The Chief of the Levites - Nehemiah 11:16

In the book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah shared about, “the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni”, and in chapter eleven and verse sixteen of Nehemiah, Nehemiah referred to, “the chief of the Levites” where we read,

And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, 

had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.

The verse reads, “And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, ...” Nehemiah began with the words, “and Shabbethai” whose name means “sabbatical” “and Jozabad” or “Jehovah has endowed”, “of the chief” which means “pertaining to the head, top, choicest and captain” “of the Levites” or “belonging to the descendants of Levi whose name means joined to and were specially set aside by God for His service”. Nehemiah shared how “Shabbethai and Jozabad” were captains over the “Levites”.

The verse continues, “... had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.” Nehemiah added the words,“had the oversight” which means “were in charge and overseeing” “of the outward business” or “pertaining to the outside work, labor and service” “of the house of God” which means “pertaining to the habitation, abode and dwelling place belonging to Jehovah God”. Nehemiah shared how “Shabbethai and Jozabad” oversaw the labor which was outside of the temple or dwelling place dedicated to Jehovah God. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Nehemiah about two leaders, Shabbethai and Jozabad, who were overseers to the “Levites” who worked on the outside of the temple in Jerusalem. Each of these men were important enough to God that He had Nehemiah include them in his book. God loves everyone, and when He sent His Son Jesus who was crucified on the cross and raised from the dead three days later, He provided the way for everyone who believes and trusts in Him as their “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of their sins and to receive everlasting life with Him. God places people in positions according to His Divine purpose and plan, and those who are wise will yield to Him and begin their service in the Kingdom of God.

Next time Nehemiah shares about, “the principal to begin thanksgiving in prayer”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".