Addan is a name mentioned in the context of the post-exilic return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem. The reference to Addan is found in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the return of the Israelites from Babylonian captivity and the subsequent rebuilding of the temple and the city of Jerusalem.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:59 : "The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel." This verse lists Addan among the places or groups of people whose lineage could not be verified upon their return to Jerusalem. The context suggests that these individuals were part of the larger group of exiles returning under the decree of Cyrus, King of Persia, who allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple.

2. Nehemiah 7:61 : "The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel." This passage mirrors the account in Ezra, reiterating the uncertainty regarding the genealogical records of those associated with Addan. Nehemiah's account serves to confirm the historical record of the returnees and the challenges they faced in establishing their heritage and rightful place within the community of Israel.

Historical and Theological Context:

The mention of Addan in these genealogical records highlights the importance of lineage and identity for the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. The return from Babylonian exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking a period of restoration and renewal. However, it also presented challenges, such as the verification of tribal and familial affiliations, which were crucial for participation in religious and civic life.

The inability of some groups, including those associated with Addan, to prove their Israelite descent underscores the disruption caused by the exile. It reflects the broader theme of restoration and the re-establishment of covenant identity, which is central to the narrative of Ezra and Nehemiah. These books emphasize the faithfulness of God in bringing His people back to the land He promised to their ancestors, despite the challenges they faced.

Significance:

The mention of Addan, though brief, serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in the return from exile and the reconstitution of the Jewish community. It highlights the meticulous nature of the genealogical records and the importance placed on maintaining the purity of the Israelite lineage. This concern for genealogical integrity is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people.

In summary, Addan is part of the historical record of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile, representing the broader challenges of re-establishing identity and continuity with the past. The references to Addan in Ezra and Nehemiah contribute to the understanding of the post-exilic period and the efforts to restore the community of Israel in accordance with God's promises.Addan

(strong or stony), one of the places from which some of the captivity returned with Zerubbabel to Judea who could not show their pedigree as Israelites. (Ezra 2:59) Called ADDON (Nehemiah 7:61)

ADDAN

ad'-an ('addan; in Ne 'addon; connected in some way with the name of the god Addu): A name mentioned in the list of the returning exiles (Ezra 2:59, duplicated in Nehemiah 7:61). It is one of several names of Babylonian localities from which came men who were unable to declare their genealogy as Israelites.

135. Addan -- a place in Babylon
... 134, 135. Addan. 136 . a place in Babylon. Transliteration: Addan Phonetic
Spelling: (ad-dawn') Short Definition: Addan. ... NASB Word Usage Addan (1). Addan. ...
/hebrew/135.htm - 6kAddan (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ADDAN. ad'-an ('addan; in Ne ... as Israelites.
Multi-Version Concordance Addan (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:59 ...
/a/addan.htm - 7k

Cherub-addan (1 Occurrence)
Cherub-addan. Cherub, Cherub-addan. Cherub-addon . Multi-Version
Concordance Cherub-addan (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:59 ...
/c/cherub-addan.htm - 6k

Cherub (21 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed ...
/c/cherub.htm - 18k

Addar (5 Occurrences)

/a/addar.htm - 8k

Addon (2 Occurrences)
... their genealogies. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ADDON. ad'-on. See ADDAN.
Multi-Version Concordance Addon (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2 ...
/a/addon.htm - 7k

Kerub (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed ...
/k/kerub.htm - 6k

Jehoaddan (2 Occurrences)
... je-ho-ad'-an (yeho`addan, meaning unknown): In 2 Chronicles 25:1; and Qere, the
King James Version in 2 Kings 14:2, where Kethibh and the Revised Version ...
/j/jehoaddan.htm - 7k

Immer (10 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed ...
/i/immer.htm - 10k

Telharsa (1 Occurrence)
... Ezra 2:59 And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed ...
/t/telharsa.htm - 6k

Tel-me'lah (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 And these were they that went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer; but they could not tell their fathers' houses, and their seed ...
/t/tel-me'lah.htm - 7k

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