Adonikam or Adonikam
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Adonikam is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. His name, which means "The Lord has risen" or "My Lord has arisen," is indicative of the hope and restoration associated with the return from exile. Adonikam is primarily noted for being the head of a family that returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:13 · In the list of those who returned from Babylonian captivity, the descendants of Adonikam are specifically mentioned. The Berean Standard Bible states: "the descendants of Adonikam, 666." This enumeration highlights the significant number of his family members who participated in the return, underscoring their commitment to the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple.

2. Nehemiah 7:18 · This passage parallels the account in Ezra, providing a similar list of returnees. The BSB records: "the descendants of Adonikam, 667." The slight numerical discrepancy between Ezra and Nehemiah is often attributed to variations in record-keeping or the inclusion of additional family members over time.

3. Ezra 8:13 · Adonikam's descendants are again mentioned in the context of a later group returning with Ezra. The BSB notes: "and of the descendants of Adonikam, the last ones, these were their names: Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them 60 men." This passage highlights the continued involvement of Adonikam's family in the efforts to reestablish the Jewish community in Jerusalem.

Historical and Theological Context:

Adonikam's family is part of the larger narrative of the Jewish return from exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history. This return was facilitated by the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, who allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The participation of Adonikam's descendants in this return signifies their dedication to the covenantal promises and their role in the fulfillment of prophetic declarations regarding the restoration of Israel.

Theologically, the return from exile is seen as a manifestation of God's faithfulness to His people. The inclusion of Adonikam's family in the biblical record serves as a testament to the collective effort of the Jewish community to restore their religious and cultural identity. It also reflects the broader theme of redemption and renewal that runs throughout the biblical narrative.

Genealogical Significance:

The genealogical records in Ezra and Nehemiah, including the mention of Adonikam, emphasize the importance of lineage and heritage in the Jewish tradition. These records were crucial for establishing the legitimacy of the returning exiles and their claims to ancestral lands and positions within the community. Adonikam's family, by being listed among the returnees, is recognized as part of the faithful remnant committed to the restoration of Israel.

In summary, Adonikam is a figure whose descendants played a significant role in the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem. His family's inclusion in the biblical genealogies underscores their importance in the historical and theological narrative of the Jewish return from Babylonian captivity.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Adonikam or Adonikam

The sons of Adonikam, 666 in number, were among those who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:13; Nehemiah 7:18); 1Esd 5:14 (B.C. 506-410.) The name is given as ADONIJAH in (Nehemiah 10:16)

Strong's Hebrew
140. Adoniqam -- "my Lord has arisen," head of an Israelite family
... "my Lord has arisen," head of an Israelite family. Transliteration: Adoniqam Phonetic
Spelling: (ad-o-nee-kawm') Short Definition: Adonikam. ... Adonikam. ...
/hebrew/140.htm - 6k
Library

The Apocalypse.
... Not much better is Hengstenberg's explanation: Adonikam, ie, "The Lord arises,"
a good name for Antichrist (2:Thess.2:4)! He bases it on Ezra 2:13: "The ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 101 the apocalypse.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... is proved in the Israelitish epoch by Canaanitish names, such as Adonizedek and
Adonibezek, or Jewish names such as Adonijah, Adonikam, Adoniram-Adoram. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

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