Lexical Summary Chattil: Snare, net Original Word: חַטִּיל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hattil From an unused root apparently meaning to wave; fluctuating; Chattil, one of "Solomon's servants" -- Hattil. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Hattil (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs חַטִּיל proper name, masculine head of a family of 'the children of Solomon's servants' Ezra 2:57 ᵐ5 Αττεια, A Αττιλ = Nehemiah 7:59 ᵐ5 Εγηλ, A Εττηλ, ᵐ5L Αττιλ in both. Topical Lexicon Biblical References Historical Background The name חַטִּיל (Hattil) surfaces only in the post-exilic census lists that record those who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel after the decree of Cyrus (circa 538 BC). These lists were preserved to certify the legitimate membership of the restored community and to ensure proper staffing of temple functions that would resume in Jerusalem. Role among the Returning Exiles Hattil is listed among “the descendants of the servants of Solomon” (Ezra 2:55-58; Nehemiah 7:57-60), a separate grouping from the Levites, priests, and Nethinim. Solomon had assigned certain foreign peoples to serve in the temple precincts (1 Kings 9:20-21), and their descendants evidently maintained a distinct corporate identity through the exile. The sons of Hattil were part of this hereditary corps. Their presence shows both the inclusiveness and the ordered structure of the restored community: even families of non-Israelite origin were welcomed back, yet their specific service roles were still defined. Position within the Temple Community Although not Levites, the descendants of Hattil were integrated into the temple workforce. They likely performed labor necessary for worship—wood-cutting, water-drawing, maintenance, and other support tasks that freed priests and Levites for sacrificial and musical duties (compare Joshua 9:27). Their recognition in the inspired record affirms that the Lord values every level of ministry that upholds His worship. Textual Observations The notes slight name variation between the two occurrences (“Ami” in Ezra; “Amon” in Nehemiah). Such orthographic differences are characteristic of parallel lists compiled at different times but do not affect the identification of Hattil. The careful maintenance of these records underscores the commitment to genealogical accuracy in Scripture. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. God remembers the “hidden” servants. The sons of Hattil are named once for all generations, illustrating the principle that “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10). Lessons for Contemporary Believers • Because Scripture records even minor families, believers may serve confidently, knowing that unseen labor is precious to God. Summary Hattil represents a little-known but indispensable strand in the tapestry of Israel’s restoration. Though mentioned only twice, his family’s faithful return and ongoing service demonstrate that God’s purposes advance through both prominent leaders and quiet laborers who stand ready to rebuild worship for His glory. Forms and Transliterations חַטִּ֗יל חטיל chatTil ḥaṭ·ṭîl ḥaṭṭîlLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:57 HEB: שְׁפַטְיָ֣ה בְנֵֽי־ חַטִּ֗יל בְּנֵ֛י פֹּכֶ֥רֶת NAS: the sons of Hattil, the sons KJV: the children of Hattil, the children INT: of Shephatiah the sons of Hattil the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim Nehemiah 7:59 2 Occurrences |
    |