Introduction:
Besai is a name found in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The name is associated with a family or group of individuals who returned from the Babylonian exile and were involved in the service of the temple.

Biblical References:
The primary reference to Besai is found in the book of Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 7:46, Besai is listed among the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. The verse states: "The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth, the descendants of Keros, Sia, Padon, Lebanah, Hagabah, Shalmai, Hanan, Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah, Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam, Uzza, Paseah, Besai, Meunim, Nephusim, Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur, Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha, Barkos, Sisera, Temah, Neziah, and Hatipha."

Historical Context:
The Nethinim were a group of temple servants assigned to assist the Levites in the more menial tasks associated with the temple service. Their origins are somewhat obscure, but they are believed to have been non-Israelites who were integrated into the religious life of Israel, possibly as captives or converts. The return of the Nethinim, including the descendants of Besai, was crucial for the reestablishment of proper worship practices in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem.

Role and Significance:
The inclusion of Besai among the Nethinim highlights the importance of every group and individual in the restoration of Israel's religious and communal life after the exile. The Nethinim, though not of Israelite descent, played a vital role in the functioning of the temple, ensuring that the Levites could focus on their priestly duties. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's inclusive plan, where individuals from various backgrounds are brought into His service.

Genealogical Considerations:
The mention of Besai in the genealogical records underscores the meticulous nature of the post-exilic community in preserving their heritage and religious identity. These records were essential for maintaining the purity and order of temple service, as well as for affirming the continuity of the covenant community.

Theological Implications:
The presence of Besai and the Nethinim in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in restoring His people and the centrality of worship in their communal life. It also illustrates the theme of redemption and the gathering of diverse peoples into the worship of the one true God, a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures.

Conclusion:
While the specific details about Besai are limited, the mention of this name within the context of the Nethinim provides insight into the post-exilic community's dedication to reestablishing their religious practices and the inclusive nature of God's plan for His people.Besai

a despising; dirty

Besai

(sword). "Children of Besai" were among the Nethinim who returned to Judea with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:49; Nehemiah 7:52)

BESAI

be'-si (becay, "downtrodden"): The descendants of Besai (Nethinim) returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:49 Nehemiah 7:52 = Basthai, 1 Esdras 5:31).

1153. Besay -- one of the Nethinim
... 1152, 1153. Besay. 1154 . one of the Nethinim. Transliteration: Besay Phonetic
Spelling: (bes-ah'-ee) Short Definition: Besai. ... Besai. ...
/hebrew/1153.htm - 6kBesai (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BESAI. be'-si (becay, "downtrodden"): The ... 5:31).
Multi-Version Concordance Besai (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:49 ...
/b/besai.htm - 7k

Nephishesim (1 Occurrence)
... Nephishesim (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:52 The children of Besai, the children
of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim, (KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT). ...
/n/nephishesim.htm - 7k

Nephussim (2 Occurrences)
... children of Nephusim; (See NIV). Nehemiah 7:52 the children of Besai, the
children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim; (See NIV). ...
/n/nephussim.htm - 6k

Nephushesim (1 Occurrence)
... Nephushesim (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:52 The children of Besai, the children
of Meunim, the children of Nephushesim, (WEB ASV BBE NAS). ...
/n/nephushesim.htm - 7k

Nephush'esim (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nephush'esim (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:52 the children
of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim; (See RSV). ...
/n/nephush'esim.htm - 6k

Meunim (5 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children
of Nephushesim, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/m/meunim.htm - 8k

Me-u'nim (3 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of
Nephushesim, (See RSV). Meunim, Me-u'nim. Meunites . Reference Bible.
/m/me-u'nim.htm - 7k

Pase'ah (4 Occurrences)
... These are the men of Recah. (See RSV). Ezra 2:49 the children of Uzza, the children
of Paseah, the children of Besai; (See RSV). Nehemiah ...
/p/pase'ah.htm - 7k

Paseah (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Ezra 2:49 the children of Uzza, the children
of Paseah, the children of Besai, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/p/paseah.htm - 8k

Phaseah (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Phaseah (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:49 the children of
Uzza, the children of Phaseah, the children of Besai, (DBY). ...
/p/phaseah.htm - 7k

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