Ahzai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period. His name appears in the genealogical records of the Book of Nehemiah, which provides insight into the restoration of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of the Jewish community following the Babylonian exile.

Biblical Reference:

Ahzai is mentioned in Nehemiah 11:13, which is part of a passage detailing the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the return from exile. The verse reads: "and his brothers, heads of families—242 in all. Also Amashsai son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer" (Nehemiah 11:13). This genealogical listing places Ahzai within the priestly lineage, specifically as an ancestor of Amashsai, who was one of the leaders among the priests residing in Jerusalem.

Historical and Religious Context:

The Book of Nehemiah is set during the Persian period, a time when the Jewish people were allowed to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple and the city of Jerusalem. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, played a crucial role in the reconstruction efforts and the spiritual renewal of the Jewish community. The genealogies and lists of residents, such as the one mentioning Ahzai, serve to establish the continuity of the priestly and Levitical lines, which were essential for the restoration of proper worship and religious practices.

Ahzai's mention, though brief, underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the post-exilic community. The priests and Levites were responsible for maintaining the sacrificial system and the teaching of the Law, which were central to the identity and faith of the Jewish people. By tracing the ancestry of key figures like Amashsai back to Ahzai, the text emphasizes the legitimacy and authority of those serving in the temple.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Ahzai in the genealogical records highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and their religious institutions. Despite the challenges of exile and the subsequent rebuilding efforts, the continuity of the priestly line demonstrates God's commitment to His covenant with Israel. The restoration of the temple and the reestablishment of the priesthood were vital for the spiritual renewal of the nation, allowing the people to once again engage in the worship and service of Yahweh.

Ahzai's place in the biblical narrative, though not elaborated upon in detail, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the priestly families and their role in the life of the post-exilic community. His mention in the genealogies of Nehemiah reflects the broader theme of restoration and hope that characterizes this period in Israel's history.AHZAI

a'-zi ('achzay, "my protector"): A priest who resided in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:13). The the King James Version has Ahasai which is probably the same as Jahzevah of 1 Chronicles 9:12.

273. Achzay -- "Yah has grasped," an Israelite name
... "Yah has grasped," an Israelite name. Transliteration: Achzay Phonetic Spelling:
(akh-zah'ee) Short Definition: Ahzai. ... name NASB Word Usage Ahzai (1). Ahasai. ...
/hebrew/273.htm - 6kAhzai (1 Occurrence)
...AHZAI. a'-zi ('achzay, "my protector"): A priest who resided in Jerusalem (Nehemiah
11:13). ... Multi-Version Concordance Ahzai (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/ahzai.htm - 7k

Ah'zai (1 Occurrence)
Ah'zai. Ahzai, Ah'zai. Ai . Multi-Version Concordance Ah'zai (1 Occurrence).
Nehemiah ... RSV). Ahzai, Ah'zai. Ai . Reference Bible.
/a/ah'zai.htm - 6k

242 (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 11:13 and his brothers, chiefs of fathers' houses, two hundred forty-two;
and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth ...
/num/242.htm - 6k

Jahzerah (1 Occurrence)
... JAHZERAH. ja'-ze-ra, ja-ze'-ra (yachzerah, meaning unknown): In 1 Chronicles 9:12,
an ancestor of Maasai and apparently = "Ahzai" of Nehemiah 11:13. ...
/j/jahzerah.htm - 7k

Immer (10 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:13 and his brothers, chiefs of fathers' houses, two hundred forty-two;
and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth ...
/i/immer.htm - 10k

Forty-two (15 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:13 and his brothers, chiefs of fathers' houses, two hundred forty-two;
and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth ...
/f/forty-two.htm - 10k

Meshillemoth (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:13 and his brothers, chiefs of fathers' houses, two hundred forty-two;
and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth ...
/m/meshillemoth.htm - 8k

Meshil'lemoth (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:13 and his brethren, chiefs of fathers' houses, two hundred forty and
two; and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth ...
/m/meshil'lemoth.htm - 7k

Amashsai (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 11:13 and his brothers, chiefs of fathers' houses, two hundred forty-two;
and Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth ...
/a/amashsai.htm - 7k

Amassai (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 11:13 and his brethren, chief fathers, two hundred and forty-two; and Amassai
the son of Azareel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son ...
/a/amassai.htm - 6k

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