Bible Dictionary
Sherebiah
Sherebiah was a post-exilic Levite or priest who joined Ezra, helped guard the temple gifts, assisted in explaining the Law, and sealed the covenant.
Definition
Sherebiah was a post-exilic Levite or priest associated with Ezra and Nehemiah. He joined Ezra, helped oversee the temple gifts, assisted in explaining the Law, participated in public confession, and sealed the covenant.
Biblical Usage
Sherebiah served with the Levites who helped the people understand the Law, took part in confession, and signed the covenant made with Nehemiah. His name also appears in lists of Levites.
Historical Background
The name has a doubtful form and interpretation, perhaps “God has sent burning heat.” Greek versions give forms such as Sarabia and Sarabias.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Flame of the Lord, a priest whose name is prominent in connection with the work carried on by Ezra and Nehemiah at Jerusalem (Ezra 8:17, 18, 24-30; Neh. 8:7; 9:4, 5; 10:12).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(heat of Jehovah) a Levite in the time of Ezra. (Ezra 8:18,24) (B.C. 459.) When Ezra read the law to the people, Sherebiah was among the Levites who assisted him. (Nehemiah 8:7) He signed the covenant with Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:12)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sher-e-bi'-a, she-reb'-ya (sherebhyah, "God has sent burning heat"(?); the form is doubtful): A post-exilic priest and family. Sherebiah, who joined Ezra at the river Ahava (Ezr 8:18; the Septuagint omits), and had charge, along with eleven others, of the silver and gold and vessels for the Temple (Ezr 8:24, Codex Vaticanus and Codex Alexandrinus Saraia, Lucian, Sarabias). He aided in the exposition of the Law (Ne 8:7), was among those who made public confession (Ne 9:4) and sealed the covenant (Ne 10:12 (13)). His name also appears in Ne 12:8,24. In every passage listed above except 10:12 (13), Codex Vaticanus and Codex Alexandrinus read Sarabia, Lucian, Sarabias. In 1 Esdras 8:47 the name appears as "Asebebia," the Revised Version (British and American) "Asebebias"; in 1 Esdras 8:54, "Esebrias," the Revised Version (British and American) "Eserebias," and 1 Esdras 9:48, "Sarabias." Many of the companion-names on the lists are plainly ethnic (Cheyne).</p><p>Horace J. Wolf</p>