Etymology and Meaning:
The name "Hazzebaim" is derived from the Hebrew root "צְבָאִים" (Tzeba'im), which is often associated with the concept of "gazelles" or "roes." The term may imply a place characterized by the presence of these animals or a location named after them.

Biblical References:
Hazzebaim is mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period, specifically in the book of Nehemiah. The reference is found in Nehemiah 11:34, where it is listed among the settlements inhabited by the people of Judah after their return from Babylonian exile. The verse states: "Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat" (Nehemiah 11:34). In this context, Hazzebaim is likely synonymous with "Zeboim," a name that appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Hazzebaim, or Zeboim, is identified as one of the towns in the region of Benjamin. The mention in Nehemiah suggests its reoccupation and significance during the period of restoration under Nehemiah's leadership. The town's inclusion in the list of settlements indicates its role in the reestablishment of the Jewish community in the land of Israel following the Babylonian captivity.

The geographical location of Hazzebaim is not precisely known today, but it is traditionally associated with the area north of Jerusalem, within the tribal allotment of Benjamin. This region was strategically important due to its proximity to Jerusalem and its role in the defense and administration of the restored Jewish state.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
The mention of Hazzebaim in the post-exilic context highlights the efforts of the Jewish people to reclaim and repopulate their ancestral lands. This period was marked by a strong emphasis on covenant renewal, religious reform, and the reestablishment of Jewish identity centered around the worship of Yahweh and adherence to the Mosaic Law.

Theologically, the restoration of towns like Hazzebaim underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite the exile and the challenges faced by the returning exiles, the reoccupation of these towns symbolizes the fulfillment of prophetic promises regarding the return and restoration of Israel. It serves as a testament to God's providence and the resilience of His people in the face of adversity.

Related Biblical Themes:
· Restoration and Return: The reoccupation of Hazzebaim is part of the broader theme of restoration found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where the focus is on rebuilding the temple, the walls of Jerusalem, and the community of Israel.
· Covenant Faithfulness: The return to the land and the rebuilding efforts reflect God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, despite their previous disobedience and the resulting exile.
· Community and Identity: The reestablishment of towns like Hazzebaim highlights the importance of community and identity in the post-exilic period, as the Jewish people sought to reassert their cultural and religious heritage.

Conclusion:
While Hazzebaim is not a prominent location in the biblical narrative, its mention in Nehemiah serves as a reminder of the broader themes of restoration and divine faithfulness that permeate the post-exilic period. The reoccupation of such towns reflects the enduring hope and determination of the Jewish people to rebuild their lives and their relationship with God.6380. Pokereth Hatstsebayim -- "bindress of the gazelles," head of ...
... head of a postexilic family. Transliteration: Pokereth Hatstsebayim Phonetic Spelling:
(po-keh'-reth tseb-aw-yeem') Short Definition: Pochereth-hazzebaim. ...
/hebrew/6380.htm - 6kHazzebaim (2 Occurrences)
...Hazzebaim (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of
Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Ami. ...
/h/hazzebaim.htm - 7k

Pochereth-hazzebaim (2 Occurrences)
Pochereth-hazzebaim. Pocherethhazzebaim, Pochereth-hazzebaim. Po'chereth-hazzeba'
im . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia POCHERETH-HAZZEBAIM. ...
/p/pochereth-hazzebaim.htm - 7k

Pokereth-hazzebaim (2 Occurrences)
Pokereth-hazzebaim. Poison-snakes, Pokereth-hazzebaim. Pole .
Multi-Version Concordance Pokereth-hazzebaim (2 Occurrences). ...
/p/pokereth-hazzebaim.htm - 6k

Zebaim (2 Occurrences)
... "Pochereth of Zebaim" should be read as in the Revised Version, "Pochereth-hazzebaim"
("snaring the antelopes"), probably the name of some hunter. Int. ...
/z/zebaim.htm - 7k

Po'chereth-hazzeba'im (2 Occurrences)
Po'chereth-hazzeba'im. Pochereth-hazzebaim, Po'chereth-hazzeba'im. Pocket . ...
(See RSV). Pochereth-hazzebaim, Po'chereth-hazzeba'im. Pocket . Reference Bible
/p/po'chereth-hazzeba'im.htm - 7k

Pochereth (2 Occurrences)
... Pochereth (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of
Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Ami. ...
/p/pochereth.htm - 7k

Pocherethhazzebaim
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia POCHERETH-HAZZEBAIM. pok'-e-reth,
po'-ke-reth, po-ke'-reth, -ha-ze-ba'-im (pokhereth hatstsebhayim ...
/p/pocherethhazzebaim.htm - 7k

Shephati'ah (12 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Ezra 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children
of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the children of Ami. (See RSV). ...
/s/shephati'ah.htm - 9k

Shephatiah (13 Occurrences)
... NIV). Ezra 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the
children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Ami. (WEB ...
/s/shephatiah.htm - 12k

Hattil (2 Occurrences)
... Hattil (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil,
the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Ami. ...
/h/hattil.htm - 7k

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