Lexical Summary Milalay: Milalai Original Word: מִלֲלַי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Milalai From malal; talkative; Milalai, an Israelite -- Milalai. see HEBREW malal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom malal Definition an Isr. musician NASB Translation Milalai (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs ִמלֲלִי proper name, masculine a priest's son, Nehemiah 12:36. Topical Lexicon Designation Milalai (Strong’s Hebrew 4450 מִלֲלַי) appears once in the Old Testament and is remembered as a Levitical musician in the days of Nehemiah. Biblical Context Nehemiah 12:36 lists him among those who “went with musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God.” He belongs to the procession of priests and Levites who circled Jerusalem’s newly rebuilt wall to dedicate it with thanksgiving. Historical Background The dedication occurred around 444 B.C. after the return from Babylonian exile. The restored community intentionally mirrored the pattern established by David centuries earlier (compare 1 Chronicles 15:16; 25:1). By retaining the Davidic order, Nehemiah emphasized continuity with Israel’s covenant history. Liturgical Role Milalai, likely of Asaphite descent, served as a vocalist or instrumentalist. His inclusion signals that musical worship was not an optional embellishment but a God-ordained ministry. Instruments such as cymbals, harps, and lyres (1 Chronicles 25:6) accompanied corporate praise, underscoring joy and reverence. Theological Significance 1. Preservation of Covenant Worship God safeguarded Levitical service through exile, keeping His promise of restoration (Jeremiah 33:11). Lessons for Ministry Today • Fidelity to Scripture Church musicians and worship leaders are called to root their practices in biblical precedent while cultivating heartfelt praise (Colossians 3:16). Summary Milalai’s single appearance in Nehemiah encapsulates the restoration of biblical worship, the continuity of covenant faithfulness, and the enduring significance of every obedient servant in God’s redemptive narrative. Forms and Transliterations מִֽלֲלַ֡י מללי mi·lă·lay milaLai milălayLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 12:36 HEB: שְֽׁמַעְיָ֡ה וַעֲזַרְאֵ֡ל מִֽלֲלַ֡י גִּֽלֲלַ֡י מָעַ֞י NAS: Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, KJV: and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, INT: Shemaiah Azarel Milalai Gilalai Maai 1 Occurrence |
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