Dalaiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the genealogical records of the post-exilic community. His name appears in the context of the return from the Babylonian exile, a significant period in Israel's history when the Jewish people were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple under the decree of Cyrus the Great.

Biblical Reference:

Dalaiah is mentioned in the book of Nehemiah, which provides a detailed account of the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem. In Nehemiah 7:62, the Berean Standard Bible states: "the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 642." This verse is part of a larger list that records the names and numbers of the people who returned from exile, emphasizing the continuity of the Israelite community and their commitment to reestablishing their religious and cultural identity in the land of their ancestors.

Historical and Theological Context:

The mention of Dalaiah occurs during the period of the Second Temple, a time marked by the Jewish community's efforts to restore their religious practices and social structures after the Babylonian captivity. The genealogical records, such as those found in Nehemiah, were crucial for reestablishing tribal and familial identities, which were essential for the allocation of land, roles in temple service, and participation in the community's religious life.

Theologically, the return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple are seen as acts of divine faithfulness and fulfillment of prophetic promises. The inclusion of Dalaiah in these records underscores the importance of each family and individual in the collective restoration of Israel. It reflects the biblical theme of God's covenantal relationship with His people, where even seemingly minor figures play a role in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

Name Meaning and Significance:

The name Dalaiah (also spelled Delaiah) is of Hebrew origin and is thought to mean "Yahweh has drawn" or "Yahweh has delivered." This name, like many in the biblical narrative, carries theological significance, reflecting the belief in God's active involvement in the lives of His people. Names in the Bible often serve as reminders of God's attributes and actions, and Dalaiah's name would have been a testament to the faith and hope of the returning exiles in God's deliverance and guidance.

Conclusion:

While Dalaiah is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogical records of Nehemiah highlights the importance of every member of the community in the restoration of Israel. His mention serves as a reminder of the collective effort required to rebuild and renew the covenant community, as well as the enduring faithfulness of God to His promises.Dalaiah

the poor of the Lord

Dalaiah

(freed by Jehovah) a descendant of the royal family of Judah. (1 Chronicles 3:24)

DALAIAH

da-la'-a, da-la-i'-a.

See DELAIAH.

1806. Delayah -- "Yah has drawn," five Israelites
... Dalaiah, Delaiah. Or (prolonged) Dlayahhuw {del-aw-yaw'-hoo}; from dalah and Yahh;
Jah has delivered; Delajah, the name of five Israelites -- Dalaiah, Delaiah. ...
/hebrew/1806.htm - 6kDalaiah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia DALAIAH. da-la'-a, da-la-i'-a. See DELAIAH.
Multi-Version Concordance Dalaiah (1 Occurrence). 1 ...
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Dakubi

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Dalan

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Delaiah (7 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DELAIAH. de-la'-ya (delayah, "God has raised"): (1)
A descendant of David (1 Chronicles 3:24; the King James Version "Dalaiah"). ...
/d/delaiah.htm - 10k

Hodaiah (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Chronicles 3:24 And the sons of Elioenai were, Hodaiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah,
and Akkub, and Johanan, and Dalaiah, and Anani, seven. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
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