Lexical Summary Charsha: Charsha Original Word: חַרְשָׁא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Harsha From Cheresh; magician; Charsha, one of the Nethinim -- Harsha. see HEBREW Cheresh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as cheresh Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Harsha (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs חַרְשָׁא proper name, masculine head of a family of returning exiles Ezra 2:52 ᵐ5 Αρησα, ᵐ5L Βαασα, = Nehemiah 7:54 ᵐ5 Αδασα. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Harsha is named twice, both times in post-exilic registers of returnees: Ezra 2:52 and Nehemiah 7:54. In each list the “descendants of Harsha” appear among the groups of Nethinim—temple servants who accompanied Zerubbabel back to Judah. Historical Setting The name surfaces in the context of the first wave of repatriation from Babylon (circa 538 B.C.). Cyrus of Persia had issued a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4). Among the approximately fifty thousand who responded were divisions of priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and Nethinim (Ezra 2:40-58). The Nethinim were hereditary assistants assigned to the Levites for duties tied to the sanctuary and its precincts (compare Numbers 31:30; Ezra 8:20). Harsha represents one of the clans within that specialized body. Role among the Nethinim 1. Continuity of Service. 2. Support Ministry. 3. Covenant Fidelity. Spiritual Significance • Mutual Dependence within God’s People. The lists in Ezra and Nehemiah juxtapose priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and Nethinim, portraying a body in which every role matters (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:21-23). Harsha’s clan reminds readers that seemingly humble service is indispensable to corporate worship. • Restoration and Hope. The record of Harsha amid post-exilic registries embodies the larger biblical theme that God preserves a remnant and restores worship after judgment (Jeremiah 29:10-14). Their willingness to leave Babylon for Jerusalem models obedience that trusts divine timing. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry 1. Valuing Hidden Labor. Modern congregations often celebrate visible gifts, yet the descendants of Harsha illustrate the Lord’s recognition of behind-the-scenes faithfulness (Hebrews 6:10). Related Old Testament Themes • Temple Servanthood: Joshua 9:23, Ezra 8:20 Summary Although mentioned only twice, Harsha designates a family whose dedication to temple duties contributed to reestablishing Israel’s worship after the exile. Their appearance in the inspired record highlights the value God places on faithful, often unseen, service that upholds communal devotion and advances redemptive purposes. Forms and Transliterations חַרְשָֽׁא׃ חרשא׃ charSha ḥar·šā ḥaršāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:52 HEB: מְחִידָ֖א בְּנֵ֥י חַרְשָֽׁא׃ NAS: of Mehida, the sons of Harsha, KJV: of Mehida, the children of Harsha, INT: of Mehida the sons of Harsha Nehemiah 7:54 2 Occurrences |
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