Who was Hashbaddanah in the Bible?

Man living at the time of Exile and Return

Hashbaddanah is a person mentioned only once in the Bible, in Nehemiah 8:4. From a biblical point of view, we can glean some insights about this individual based on the context in which he is mentioned.

In Nehemiah 8:4, it says, Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

From this passage, we see that Hashbaddanah was one of the individuals present during a significant event in the history of Israel – the reading of the Law by Ezra after the people had returned from exile. The fact that he is mentioned among the group standing next to Ezra indicates that he held some position of importance or at least was recognized as a faithful member of the community.

While the Bible does not provide us with any additional information about Hashbaddanah, we can infer that he was likely a devout follower of God who was eager to hear and learn from the Law being read. His presence at this gathering signifies his commitment to the teachings of God and his desire to be part of the restoration of the Israelite community after the exile.

In conclusion, Hashbaddanah is a relatively obscure figure in the Bible, but his inclusion in the list of those present during the reading of the Law in Nehemiah 8:4 highlights his participation in a crucial moment of spiritual renewal and recommitment to God’s Word among the returned exiles. As a biblical, we can appreciate his faithfulness and dedication to God in the midst of challenging circumstances.