place.
- "Considerate Judge" by the Law: Although the Bible does not expand on his character, the meaning of his name, "considerate judge," is noteworthy. His presence at an event dedicated to teaching and understanding God's law aligns perfectly with a name that suggests judicial wisdom and thoughtfulness.
In summary, Chashbaddânâh H2806 is the name of an Israelite, Hasbadana, mentioned once in Scripture. His identity is tied exclusively to the significant event where Ezra the scribe read the Law to the people. Though not a central character, his presence on the platform highlights the theme of shared leadership and the corporate responsibility of upholding God's commandments during a crucial period of national renewal.
TRV