Bilgai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Nehemiah. The name "Bilgai" appears in the context of the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity and were involved in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of their religious and social structures.

Biblical Reference:

Bilgai is mentioned in Nehemiah 10:8, where he is listed among the priests who sealed the covenant. This covenant was a solemn agreement made by the leaders, priests, Levites, and the people of Israel to follow the Law of God given through Moses. The sealing of the covenant was a significant event, symbolizing the people's commitment to adhere to God's commandments and to separate themselves from the surrounding nations in terms of religious practices and social customs.

Nehemiah 10:8 states: "Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah. These were the priests."

Historical and Religious Context:

The book of Nehemiah details the efforts of Nehemiah, a Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and to restore the spiritual and communal life of the Jewish people. The sealing of the covenant, in which Bilgai participated, was part of a broader movement of religious reform and renewal. This movement was characterized by a return to the observance of the Mosaic Law, the reinstitution of temple worship, and the reestablishment of the priestly and Levitical orders.

The priests, including Bilgai, played a crucial role in this renewal process. They were responsible for teaching the Law, leading worship, and ensuring that the religious practices of the people aligned with the commandments given by God. The inclusion of Bilgai's name among those who sealed the covenant underscores his role and commitment as a priest during this pivotal time in Israel's history.

Etymology and Meaning:

The name "Bilgai" is of Hebrew origin, though its exact meaning is not definitively known. Like many biblical names, it may carry a theophoric element, possibly indicating a relationship or attribute associated with God. The presence of such names in the priestly lists often reflects the religious and cultural significance attributed to individuals and their roles within the community.

Significance:

Bilgai's mention, though brief, highlights the collective effort of the Jewish leaders and priests to restore their national and religious identity after the exile. His participation in the sealing of the covenant signifies a commitment to uphold the spiritual and moral standards set forth in the Law of Moses. This act of covenant renewal was essential for the reestablishment of the Jewish community in their ancestral homeland and for maintaining their distinct identity as God's chosen people.Bilgai

(Nehemiah 10:8) [BILGAH, 2]

BILGAH; BILGAI

bil'-ga bil'-ga-i (bilgah; bilgay, "cheerfulness"): A priest or priestly family in the time of the Return (Nehemiah 12:5), and (under the form of "Bilgai," Nehemiah 10:8) in the time of Nehemiah. According to 1 Chronicles 24:14, Bilgah is the 15th of the 24 divisions of the priests who officiated in the Temple. In the Septuagint, the names read Belgai, Belga and Balgas. The traditional explanation of the name is "rejuvenation"; modern exegetes explain it as "cheerfulness."

1084. Bilgay -- an Israelite
... 1083, 1084. Bilgay. 1085 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Bilgay Phonetic Spelling:
(bil-gah'ee) Short Definition: Bilgai. ... NASB Word Usage Bilgai (1). Bilgai ...
/hebrew/1084.htm - 6kBilgai (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BILGAH; BILGAI. ...Bilgai (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah
10:8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these were the priests. ...
/b/bilgai.htm - 7k

Bilgah (3 Occurrences)
... (2.) A priest who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:5,
18). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BILGAH; BILGAI. bil ...
/b/bilgah.htm - 8k

Bil'gai (1 Occurrence)
Bil'gai. Bilgai, Bil'gai. Bilhah . Multi-Version Concordance Bil'gai (1 Occurrence).
Nehemiah 10:8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah. These were the priests. ...
/b/bil'gai.htm - 6k

Maaziah (2 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah 10:8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah;
these were the priests. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/m/maaziah.htm - 7k

Ma-azi'ah (2 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Nehemiah 10:8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these were the priests.
(See RSV). Maaziah, Ma-azi'ah. Mabdai . Reference Bible.
/m/ma-azi'ah.htm - 6k

Shemai'ah (38 Occurrences)
... And after him repaired Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the east gate.
(See RSV). Nehemiah 10:8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah. These were the priests. ...
/s/shemai'ah.htm - 16k

Shemaiah (40 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah 10:8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah;
these were the priests. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/s/shemaiah.htm - 29k

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