Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah are names mentioned in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. These individuals are listed among the leaders and families who played a significant role in the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem.

Bilshan
Bilshan is mentioned in the book of Nehemiah as one of the leaders who returned with Zerubbabel. In Nehemiah 7:7 , it states, "They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah." Bilshan's name appears in the context of a list of leaders, indicating his role in the leadership and organization of the returning exiles. His name, which may mean "inquirer" or "searcher," suggests a person of wisdom or discernment.

Mispar
Mispar, also referred to as Mispereth in some translations, is another leader listed alongside Bilshan in Nehemiah 7:7. The name Mispar means "number" or "scribe," which could imply a role related to record-keeping or administration among the returning exiles. His inclusion in the list of leaders highlights his importance in the community's efforts to reestablish themselves in their ancestral homeland.

Bigvai
Bigvai is a prominent figure mentioned in both Ezra and Nehemiah. In Ezra 2:2 , Bigvai is listed among the leaders who returned with Zerubbabel: "They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah." Bigvai's name appears again in Ezra 8:14, where it is noted that 2,056 descendants of Bigvai returned to Jerusalem. This indicates that Bigvai was the head of a significant family or clan, contributing a substantial number of people to the restoration efforts.

Rehum
Rehum is another leader mentioned in the lists of returnees. In Nehemiah 7:7, Rehum is included among those who came back with Zerubbabel. The name Rehum means "compassion" or "merciful," which may reflect his character or the hope for divine compassion upon the returning exiles. Rehum's role in the community is further highlighted in Nehemiah 3:17, where a Rehum is mentioned as one of the leaders involved in the repair of the wall of Jerusalem.

Baanah
Baanah is listed in both Ezra 2:2 and Nehemiah 7:7 as one of the leaders who returned with Zerubbabel. The name Baanah means "son of affliction" or "in affliction," which could reflect the hardships faced by the exiles during their captivity and their journey back to Jerusalem. Baanah's inclusion in the list of leaders underscores his role in the efforts to rebuild and restore the Jewish community in their homeland.

These individuals, through their leadership and the families they represented, played a crucial role in the reestablishment of the Jewish people in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Their contributions to the rebuilding of the Temple and the city walls were vital to the restoration of Jewish religious and communal life.