Lexical Summary Addan: Addan Original Word: אַדָּן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Addan Intensive from the same as 'eden; firm; Addan, an Israelite -- Addan. see HEBREW 'eden NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as adon Definition a place in Bab. NASB Translation Addan (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַדָּן proper name, of a location in Babylonia Ezra 2:59 (see כְּרוּב proper name) Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingEzra 2:59 records “The following came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addan, and Immer, but they could not prove that their families and ancestry were of Israel”. The verse stands in a census of those who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:1–63). Addan is listed between Kerub and Immer among people unable to document lineage, which resulted in temporary exclusion from priestly service until authoritative confirmation could be obtained (Ezra 2:62). Geographical Considerations Addan is best understood as a locality in the Babylonian sphere rather than an Israelite town. It is paired with Tel Melah and Tel Harsha—sites with the Akkadian loan-word tel (“mound”), suggesting settlements on or near mounds of ancient ruins along the lower Euphrates or its canal system. The post-exilic census preserves the name because descendants identified themselves by their last known homeland in exile. The precise location has not yet been identified archaeologically, but its placement alongside decidedly Babylonian sites supports a Mesopotamian setting. Textual Parallels and Variant Spelling Nehemiah 7:61 repeats the same roster after a generation, using the spelling “Addon.” The shift of the internal consonant likely reflects dialectal pronunciation or scribal orthography, not two separate places. The seamless interlocking of Ezra and Nehemiah affirms the historicity of the return lists and the underlying administrative records preserved by inspired Scripture. Covenantal and Theological Significance 1. Integrity of the Priesthood The inability of the Addan group to verify ancestry underscores the seriousness of maintaining a pure priestly line (Ezra 2:62; compare Leviticus 21:1-15). The post-exilic community prized holiness because the exile itself had been interpreted as divine discipline for covenant breach (2 Kings 17:13-23; Daniel 9:11-14). 2. Importance of Genealogy Genealogies were not genealogical snobbery but covenant credentials. They ensured each tribe received its inheritance (Numbers 26:52-56) and safeguarded messianic promises (2 Samuel 7:12-16). The meticulous record-keeping that sidelined the Addan returnees foreshadows the New Testament focus on Jesus’ verified lineage (Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38). 3. Corporate Identity after Exile Though limitations were placed on the Addan contingent, they were still welcomed into the restored community. Ezra 2 makes no mention of their expulsion—only of deferred priestly functions—demonstrating both holiness and mercy in the covenant community. Historical Insights The mention of Addan highlights the administrative sophistication of Persian-period Judah. Imperial policy allowed returnees to regroup under appointed leadership yet expected accurate documentation. The existence of a group from Addan also attests to the wide dispersion of Judahites in Babylonia after 586 B.C. The hope of return burned brightly enough that families from distant settlements such as Addan were willing to uproot for Zion. Lessons for Ministry Today • Spiritual Heritage: While physical lineage no longer grants standing before God (Galatians 3:28-29), spiritual genealogy—faith in Christ—remains vital (1 Peter 1:3-5). Related Themes and References Nehemiah 7:61 – Parallel list with the spelling “Addon.” Ezra 8:15-20 – Emphasis on qualified ministers for temple service. Malachi 3:3 – Purification of the priesthood as preparation for the coming of the Lord. Revelation 21:27 – Final registry of those written in the Lamb’s book of life, the consummate roll of covenant membership. Addan, though mentioned only once, reinforces the biblical themes of faithful record-keeping, covenant holiness, and God’s redemptive gathering of His dispersed people. Forms and Transliterations אַדָּ֖ן אדן ’ad·dān ’addān adDanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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