Hagab is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period. The name "Hagab" appears in the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. The name itself is of Hebrew origin, and it is often understood to mean "locust" or "grasshopper," which may reflect a characteristic or symbolic meaning attributed to the individual or family.

Biblical Reference:

Hagab is mentioned in the book of Ezra, which details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. The specific reference to Hagab is found in Ezra 2:46:

"The descendants of Hagab, the descendants of Shalmai, the descendants of Hanan."

This verse is part of a larger list that enumerates the people who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The list includes various families and individuals, highlighting the diverse groups that participated in the restoration of the Jewish community and religious practices after the exile.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The mention of Hagab occurs during a significant period in Jewish history. The Babylonian exile had a profound impact on the Jewish people, both spiritually and culturally. The return to Jerusalem marked a time of renewal and rebuilding, not only of the physical structures like the Temple but also of the community's identity and religious life.

The genealogical records, such as the one in which Hagab is mentioned, served several purposes. They established the continuity of the Jewish people, affirmed the legitimacy of those who claimed ancestral ties to the land, and ensured the proper organization of the community according to tribal and familial lines. These records were crucial for maintaining the purity of the priesthood and the proper functioning of religious duties.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of names like Hagab in the biblical record underscores the importance of every individual and family in God's redemptive plan. Each name represents a link in the chain of God's covenantal promises to Israel. The return from exile and the rebuilding efforts were seen as a fulfillment of prophetic promises, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His people.

The name "Hagab," meaning "locust," may also carry symbolic significance. In biblical literature, locusts are often associated with judgment and destruction, as seen in the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 10:12-15) and the prophetic imagery in Joel (Joel 1:4). However, the return of the descendants of Hagab signifies restoration and hope, contrasting the destructive connotations of their name with the renewal of the community.

Conclusion:

The brief mention of Hagab in the book of Ezra serves as a reminder of the collective effort and diverse contributions of the Jewish people in reestablishing their homeland and religious practices. It highlights the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and the fulfillment of His promises through the faithful actions of His people.Hagab

Hagabah, a grasshopper

Hagab

(locust). Bene-Hagab were among the Nethinim who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:46) (B.C. before 536.)

HAGAB

ha'-gab (chaghabh, "locust"): Ancestor of some of the Nethinim who returned from the Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel and Nehemiah. The name occurs second after Hagabah in Ezra 2:46, but is omitted entirely from the parallel list of Nehemiah 7:48.

2285. Chagab -- an Israelite
... 2284, 2285. Chagab. 2286 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Chagab Phonetic Spelling:
(khaw-gawb') Short Definition: Hagab. ... NASB Word Usage Hagab (1). Hagab. ...
/hebrew/2285.htm - 6kHagab (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HAGAB. ha'-gab (chaghabh, "locust"): Ancestor ...
7:48. Multi-Version Concordance Hagab (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:46 ...
/h/hagab.htm - 7k

Grasshopper (12 Occurrences)
... case also in Amos 7:1;Nahum 3:17, where the Hebrew word gob is used; and in Leviticus
11:22; Numbers 13:33; Ecclesiastes 12:5; Isaiah 40:22, where hagab is used ...
/g/grasshopper.htm - 12k

Accaba
... ak'-a-ba, ak-a'-ba (B, Akkaba; A, Gaba; the King James Version Agaba) = Hagab (Ezra
2:46); see also HAGABA (Nehemiah 7:48): The descendants of Accaba (temple ...
/a/accaba.htm - 6k

Shamlai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shamlai (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:46 the children of Hagab,
the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan, (WEB ASV BBE DBY RSV). ...
/s/shamlai.htm - 6k

Shalmai (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shalmai (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:46 The children of Hagab,
the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan, (KJV WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/s/shalmai.htm - 7k

Salmai (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Salmai (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:46 the children of Hagab,
the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan, (See JPS). ...
/s/salmai.htm - 7k

Haft (1 Occurrence)

/h/haft.htm - 7k

Hagabah (1 Occurrence)
... ha-ga'-ba, hag'-a-ba (chaghabhah, "locust"): Like Hagab, an ancestor of some of
the Nethinim who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:45); spelled ...
/h/hagabah.htm - 7k

Hagaba (1 Occurrence)

/h/hagaba.htm - 6k

Hanan (19 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:46 the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Nehemiah ...
/h/hanan.htm - 14k

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