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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Shobai</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/shobai.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/ezra/2-42.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/shobai.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Shobai</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/s/shobach--captain_of_the_army_of_hadarezer;_killed_by_david's_army.htm" title="Shobach: Captain of the Army of Hadarezer; Killed by David's Army">◄</a> Shobai <a href="/topical/s/sho'bai.htm" title="Sho'bai">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#hit" title="Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary">Hitchcock's</a> • <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Shobai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. He is identified as the head of a family of temple servants, known as the Nethinim, who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The Nethinim were a group of temple assistants assigned to aid the Levites in their duties, and they played a crucial role in the restoration of worship practices in Jerusalem after the return from captivity.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>1. <b><a href="/ezra/2-42.htm">Ezra 2:42</a> :</b> "The descendants of the gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai, 139 in all." This verse lists Shobai among the gatekeepers, a specific group within the Nethinim, highlighting their role in maintaining the security and sanctity of the temple.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/nehemiah/7-45.htm">Nehemiah 7:45</a> :</b> "The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai, 138 in all." This passage mirrors the account in Ezra, reaffirming the presence and importance of Shobai's family in the post-exilic community.<br><br><b>Historical and Religious Context:</b><br><br>The Nethinim, including Shobai's family, were integral to the functioning of the Second Temple. Their duties likely included various forms of manual labor, maintenance, and assistance in the sacrificial system, ensuring that the Levites could focus on their priestly responsibilities. The mention of Shobai in the genealogical records underscores the continuity and preservation of Israel's religious heritage, even after the disruption of the Babylonian exile.<br><br>The return of the Nethinim, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, signifies the re-establishment of proper worship and the reconstitution of the community's religious identity. Shobai's inclusion in these records highlights the faithfulness of the returning exiles to adhere to the traditions and structures ordained by God for the worship in the temple.<br><br><b>Theological Significance:</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, the mention of Shobai and the Nethinim reflects God's providence and faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people. Despite the challenges of exile, the returnees, including Shobai's family, were committed to restoring the temple and its services, demonstrating their dedication to God's covenant. This restoration was a fulfillment of prophetic promises and a testament to the enduring nature of God's plans for His people.<br><br>Shobai's role, though seemingly minor, is a reminder of the importance of every member within the body of believers. Each individual's contribution, no matter how small, is vital to the overall functioning and health of the community of faith. The account of Shobai and the Nethinim serves as an encouragement for believers to faithfully serve in their God-given roles, trusting that their efforts contribute to the greater purpose of glorifying God.<a name="hit" id="hit"></a><div class="vheading2">Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Shobai</span><p>turning captivity<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Shobai</span><p>(<i>glorious</i>). The children of Shobai were a family of the door-keepers of the temple, who returned with Zerubbabel. (<a href="/ezra/2-42.htm">Ezra 2:42</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/7-45.htm">Nehemiah 7:45</a>) (B.C. before 536.)<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>Captors (<a href="/ezra/2-42.htm">Ezra 2:42</a>). <a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">SHOBAI</span><p>sho'-bi, sho-ba'-i, sho'-ba-i (shobhay; Codex Vaticanus Abaou; Codex Alexandrinus Lucian, Sobai): The head of one of the families which returned from the Babylonian captivity (<a href="/ezra/2-42.htm">Ezra 2:42</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-45.htm">Nehemiah 7:45</a>).<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/7630.htm"><span class="l">7630. Shobay -- head of a family of gatekeepers</span></a><br><b>...</b> 7629, 7630. Shobay. 7631 . head of a family of gatekeepers. Transliteration:<br> Shobay Phonetic Spelling: (sho-bah'-ee) Short Definition: <b>Shobai</b>. <b>...</b> <b>Shobai</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/7630.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/shobai.htm"><span class="l"><b>Shobai</b> (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Easton's Bible Dictionary Captors (Ezra 2:42). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.<br><b>SHOBAI</b>. <b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Shobai</b> (2 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shobai.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sho'bai.htm"><span class="l">Sho'bai (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Sho'bai. <b>Shobai</b>, Sho'bai. Shobal . Multi-Version Concordance Sho'bai (2<br> Occurrences). <b>...</b> (See RSV). <b>Shobai</b>, Sho'bai. Shobal . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sho'bai.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/talmon.htm"><span class="l">Talmon (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon,<br> the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of <b>Shobai</b>, in all <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/talmon.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/akkub.htm"><span class="l">Akkub (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon,<br> the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of <b>Shobai</b>, in all <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/akkub.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/ater.htm"><span class="l">Ater (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon,<br> the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of <b>Shobai</b>, in all <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/ater.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/door-keepers.htm"><span class="l">Door-keepers (34 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children<br> of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of <b>Shobai</b>, a hundred and <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/door-keepers.htm - 17k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/doorkeepers.htm"><span class="l">Doorkeepers (37 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children<br> of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of <b>Shobai</b>, in all a hundred <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/doorkeepers.htm - 18k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/porters.htm"><span class="l">Porters (34 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon,<br> the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of <b>Shobai</b>, in all <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/porters.htm - 17k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/hati'ta.htm"><span class="l">Hati'ta (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon,<br> the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of <b>Shobai</b>, in all a <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/hati'ta.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/hatita.htm"><span class="l">Hatita (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon,<br> the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of <b>Shobai</b>, in all <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/hatita.htm - 7k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Shobai (2 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezra/2-42.htm">Ezra 2:42</a></span><br />The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of <span class="boldtext">Shobai</span>, in all one hundred thirty-nine.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/nehemiah/7-45.htm">Nehemiah 7:45</a></span><br />The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of <span class="boldtext">Shobai</span>, one hundred thirty-eight.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/shobai.htm">Shobai</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/s/shobai--a_porter,_whose_descendants_returned_to_jerusalem_with_zerubbabel.htm">Shobai: A Porter, Whose Descendants Returned to Jerusalem With Zerubbabel</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shobal.htm">Shobal (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shobai.htm">Shobai (2 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/s/shobach--captain_of_the_army_of_hadarezer;_killed_by_david's_army.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Shobach: Captain of the Army of Hadarezer; 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