Barkos is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period when the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. The name "Barkos" appears in the genealogical records of those who returned to Judah, highlighting the importance of lineage and heritage among the returning exiles.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:53 : "the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah,"

2. Nehemiah 7:55 : "the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah,"

In both Ezra and Nehemiah, Barkos is listed among the "temple servants" or "Nethinim," a group of individuals who were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the Temple. The Nethinim were considered a distinct group within the Israelite community, often thought to be descendants of the Gibeonites who were assigned to serve the Levites as woodcutters and water carriers (Joshua 9:27).

Historical and Cultural Context:

The mention of Barkos in the post-exilic records underscores the meticulous efforts of the Jewish community to reestablish their religious and cultural identity after the Babylonian exile. The genealogical lists in Ezra and Nehemiah served not only as a record of those who returned but also as a means of validating claims to land, inheritance, and religious duties.

The role of the Nethinim, including the descendants of Barkos, was crucial in the functioning of the Second Temple. Their service allowed the Levites to focus on their priestly duties, ensuring that the worship and rituals prescribed in the Law of Moses were carried out properly.

Etymology and Meaning:

The name "Barkos" is of uncertain etymology, and its meaning is not explicitly stated in the biblical text. Some scholars suggest that it may have a foreign origin, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of those who served in the Temple.

Theological Significance:

The inclusion of Barkos and other Nethinim in the biblical record highlights the inclusive nature of God's covenant community. Despite their non-Israelite origins, the Nethinim were integrated into the religious life of Israel, demonstrating that service to God transcends ethnic and social boundaries. This theme of inclusion and service is echoed throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing that all who fear the Lord and seek to do His will have a place in His kingdom.

In summary, Barkos represents a group of dedicated servants whose contributions were vital to the restoration and maintenance of Israel's worship practices during a pivotal time in their history. Their presence in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the diverse and multifaceted nature of God's people.Barkos

(painted). "Children of Barkos" were among the Nethinim who returned from the captivity with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:53; Nehemiah 7:55) (B.C. 536.)

Painter, (Ezra 2:53; Nehemiah 7:55). The father of some of the Nethinim. BARKOS

bar'-kos (barqoc, "party-colored" (?) compare Gray, Studies in Hebrew Proper Names, 68, note 2): The descendants of Barkos returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:53 Nehemiah 7:55). Compare Barchus (1 Esdras 5:32).

1302. Barqos -- one of the Nethinim
... 1301, 1302. Barqos. 1303 . one of the Nethinim. Transliteration: Barqos
Phonetic Spelling: (bar-kose') Short Definition: Barkos. ... Barkos. ...
/hebrew/1302.htm - 5kBarkos (2 Occurrences)
... The father of some of the Nethinim. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BARKOS. ... Compare
Barchus (1 Esdras 5:32). Multi-Version Concordance Barkos (2 Occurrences). ...
/b/barkos.htm - 7k

Temah (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Temah (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:53 the children of Barkos,
the children of Sisera, the children of Temah, (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV). ...
/t/temah.htm - 7k

Thamah (2 Occurrences)
... See TEMAH. Multi-Version Concordance Thamah (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:53 The children
of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah, (KJV DBY WBS YLT) ...
/t/thamah.htm - 7k

Sis'era (19 Occurrences)
... against them. (See RSV). Ezra 2:53 the children of Barkos, the children
of Sisera, the children of Temah; (See RSV). Nehemiah 7:55 ...
/s/sis'era.htm - 12k

Sisera (18 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:53 the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of
Temah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah ...
/s/sisera.htm - 17k

Tamah (1 Occurrence)
... See TEMAH. Multi-Version Concordance Tamah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:55 The children
of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah, (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/t/tamah.htm - 6k

Barked (1 Occurrence)

/b/barked.htm - 6k

Barchus
... bar'-kus (Codex Vaticanus, Bachous; Codex Alexandrinus, Barchoue; the King James
Version Charchus, from Aldine edition, Charkous; 1 Esdras 5:32 = Barkos (Ezra 2 ...
/b/barchus.htm - 6k

Barley (35 Occurrences)

/b/barley.htm - 23k

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