The Hebrew word Lᵉbânâʼ, represented by H3838, is a proper name identifying Lebana or Lebanah, one of the Nethinim. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The name exists in two forms, Lebana and Lebanah, but refers to the same individual, an ancestor whose descendants were part of the community that returned from exile.
In the biblical narrative, H3838 is used exclusively within genealogical lists that enumerate the families returning to Jerusalem. In both occurrences, the name identifies the progenitor of a family group known as "the children of Lebana" or "the children of Lebanah." This demonstrates the importance of lineage in re-establishing the nation of Israel after the Babylonian captivity. The name is found in a list of Nethinim families in both Ezra Ezra 2:45 and its parallel account in Nehemiah Nehemiah 7:48.
Several related words provide context for the identity and lineage of H3838:
- H1121 bên (a son (as a builder of the family name)): This word is directly tied to both mentions of Lebana, establishing his role as a patriarch whose "children" or descendants were recorded in the census (Ezra 2:45, Nehemiah 7:48).
- H2286 Chăgâbâʼ (locust; Chagaba or Chagabah, one of the Nethinim): The children of Hagaba are listed immediately after the children of Lebana in both census accounts, indicating a close association as fellow Nethinim families returning to Jerusalem Nehemiah 7:48.
- H6126 ʻAqqûwb (insidious; Akkub, the name of five Israelites): Akkub is the patriarch of another family of Nethinim listed alongside the descendants of Lebanah, highlighting the communal nature of the return from exile Ezra 2:45.
- H8014 Salmay (clothed; Salmai, an Israelite): The family of Salmai is also listed in direct succession to the family of Lebana, further defining the specific group of Nethinim cataloged in Nehemiah's census Nehemiah 7:48.
While a proper name, the context of H3838 carries significant thematic weight regarding the restoration of Israel.
- Genealogical Preservation: The specific mention of "the children of Lebana" underscores the meticulous preservation of family lines during the exile, which was crucial for re-establishing land rights, social structure, and religious roles in Jerusalem Ezra 2:45.
- Identity of the Nethinim: The definition explicitly identifies Lebana as one of the Nethinim. His inclusion in the census affirms the recognized place and heritage of this group within the restored community of God's people.
- Community Restoration: The name Lebana is part of a larger record that documents the faithful remnant who returned to rebuild. This list is a testament to the continuity of God's covenant people, even after judgment and dispersion Nehemiah 7:48.
In summary, H3838 is more than just a name in a list. It represents a specific individual whose lineage was integral to the post-exilic community. Its two appearances in scripture highlight a core theme of restoration, demonstrating the biblical emphasis on heritage and the careful documentation of the remnant that God preserved and brought back to the promised land.
TRV