Bible Dictionary
Zabdiel
Zabdiel is the name of the father of Jashobeam, an overseer of priests after the Exile, and an Arabian associated in 1 Maccabees with the death of Alexander Balas.
Definition
Zabdiel is the name of the father of Jashobeam, an overseer of priests after the Exile, and an Arabian associated in 1 Maccabees with Alexander Balas. The name means “gift of God” or “my gift is God.”
Biblical Usage
Zabdiel appears in the genealogical and administrative records of Chronicles and Nehemiah. In 1 Maccabees, an Arabian named Zabdiel beheaded Alexander Balas and sent his head to Ptolemy.
Historical Background
The supplied material notes a textual question concerning whether Zabdiel was father of Jashobeam or Ishbaal. The name is also associated with variant forms and with the office of priestly overseer.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Gift of God. (1.) The father of Jashobeam, who was one of David’s officers (1 Chr. 27:2). (2.) An overseer of the priests after the Captivity (Neh. 11:14).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(gift of God).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>zab'-di-el (zabhdi'el, "my gift is El (God)"; Zabdiel):</p><p>(1) Father of Jashobeam (1Ch 27:2), or rather Ishbaal (Curtis, Chronicles, 290 f).</p><p>(2) An overseer of the priests (Ne 11:14).</p><p>(3) An Arabian who beheaded Alexander Balas and sent his head to Ptolemy (1 Macc 11:17).</p>