Gamael is a figure mentioned in the apocryphal text known as 1 Esdras, which is included in some versions of the Septuagint and the Apocrypha. While not part of the canonical Hebrew Bible or Protestant Old Testament, 1 Esdras is recognized in certain Christian traditions, such as the Eastern Orthodox Church. Gamael is noted for his role during the time of the return from the Babylonian exile.

Historical Context

The narrative of 1 Esdras parallels the canonical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, focusing on the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple. This period, following the decree of Cyrus the Great, marks a significant moment in Jewish history, as the exiles were allowed to return to their homeland and restore their religious practices.

Role in 1 Esdras

In 1 Esdras 9:34, Gamael is listed among the leaders who returned with Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem. The text states: "The sons of Bani: Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Ramoth. And of the sons of Pahath-moab: Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh. And of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Jeshua, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah. And of the sons of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei. And of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel, Benaiah, Cheluhi, Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasu. And of the sons of Binnui: Shimei, Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph. Of the sons of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah. All these had married foreign women, and some of them had children by these wives." (1 Esdras 9:34-36)

Gamael is not explicitly mentioned in this passage, but he is traditionally associated with the group of leaders who were responsible for ensuring the adherence to the Law of Moses, particularly concerning the issue of intermarriage with foreign women, which was a significant concern for the returning exiles.

Theological Significance

The inclusion of Gamael in the list of leaders underscores the importance of leadership and accountability in the community's spiritual renewal. The leaders, including Gamael, were tasked with guiding the people in repentance and reformation, emphasizing the need to maintain the purity of the covenant community. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from practices that could lead the Israelites away from their covenantal obligations to God.

Legacy

While Gamael is not a prominent figure in the canonical texts, his mention in 1 Esdras highlights the collaborative effort of the Jewish leaders in re-establishing their religious identity and practices after the exile. This period of restoration laid the groundwork for the Second Temple Judaism, which would significantly influence the religious landscape leading up to the New Testament era.

Gamael's role, though minor, is a reminder of the collective responsibility of God's people to uphold His commandments and the importance of leadership in guiding the community towards faithfulness and obedience.GAMAEL

gam'-a-el (Gamael):

Chief of the family of Ithamar who went up from Babylon with Ezra (APC 1Esdras 8:29);

called Daniel in Ezra 8:2.

Gamael
...GAMAEL. gam'-a-el (Gamael): Chief of the family of Ithamar who went up from Babylon
with Ezra (APC 1Esdras 8:29); called Daniel in Ezra 8:2. ...
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Gamad (1 Occurrence)

/g/gamad.htm - 6k

Gamalial (1 Occurrence)

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