Bavvai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah. He is recognized for his role during the period of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, an event that took place under the leadership of Nehemiah after the Babylonian exile. This period is significant in Jewish history as it marks the restoration of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their ancestral homeland.

Biblical Reference:

Bavvai is mentioned in Nehemiah 3:18. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Next to him, their fellow Levites made repairs under Bavvai son of Henadad, ruler of the other half-district of Keilah." This passage highlights Bavvai's involvement in the communal effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, a task that was both a physical and spiritual undertaking for the Jewish people.

Role and Significance:

Bavvai is identified as the son of Henadad and is noted as a ruler of the half-district of Keilah. His leadership role in the reconstruction project underscores the collaborative effort among various leaders and groups within the Jewish community. The mention of Bavvai and others in Nehemiah 3 illustrates the organized and systematic approach taken to restore the city's fortifications, with different sections of the wall being assigned to different families and groups.

The rebuilding of the walls was not merely a construction project but a symbol of renewal and divine favor. It represented the re-establishment of Jerusalem as a fortified city and a center of worship for the Jewish people. Leaders like Bavvai played a crucial part in this endeavor, demonstrating commitment to their faith and community.

Historical and Theological Context:

The Book of Nehemiah is set during the Persian period, following the decree of King Artaxerxes I, which allowed Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem and oversee the reconstruction efforts. This period is marked by a strong emphasis on covenant renewal and adherence to the Law of Moses. The rebuilding of the walls was accompanied by spiritual reforms, including the public reading of the Law and the renewal of the covenant, as seen in Nehemiah 8-10.

Bavvai's participation in the rebuilding project reflects the broader theme of restoration and faithfulness to God's promises. The cooperation among the Jewish leaders and their dedication to the task at hand serve as a testament to their reliance on God's guidance and provision.

Conclusion:

While Bavvai is a relatively minor figure in the biblical narrative, his contribution to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls is part of a larger account of redemption and restoration. His involvement exemplifies the collective effort and unity required to achieve the monumental task of rebuilding not only the physical structures of Jerusalem but also the spiritual identity of the Jewish people.BAVVAI

bav'-a-i (bawway; Septuagint Codex Alexandrinus, Benei; Codex Vaticanus, Bedei; the King James Version Bavai, "wisher" (?) (Nehemiah 3:18)): Perhaps identical with or a brother of Binnui (Nehemiah 3:24). See BINNUI. Bavvai, "the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah," was of a Levitical family. He is mentioned as one of those who repaired the wall of Jerusalem after the return from Babylon (Nehemiah 3:17 f).

942. Bavvai -- an Israelite
... 941, 942. Bavvai. 943 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Bavvai Phonetic Spelling:
(bav-vah'ee) Short Definition: Bavvai. ... NASB Word Usage Bavvai (1). Bavai. ...
/hebrew/942.htm - 5kBavvai (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAVVAI. ... See BINNUI. Bavvai, "the son of Henadad,
the ruler of half the district of Keilah," was of a Levitical family. ...
/b/bavvai.htm - 7k

Binnui (7 Occurrences)
... part of the wall of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 3:24), and sealed the covenant with Nehemiah
(Nehemiah 10:9). In all probability he is identical with "Bavvai, the son ...
/b/binnui.htm - 10k

Bav'vai (1 Occurrence)
Bav'vai. Bavvai, Bav'vai. Bay . ... Nehemiah 3:18 After him repaired their brethren,
Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah. ...
/b/bav'vai.htm - 6k

Keilah (16 Occurrences)
... district. After him repaired their brethren, Bavvai the son of Henadad, the
ruler of half the district of Keilah" (Nehemiah 3:17, 18). ...
/k/keilah.htm - 15k

Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Nehemiah 3:18 After him repaired their brethren, Bavvai the son of
Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah. (See RSV). ...
/k/kei'lah.htm - 10k

Repairs (24 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Nehemiah 3:18 After him repaired their brethren, Bavvai the son of
Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah. (See NAS NIV). ...
/r/repairs.htm - 13k

Bavai (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAVAI. bav'-ai. See BAVVAI. Multi-Version
Concordance Bavai (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 3:18 After him ...
/b/bavai.htm - 6k

Repaired (46 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Nehemiah 3:18 After him repaired their brothers,
Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah. ...
/r/repaired.htm - 21k

Official (45 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Nehemiah 3:18 After him repaired their brothers, Bavvai the son of
Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah. (See NAS). ...
/o/official.htm - 20k

Half-district (4 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Nehemiah 3:18 After him repaired their brethren, Bavvai the son of
Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah. (See NIV). ...
/h/half-district.htm - 7k

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