from an equiv. to שְׁזַב and אֵל; delivered of God; Meshezabel, an Israelite; Meshezabeel.
Transliteration:Mᵉshêyzabʼêl
Pronunciation:mesh-ay-zab-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name מְשֵׁיזַבְאֵל (Mᵉshêyzabʼêl), Strong's number `{{H4898}}`, is a compound theological name. It is derived from an Aramaic root equivalent to שְׁזַב (shᵉzab), meaning "to deliver" or "to rescue," combined with the Hebrew divine name אֵל (El), meaning "God." Thus, the name literally signifies "God has delivered" or "Delivered of God." The Aramaic root שְׁזַב is prominently featured in the Book of Daniel, where it describes God's miraculous acts of rescue (e.g., [[Daniel 3:17]], [[Daniel 3:28]]). The semantic range of Mᵉshêyzabʼêl is therefore tightly bound to the concept of divine intervention and salvation, highlighting God's power and faithfulness in bringing about deliverance for His people.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Mᵉshêyzabʼêl appears twice in the post-exilic book of Nehemiah, a period marked by the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
1. **[[Nehemiah 10:21]]**: Here, Meshezabel is listed among the "heads of the people" (ראשֵׁי הָעָם) who sealed the solemn covenant made by Nehemiah and the returned exiles. This covenant reaffirmed their commitment to the Law of Moses, the payment of tithes, and the proper functioning of the temple. Meshezabel's inclusion in this list signifies his standing as a leader or prominent figure within the community, actively participating in the spiritual and social reconstruction of Judah. His very name, "God has delivered," would have resonated deeply with the collective experience of the exiles, whose return was seen as a profound act of divine deliverance from foreign captivity.
2. **[[Nehemiah 11:24]]**: In this passage, Meshezabel is identified as the father of Pethahiah, who served as "the king's representative in all matters concerning the people" (לְיַד הַמֶּלֶךְ לְכָל־דָּבָר לָעָם). This indicates that Meshezabel's family held a position of influence or authority, possibly serving as intermediaries between the Persian administration and the Jewish community. The continued prominence of a family bearing a name that testifies to God's deliverance further emphasizes the theological perspective embedded within the post-exilic community's identity and governance.
In both contexts, the name Mᵉshêyzabʼêl serves as a living testimony to the historical reality of God's intervention on behalf of His people, a constant reminder of their recent deliverance from exile and the ongoing need for divine guidance in their rebuilding efforts.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic components of Mᵉshêyzabʼêl connect it to significant biblical themes:
* **שְׁזַב (shᵉzab):** This Aramaic root, meaning "to deliver" or "to rescue," is most famously found in the Book of Daniel, where it describes God's miraculous preservation of His servants from mortal danger (e.g., [[Daniel 3:17]] where God is able to deliver from the fiery furnace; [[Daniel 3:28]] where God sends His angel to deliver). This root underscores the active, powerful nature of divine deliverance.
* **אֵל (El):** This is a common Semitic word for "God," frequently used in compound names to express a theological truth about God's character or action (e.g., Israel – "he strives with God"; Immanuel – "God with us"). Its presence in Mᵉshêyzabʼêl firmly attributes the act of deliverance to the one true God.
* **Deliverance in broader biblical terms:** The concept of deliverance is central to the biblical narrative. Other significant Hebrew terms include יָשַׁע (yasha, `{{H3467}}`), meaning "to save" or "to deliver," which is the root of "Yeshua" (Jesus) and "salvation"; and פָדָה (padah, `{{H6299}}`), meaning "to redeem" or "to ransom." Mᵉshêyzabʼêl encapsulates this core theological truth, reflecting God's consistent character as a deliverer throughout history, from the Exodus to the return from exile.
### Theological Significance
The name Mᵉshêyzabʼêl is a profound theological statement in itself. It embodies the deep conviction of the post-exilic community that their return from Babylon was not a mere political event but a direct act of divine intervention and grace.
1. **Confession of Divine Sovereignty:** The name declares that deliverance originates solely from God. It is a confession of His omnipotence and His active involvement in human history, particularly in the affairs of His covenant people.
2. **Testimony to God's Faithfulness:** Bearing this name served as a constant reminder of God's covenant faithfulness. Despite Israel's disobedience leading to exile, God remained true to His promises, bringing about their restoration.
3. **Hope in Ongoing Deliverance:** For a community facing the daunting task of rebuilding and living under foreign rule, the name "God has delivered" offered a powerful message of hope. It affirmed that the God who delivered them from Babylon was still able to deliver them from present and future challenges.
4. **Identity Rooted in Divine Action:** For individuals named Meshezabel, their very identity was tied to a theological truth. It was a personal and communal affirmation that their existence and well-being were predicated on God's salvific acts.
### Summary
Mᵉshêyzabʼêl (`{{H4898}}`) is a Hebrew name meaning "God has delivered" or "Delivered of God," formed from an Aramaic root for "deliver" and the divine name "El." Its occurrences in [[Nehemiah 10:21]] and [[Nehemiah 11:24]] place it within the context of the post-exilic community, where individuals bearing this name were prominent figures involved in the spiritual and civil reconstruction of Judah. The name itself serves as a powerful theological declaration, affirming God's sovereign power to rescue and His unwavering faithfulness to His people, particularly evident in their miraculous return from Babylonian captivity. It stands as a perpetual reminder that the identity and hope of God's people are intrinsically linked to His ongoing acts of deliverance.
TRV