Bible Dictionary
Tabeel
Tabeel was a Persian official in Samaria who joined others in writing against the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The same or a similar name also belongs to the father of a proposed claimant to Judah’s throne.
Definition
Tabeel is a name meaning “good is God” borne by two Old Testament persons. One was the father of the proposed claimant to Judah’s throne; the other was a Persian official in Samaria.
Biblical Usage
The Persian official joined other officials in sending a letter to Artaxerxes to hinder the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The other Tabeel is associated with the plan of the kings of Syria and Israel against Judah.
Historical Background
The name’s form may suggest Syrian origin for the father of the proposed claimant. The Persian official served in Samaria during the opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A Persian governor of Samaria, who joined others in the attempt to prevent the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Ezra 4:7).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ta'-be-el: A name meaning "good is God," borne by two persons in the Old Testament (Isa 7:6, the King James Version, "Tabeal").</p><p>(1) The father of the man whom the kings of Israel and Damascus planned to place upon the throne of Judah (Isa 7:6). The form of the name Tabhe'el, suggests that he was a Syrian; his son evidently was a tool of Rezin, king of Damascus. The name is vocalized so as to read Tebeal (Tabhe'al), which might be translated "good for nothing," though some explain it as a pausal form, with the ordinary meaning. The change, probably due to a desire to express contempt, is very slight in Hebrew.</p><p>(2) A Persian official in Samaria (Tabhe'el) (Ezr 4:7). All that is known of him is that he joined with other officials in sending a letter to Artaxerxes for the purpose of hindering the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.</p><p>F. C. Eiselen</p>