or חֲשַׁבְיָהוּ; from חָשַׁב and יָהּ; Jah has regarded; Chashabjah, the name of nine Israelites; Hashabiah.
Transliteration:Chăshabyâh
Pronunciation:khash-ab-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name Chăshabyâh (חֲשַׁבְיָה), Strong's H2811, is a theophoric compound name, meaning "Jah has regarded" or "Yah has considered." It is derived from two primary components: the verb חָשַׁב (chashab) `{{H2803}}` and the shortened form of the divine name, יָהּ (yah) `{{H3050}}`. The verb חָשַׁב carries a rich semantic range, encompassing concepts such as "to think, reckon, count, devise, plan, impute, or regard." When combined with the divine name, it conveys the profound theological truth that God actively pays attention, considers, or values. It implies a divine act of purposeful thought or consideration directed towards an individual or situation, moving beyond mere observation to active engagement and care.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Chăshabyâh is borne by at least nine different individuals in the Old Testament, primarily Levites and other prominent figures, reflecting its significance. These occurrences are mostly found in the historical books, particularly Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah.
* One Chăshabyâh was a Levite, a descendant of Merari, serving as a chief of the fathers' houses in the time of David, as noted in [[1 Chronicles 6:45]].
* Another Chăshabyâh is listed among the Levites who returned from exile and dwelt in Jerusalem, a son of Mattaniah, of the sons of Asaph, a chief of the thanksgiving choir, mentioned in [[1 Chronicles 9:14]] and [[Nehemiah 11:15]].
* A Chăshabyâh, a Hebronite, was an officer over Israel for all the work of the Lord and for the service of the king in Transjordan, as recorded in [[1 Chronicles 26:30]].
* During the reign of King Josiah, a Chăshabyâh, one of the chiefs of the Levites, contributed generously for the Passover sacrifices, demonstrating his leadership and piety in [[2 Chronicles 35:9]].
* Several individuals named Chăshabyâh are mentioned in the book of Ezra, indicating their return from Babylonian captivity. One was the head of a father's house who returned with Ezra from Babylon, bringing precious vessels for the temple, as seen in [[Ezra 8:2]] and [[Ezra 8:24]].
* In Nehemiah, a Chăshabyâh, son of Keilah, was a leader who helped repair the wall of Jerusalem, specifically the section near the Fountain Gate, according to [[Nehemiah 3:17]].
* A prominent Levite named Chăshabyâh, along with others, stood on the stairs of the Levites to lead the people in confession and worship during the great assembly in [[Nehemiah 9:5]]. He also sealed the covenant with Nehemiah in [[Nehemiah 10:11]] (Hebrew 10:12) and was a chief of the Levites during the dedication of the wall in [[Nehemiah 12:24]].
The prevalence of this name among Levites and leaders suggests a common desire to acknowledge God's attentive care and active involvement in their lives and the life of the nation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of Chăshabyâh is חָשַׁב (chashab) `{{H2803}}`, which is crucial for understanding its full semantic depth. This verb appears frequently in the Old Testament and carries a wide array of meanings:
* **To think/plan:** God "thinks thoughts of peace" for His people ([[Jeremiah 29:11]]).
* **To count/reckon:** To count something as valuable or to impute righteousness ([[Genesis 15:6]]).
* **To devise/intend:** Often used in a negative sense for devising evil ([[Psalm 36:4]]), but here clearly positive.
* **To regard/consider:** To pay careful attention to something or someone, to hold in esteem. This sense is most pertinent to Chăshabyâh, signifying divine consideration.
The divine element, יָהּ (yah) `{{H3050}}`, is a shortened form of the unutterable name YHWH (יְהוָה) `{{H3068}}`, emphasizing the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel as the one who "regards." Other names incorporating חָשַׁב, though less common, would also share this root meaning. The concept of God "regarding" or "remembering" is also closely tied to other theological terms such as *zakar* (זָכַר) `{{H2142}}`, "to remember," which often implies taking action based on remembrance (e.g., God remembering His covenant or Noah in the ark).
### Theological Significance
The name Chăshabyâh serves as a powerful theological statement about the character of God. "Jah has regarded" speaks directly to:
1. **Divine Omniscience and Care:** It affirms that God is not distant or indifferent, but intimately aware of and attentive to His creation and, specifically, His people. He sees, knows, and considers their circumstances, needs, and actions. This provides immense comfort and reassurance to believers.
2. **Divine Providence:** The name implies God's active involvement in human affairs. His "regarding" is not passive observation but a purposeful attention that leads to action, guidance, and provision. It undergirds the concept that God works all things according to His sovereign plan.
3. **Personal Relationship with God:** For individuals bearing this name, it was a constant reminder of their personal standing before God – that they were known and valued by Him. It suggests that their lives and service were not unnoticed by the Almighty. This can be seen in the roles of the various Hashabiahs, many of whom were involved in sacred service or leadership, indicating God's regard for their faithfulness.
4. **Covenant Faithfulness:** In a broader sense, "Jah has regarded" resonates with God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. He "regards" His covenant and the people with whom He has established it, ensuring its fulfillment.
### Summary
Chăshabyâh (חֲשַׁבְיָה) `{{H2811}}` is a theophoric Hebrew name meaning "Jah has regarded" or "Yah has considered." Derived from the verb חָשַׁב (chashab) `{{H2803}}`, "to think, reckon, regard," and the divine name יָהּ (yah) `{{H3050}}`, it encapsulates the profound truth of God's active attention, care, and valuing of His people. Borne by several prominent Levites and leaders in the Old Testament, particularly in Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah, the name consistently points to individuals whose lives and service were, by their very name, declared to be under the watchful and caring eye of the Almighty. Theologically, Chăshabyâh affirms God's omniscience, His personal providence, and His unwavering covenant faithfulness, reminding all that the Lord is intimately involved in and attentive to the lives of those who bear His name and serve His purposes.
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