Basaloth is a name mentioned in the genealogical records of the post-exilic community of Israel. The name appears in the context of the returnees from the Babylonian exile, specifically in the list of the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple.

Biblical Reference:
The name Basaloth is found in the book of Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 7:54, the Berean Standard Bible records: "The descendants of Bazluth, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha." Here, Basaloth is rendered as "Bazluth" in the BSB translation. This list is part of a larger enumeration of the people who returned to Jerusalem and Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua.

Historical Context:
The Nethinim, to which the descendants of Basaloth belonged, were a group of temple servants whose origins are somewhat obscure. Their name, derived from the Hebrew root "nathan," meaning "to give," suggests that they were given or dedicated to the service of the temple. They are believed to have been non-Israelites who were integrated into the community of Israel to perform menial tasks in the temple, thus allowing the Levites to focus on their priestly duties.

The return from exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking the restoration of the Jewish community in their ancestral homeland and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. The inclusion of the Nethinim in the genealogical records underscores their importance in the religious life of the post-exilic community.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the mention of Basaloth and the Nethinim highlights the inclusive nature of God's covenant community. Despite their foreign origins, the Nethinim were incorporated into the life and worship of Israel, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's grace extending beyond ethnic and national boundaries. This inclusion serves as a precursor to the New Testament revelation of the gospel being available to all nations.

Cultural and Religious Role:
The Nethinim, including the descendants of Basaloth, played a crucial role in the functioning of the Second Temple. Their service ensured that the daily operations and rituals of the temple could be carried out efficiently. This allowed the Levites and priests to focus on their primary responsibilities of teaching the Law and leading worship.

In summary, Basaloth represents a lineage within the Nethinim, a group integral to the religious and cultural restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. Their presence in the biblical record serves as a testament to the diverse composition of the community that returned to rebuild Jerusalem and reestablish the worship of Yahweh.BASALOTH

bas'-a-loth (A, Baaloth; B, Basalem; 1 Esdras 5:31 = Bazluth (Ezra 2:52) and Bazlith (Nehemiah 7:54)): The descendants of Basaloth (temple-servants) returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem.

Basaloth
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BASALOTH. bas'-a-loth (A, Baaloth; B, Basalem;
1 Esdras 5:31 = Bazluth (Ezra 2:52) and Bazlith (Nehemiah ...
/b/basaloth.htm - 6k

Barzil'lai (10 Occurrences)
Barzil'lai. Barzillai, Barzil'lai. Basaloth . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Barzillai, Barzil'lai. Basaloth . Reference Bible.
/b/barzil'lai.htm - 9k

Bazluth (1 Occurrence)
... baz'-lith, baz'-luth (batslith, Nehemiah 7:54; batsluth, Ezra 2:52; Basaloth, 1
Esdras 5:31, "asking"): The descendants of Bazlith (temple-servants) returned ...
/b/bazluth.htm - 7k

Bazlith (1 Occurrence)
... baz'-lith, baz'-luth (batslith, Nehemiah 7:54; batsluth, Ezra 2:52; Basaloth, 1
Esdras 5:31, "asking"): The descendants of Bazlith (temple-servants) returned ...
/b/bazlith.htm - 7k

Bascama

/b/bascama.htm - 6k

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