Hashupha is a name mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The name appears in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Hashupha is identified as one of the families of the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who played a crucial role in the religious life of the restored community.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:43 : "The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth." In this passage, Hashupha is listed among the temple servants who returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem. The Nethinim, including the family of Hashupha, were responsible for assisting the Levites in the service of the temple, performing various duties necessary for the maintenance and operation of the temple worship.

2. Nehemiah 7:46 : "The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth." This verse mirrors the account in Ezra, reaffirming the presence of the Hashupha family among the Nethinim who returned to Jerusalem. The repetition of this list in Nehemiah underscores the importance of the temple servants in the reestablishment of the religious practices and community life in post-exilic Jerusalem.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Nethinim, including the family of Hashupha, were a group of temple servants whose origins are somewhat obscure. The term "Nethinim" is derived from the Hebrew word "nathan," meaning "to give" or "to dedicate," indicating that these individuals were given or dedicated to the service of the temple. Their duties likely included menial tasks such as carrying water and wood, assisting the Levites, and maintaining the temple grounds.

The return of the Nethinim, along with the priests, Levites, and other Israelites, was a significant event in the history of Israel. It marked the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land after the Babylonian exile. The inclusion of the Nethinim in the lists of returnees highlights their valued role in the religious and communal life of the restored nation.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Hashupha and the Nethinim in the biblical narrative underscores the theme of restoration and the reestablishment of proper worship in Jerusalem. It reflects the faithfulness of God in preserving a remnant of His people and providing for the continuation of temple worship, which was central to the identity and spiritual life of Israel.

The presence of the Nethinim also illustrates the inclusivity of God's plan, as these temple servants, though not of Israelite descent, were integrated into the community and given a vital role in the worship of Yahweh. This inclusion serves as a reminder of the broader scope of God's redemptive purposes, which extend beyond ethnic and social boundaries.

In summary, Hashupha represents a family within the Nethinim who were integral to the functioning of the Second Temple. Their dedication to service exemplifies the cooperative effort required to restore and maintain the worship of God in the post-exilic period.Hashupha

spent; made base

Hashupha

(stripped), one of the families of Nethinim who returned from captivity in the first caravan (Nehemiah 7:46) Called HASUPHA in (Ezra 2:43) (B.C. 536.)

2817. Chasupha -- an Israelite
... NASB Word Usage Hasupha (2). Hashupha, Hasupha. Or Chasuphao {khas-oo-faw'}; from
chasaph; nakedness; Chasupha, one of the Nethinim -- Hashupha, Hasupha. ...
/hebrew/2817.htm - 6kHashupha (1 Occurrence)
...Hashupha (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:46 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha,
the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth, (KJV WBS). ...
/h/hashupha.htm - 6k

Nethinims (15 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Nehemiah 7:46 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children
of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth, (KJV WBS). Nehemiah ...
/n/nethinims.htm - 11k

Hashum (4 Occurrences)

/h/hashum.htm - 8k

Hasidaeans

/h/hasidaeans.htm - 7k

Hasupha (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:46 the King James Version has "Hashupha," and 1 Esdras 5:29,
"Asipha.". Multi-Version Concordance Hasupha (2 Occurrences). ...
/h/hasupha.htm - 7k

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