### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Chăshabyâh**, represented by `{{H2811}}`, means **"Jah has regarded"**. It is the name given to nine different Israelites in scripture, appearing **15 times** across **15 unique verses**. The name itself carries a significant weight, indicating God's attentiveness and consideration. It is consistently associated with individuals in positions of spiritual and civic leadership, particularly within the tribe of Levi.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The individuals named **Hashabiah** feature prominently during the period of Israel's restoration, holding key roles in the community's worship and administration. Multiple men by this name are identified as a **chief**{H8269} of the Levites{H3881} ([[2 Chronicles 35:9]], [[Nehemiah 12:24]]). Their duties ranged from organizing **praise**{H1984} and thanksgiving [[Nehemiah 12:24]] to providing **passover offerings**{H6453} [[2 Chronicles 35:9]]. One **Hashabiah** was a son of Jeduthun who **prophesied**{H5012} with a harp [[1 Chronicles 25:3]], while another was an **overseer**{H6496} of the Levites in Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 11:22]]. Others served as an **officer**{H6486} in the **service**{H5656} of the king [[1 Chronicles 26:30]] and as a **ruler**{H8269} who helped repair Jerusalem's wall [[Nehemiah 3:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the roles and context of the men named **Hashabiah**:
* `{{H3881}}` **Lêvîyîy** (a Levite or descendant of Levi): This is the most common descriptor for **Hashabiah**. The Levites{H3881} were set apart for religious service, and nearly every mention of **Hashabiah** connects him to this lineage ([[1 Chronicles 9:14]], [[1 Chronicles 27:17]]).
* `{{H8269}}` **sar** (a head person of any rank or class): This title is applied to **Hashabiah** multiple times, identifying him as a **chief** [[2 Chronicles 35:9]] and a **ruler** [[Nehemiah 3:17]]. It signifies his position of authority and leadership within the Israelite community.
* `{{H5012}}` **nâbâʼ** (to prophesy, i.e. speak or sing by inspiration): This action is specifically attributed to **Hashabiah**, the son of Jeduthun, who **prophesied**{H5012} with a harp to give thanks and praise to the LORD [[1 Chronicles 25:3]], linking his Levitical service directly to divine inspiration.
* `{{H5656}}` **ʻăbôdâh** (work of any kind; service): This term describes the work of a Hebronite named **Hashabiah**, who was an officer for all business of the LORD and for the **service**{H5656} of the king [[1 Chronicles 26:30]], highlighting the comprehensive nature of his duties.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2811}}` is demonstrated through the lives of those who carried the name.
* **Divine Regard:** The name's meaning, "Jah has regarded," is a statement of faith. The prominence of men named **Hashabiah** in key leadership roles during Israel's restoration reflects this truth, showing God's active care for His people.
* **Levitical Leadership:** **Hashabiah** is an exemplar of the Levitical{H3881} calling. The name is tied to chiefs, overseers, and officers responsible for maintaining the purity of worship, the administration of the law, and the service of the temple ([[Nehemiah 12:24]], [[1 Chronicles 26:30]]).
* **Worship and Prophecy:** The individuals named **Hashabiah** were not just administrators but active participants in worship. They led choirs to **praise**{H1984} and **give thanks**{H3034} [[Nehemiah 12:24]] and even **prophesied**{H5012} through music [[1 Chronicles 25:3]], underscoring that true service to God involves both practical leadership and spiritual expression.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2811}}` is more than just a recurring name. **Chăshabyâh** embodies the principle of "Jah has regarded." The name is consistently linked with Levitical leaders who were instrumental in rebuilding and ordering Israel's religious and civic life. Through their roles as chiefs, overseers, and worship leaders, the men named **Hashabiah** demonstrate a legacy of faithful service, administration, and inspired praise, making the name synonymous with trusted leadership in the service of God.
TRV