Henadad is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history, specifically during the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. He is recognized as a leader among the Levites, a tribe set apart for religious duties and temple service. The name Henadad means "favor of Hadad" or "grace of Hadad," with Hadad being a name associated with a storm and fertility god in ancient Near Eastern cultures. However, in the context of Israel, the name would reflect a monotheistic understanding, emphasizing the favor or grace of the one true God.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 3:9 : "Jeshua and his sons and brothers joined together with Kadmiel and his sons, the descendants of Judah, and with the sons of Henadad and their sons and brothers—all Levites—to supervise those working on the house of God." This verse highlights Henadad's descendants as active participants in the supervision of the temple's reconstruction. The Levites, including the sons of Henadad, played a crucial role in ensuring that the work was carried out according to the religious and ceremonial standards required for the house of God.

2. Nehemiah 3:18 : "Next to him, their fellow Levites carried out repairs under Binnui son of Henadad, ruler of half the district of Keilah." Here, Binnui, a son of Henadad, is mentioned as a leader in the repair efforts of Jerusalem's walls. This indicates that Henadad's lineage was not only involved in religious duties but also in civic responsibilities, contributing to the physical and spiritual restoration of the community.

3. Nehemiah 3:24 : "After him, Binnui son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the angle and the corner." This further emphasizes the active role of Henadad's descendants in the reconstruction efforts, showcasing their dedication and leadership in the restoration of Jerusalem.

Historical and Religious Context:

Henadad's mention in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah places him and his descendants in the significant period following the Babylonian exile, when the Jewish people were returning to their homeland under the decree of Cyrus the Great. This era was marked by a strong emphasis on religious reform and the re-establishment of proper worship practices. The Levites, including the family of Henadad, were instrumental in this process, as they were responsible for teaching the Law, leading worship, and maintaining the sanctity of the temple.

The involvement of Henadad's family in both the temple and the city's reconstruction underscores the interconnectedness of religious and communal life in ancient Israel. The Levites' leadership in these projects reflects their commitment to God's covenant and their role as spiritual leaders within the community.

Theological Significance:

The participation of Henadad's descendants in the rebuilding efforts serves as a testament to the faithfulness and resilience of the Jewish people during a time of renewal and hope. It highlights the importance of leadership, cooperation, and dedication to God's work, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. The Levites' role in this period exemplifies the call to serve God and community, a principle that continues to inspire believers today.Henadad

grace of the beloved

Henadad

(grace of Hadad), the head of a family of the Levites who took a prominent part in the rebuilding of the temple. (Ezra 3:9)

Favour of Hadad, the name of a Levite after the Captivity (Ezra 3:9). HENADAD

hen'-a-dad (chenadhadh, "favor of Hadad"; Septuagint Henaad; Henadad; Henadab; Henalab (Ezra 3:9 Nehemiah 3:18, 24; Nehemiah 10:9)): One of the heads of the Levites in the post-exilic community.

2582. Chenadad -- a Levite
... 2581, 2582. Chenadad. 2583 . a Levite. Transliteration: Chenadad Phonetic
Spelling: (khay-naw-dawd') Short Definition: Henadad. ... Henadad. ...
/hebrew/2582.htm - 6k

Altar and Temple
... his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to
set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

Binnui (7 Occurrences)
... (3) The son of Henadad, who built part of ... Nehemiah 3:18 After him repaired their
brothers, Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah. ...
/b/binnui.htm - 10k

Kad'mi-el (8 Occurrences)
... his brethren, and Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to have the
oversight of the workmen in the house of God; the sons of Henadad also, with ...
/k/kad'mi-el.htm - 8k

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)
... and his brothers, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to have the
oversight of the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their ...
/k/kadmiel.htm - 10k

Bavvai (1 Occurrence)
... 3:24). See BINNUI. Bavvai, "the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district
of Keilah," was of a Levitical family. He is mentioned ...
/b/bavvai.htm - 7k

Bin'nui (7 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 3:24 After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another portion, from
the house of Azariah unto the Turning and unto the corner. (See RSV). ...
/b/bin'nui.htm - 8k

Keilah (16 Occurrences)
... district. After him repaired their brethren, Bavvai the son of Henadad, the
ruler of half the district of Keilah" (Nehemiah 3:17, 18). ...
/k/keilah.htm - 15k

Repaired (46 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV). Nehemiah 3:18 After him repaired their brothers,
Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah. ...
/r/repaired.htm - 21k

Jeshua (30 Occurrences)
... and his brothers, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to have the
oversight of the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their ...
/j/jeshua.htm - 21k

Henadad (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HENADAD. hen'-a-dad (chenadhadh ... exilic community.
Multi-Version Concordance Henadad (4 Occurrences). Ezra 3 ...
/h/henadad.htm - 8k

Hen'adad (4 Occurrences)
Hen'adad. Henadad, Hen'adad. Hence . ... Nehemiah 3:18 After him repaired their
brethren, Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah. ...
/h/hen'adad.htm - 7k

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