Mattithiah, Son of Nebo
A descendant of Nebo during the post-exilic period who was among the men identified by Ezra for having married foreign women.
Mattithiah, a descendant of Nebo, is a minor figure mentioned in the biblical record of the Jewish return from the Babylonian exile. His name, which translates to 'Gift of Yahweh,' appears within a specific legal and genealogical context in the book of Ezra, specifically regarding the purification of the community through the dissolution of unauthorized marriages.
His presence in the text is limited to a single catalog of names, placing him among a group of men who had taken foreign wives during the restoration of Jerusalem. While little is known of his personal life, his inclusion in the public record highlights the strict social and religious reforms led by Ezra the Scribe between 458 BC and 457 BC.
Background and Family
The biblical record identifies Mattithiah as a descendant of Nebo. While the term 'Nebo' typically refers to a Babylonian deity or a specific geographical location in Moab, in the context of the return from exile, it represents a specific ancestral house or family line (Ezra 2:29). Mattithiah was part of the post-exilic community that returned to the land of Judah, participating in the fragile reconstruction of Jewish national and spiritual life under Persian oversight.
Major Life Events
The only documented event involving Mattithiah occurs during the reforms of Ezra. Upon Ezra’s arrival in Jerusalem in 458 BC, he discovered that many Israelites, including those of high standing, had intermarried with the surrounding pagan populations (Canaanites, Hittites, and others). This was viewed as a violation of the Mosaic Law, which forbade such unions to prevent the infiltration of idolatry.
Mattithiah is listed in Ezra 10:43 as one of the seven sons of Nebo who had married foreign women. Along with Jeiel, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah, Mattithiah was required to appear before the local elders and judges. The account concludes with these men agreeing to put away their wives and children and offering a guilt offering of a ram from the flock for their offense.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Mattithiah is directly linked to Ezra the Scribe, though only through the medium of the investigative commission Ezra established. He is listed alongside six other kinsmen—Jeiel, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah—as the 'descendants of Nebo' who were found to be in transgression of the law. No further personal details or specific family roles are provided for Mattithiah beyond this collective identification.
Spiritual Significance
In the biblical narrative, Mattithiah serves as a representative of the challenges facing the remnant that returned from Babylon. His inclusion in the text serves a dual purpose: first, as a historical record of the specific families involved in the restoration, and second, as a cautionary example regarding the maintenance of religious purity. The naming of Mattithiah in this list underscores the gravity of Ezra’s reforms, where individual family members were held publicly accountable for their adherence to the covenantal laws of Israel.
Spiritual Significance
Mattithiah’s inclusion in the list of those who married foreign wives illustrates the rigorous efforts to preserve Jewish identity and religious distinctiveness during the Post-Exilic Period. His story represents the tension between the returning exiles and the indigenous populations, and the extreme measures taken to ensure the community remained dedicated to the Law of Moses.
His mention provides genealogical continuity for the house of Nebo, confirming that this family survived the Babylonian captivity and remained a recognized lineage within the restored community. Though he is mentioned only once, he stands as a testament to the administrative and spiritual oversight exercised by Ezra during the reconstruction of Judah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mattithiah, son of Nebo?
He was a Jewish man who returned from the Babylonian exile and was recorded in the book of Ezra for having married a foreign woman.
What did Mattithiah have to do according to the book of Ezra?
As part of Ezra's reforms, Mattithiah and others who had intermarried with foreign populations were required to divorce their wives and offer a guilt offering.
Which tribe did Mattithiah belong to?
The Bible does not specify his tribe, only that he was a descendant of the house of Nebo.
When did Mattithiah live?
Mattithiah lived during the Post-Exilic Period, specifically during the time of Ezra’s reforms in the mid-5th century BC (c. 458 BC).
What does the name Mattithiah mean?
The name Mattithiah is Hebrew for 'Gift of Yahweh'.
Connected Figures
Ezra
Priest and scribe who led the reforms involving Mattithiah
Joel
Kinsman and fellow descendant of Nebo
Benaiah
Kinsman and fellow descendant of Nebo
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Ezra1
Others Named Mattithiah
Mattithiah, Firstborn Son of Shallum1 Chronicles 9:31
A Levite of the Korahite family who served as a gatekeeper and was entrusted with the sacred duty of baking the flat cakes for the sanctuary during the post-exilic return.
Mattithiah, Levite of the United Monarchy1 Chronicles 15:18
A Levite musician and gatekeeper during the reign of King David who played the lyre during the transport of the Ark of the Covenant.
Mattithiah, Assistant to EzraNehemiah 8:4
A Jewish leader who stood beside Ezra the scribe during the public reading of the Law in post-exilic Jerusalem.