### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shêrêbᵉyâh**, represented by `{{H8274}}`, means "Jah has brought heat." It appears **8 times** in **8 unique verses** and is the name given to two Israelites mentioned in scripture. This individual, or individuals, played a significant role during the post-exilic period, particularly in the restoration efforts led by Ezra and Nehemiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8274}}` identifies a prominent Levite leader during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He is described as a "man of understanding" [[Ezra 8:18]] from the lineage of **Levi** `{{H3878}}`. Sherebiah was instrumental in the spiritual revival of Israel, helping the **Levites** `{{H3881}}` cause the **people** `{{H5971}}` to **understand** `{{H995}}` the **law** `{{H8451}}` [[Nehemiah 8:7]]. He was also a leader in public worship, standing with other Levites to **bless** `{{H1288}}` the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Nehemiah 9:5]] and was appointed as a **chief** `{{H7218}}` of the Levites to **praise** `{{H1984}}` and **give thanks** `{{H3034}}` [[Nehemiah 12:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Sherebiah is often mentioned alongside other significant Levites who were his contemporaries in leading Israel's restoration:
* `{{H3442}}` **Yêshûwaʻ** (Jeshua): Meaning "he will save," Jeshua was a high-profile leader, often named with Sherebiah in leading worship [[Nehemiah 9:5]], teaching the law [[Nehemiah 8:7]], and overseeing priestly duties [[Nehemiah 12:24]].
* `{{H2811}}` **Chăshabyâh** (Hashabiah): Meaning "Jah has regarded," Hashabiah was another **chief** `{{H7218}}` of the Levites who served with Sherebiah. He was separated with Sherebiah for priestly duties [[Ezra 8:24]] and shared responsibility in leading praise and thanksgiving [[Nehemiah 12:24]].
* `{{H6934}}` **Qadmîyʼêl** (Kadmiel): Meaning "presence of God," Kadmiel is consistently listed with Sherebiah and Jeshua in leading the people in public confession and worship, crying out to **God** `{{H430}}` and blessing His **name** `{{H8034}}` [[Nehemiah 9:4-5]].
### Theological Significance
The role of `{{H8274}}` carries significant theological weight in the context of Israel's restoration.
* **Godly Leadership and Understanding:** Sherebiah is specifically identified as "a **man** `{{H376}}` of **understanding** `{{H7922}}`" [[Ezra 8:18]], highlighting the value God places on wisdom and knowledge of His **law** `{{H8451}}` for those who lead His **people** `{{H5971}}`.
* **Centrality of Worship:** His repeated involvement in leading public **praise** `{{H1984}}`, **thanksgiving** `{{H1960}}`, and blessing God's **glorious** `{{H3519}}` **name** `{{H8034}}` emphasizes that corporate worship is a cornerstone of a restored relationship with **God** `{{H430}}` ([[Nehemiah 9:5]], [[Nehemiah 12:8]]).
* **Covenant Renewal:** Sherebiah is listed among the leaders who sealed the binding agreement to follow God's commandments, demonstrating the importance of active commitment and fidelity to God's covenant [[Nehemiah 10:12]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8274}}` **Shêrêbᵉyâh** is not just a name but represents a key figure in one of Israel's most critical moments of spiritual renewal. As a Levite leader and a man of understanding, he was central to the work of re-instituting the **law** `{{H8451}}` and organizing the worship of God's people after the exile. His life demonstrates the importance of wise leadership, corporate praise, and faithful commitment to God's commandments.
TRV