### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shôbay**, represented by `{{H7630}}`, identifies a specific Israelite. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The name itself means **Shobai**, and its usage in Scripture is confined to genealogical lists that name the heads of families who returned from the Babylonian exile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Shôbay** `{{H7630}}` is mentioned as the ancestor of a family of Temple porters. Both occurrences are found in parallel lists of returnees from exile. The first list notes "the children of **Shobai**" as part of a group of one hundred and thirty-nine porters [[Ezra 2:42]]. A nearly identical record in a later account lists "the children of **Shobai**" again among the porters, with the total number of families in that group being one hundred and thirty-eight [[Nehemiah 7:45]]. These records highlight the importance of specific families in the restoration of Temple service.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{H7630}}` is clarified by several related words:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (a son): This word establishes **Shobai** as the progenitor of a family line, referred to as "the children{H1121} of Shobai" ([[Ezra 2:42]], [[Nehemiah 7:45]]). The term is foundational to biblical genealogy, used to track lineage and inheritance through generations, as when Moses commands the Israelites to teach God's laws to their **sons** and their **sons**' **sons** [[Deuteronomy 4:9]].
* `{{H7778}}` **shôwʻêr** (doorkeeper, porter): This term defines the specific role held by the descendants of **Shobai**. They were part of the Levitical service, assigned as **porters** or gatekeepers for the Temple. This was an ordained office, with **porters** appointed to their courses to serve at every gate as commanded by David [[2 Chronicles 8:14]].
### Theological Significance
While a personal name, the inclusion of `{{H7630}}` carries significant weight within its context.
* **Preservation of Identity:** The careful recording of **Shobai**'s descendants in the post-exilic census demonstrates the importance of maintaining family lineage. It signifies that each family was accounted for in the restoration of the nation ([[Ezra 2:42]], [[Nehemiah 7:45]]).
* **Restoration of Worship:** The family of **Shobai** is specifically identified with the **porters** `{{H7778}}`, a vital function for the orderly operation of the Temple. Their inclusion emphasizes the priority placed on re-establishing proper worship and service to God after the exile.
* **Dignity of Service:** By naming the families of porters, including that of **Shobai**, the text affirms the value and necessity of every role within the covenant community, no matter how seemingly humble.
### Summary
In summary, **Shôbay** `{{H7630}}` is more than just a name in a genealogical list. Its presence in Ezra and Nehemiah provides a concrete example of the biblical emphasis on lineage and identity in the preservation of God's people. The name is inextricably linked to the sacred role of the Temple **porters**, illustrating that every family and every service was integral to the life and worship of the restored community of Israel.
TRV