Jaala is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period when the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity. The name "Jaala" is found in the book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and restore the community of Israel after their return from exile.

Biblical Reference:

Jaala is mentioned in Nehemiah 7:58, which is part of a genealogical record listing the descendants of the servants of Solomon who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. The verse in the Berean Standard Bible reads:

"The descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel."

This passage is part of a larger list that includes various groups and families who were part of the returnees. The list serves to establish the continuity of the Israelite community and their rightful claim to the land and heritage of their ancestors.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The mention of Jaala occurs during a significant period in Jewish history. After the Babylonian exile, the Persian king Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This period is marked by efforts to restore religious practices, rebuild the temple, and reestablish the community according to the laws of Moses.

The descendants of Solomon's servants, including those of Jaala, played a role in this restoration process. These individuals were likely part of the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who assisted the Levites in their duties. The Nethinim were essential for the functioning of the temple, and their inclusion in the genealogical records underscores their importance in the religious life of post-exilic Israel.

Etymology and Meaning:

The name "Jaala" is of uncertain etymology, but it is often thought to mean "wild goat" or "ascending." Names in the Bible often carry significant meanings or reflect characteristics of the individuals or their roles within the community. While the specific meaning of Jaala's name is not elaborated upon in the biblical text, it contributes to the rich tapestry of names that form the genealogical records.

Theological Significance:

The inclusion of Jaala and other similar names in the genealogical records of Nehemiah highlights the importance of community and continuity in the biblical narrative. These records serve as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people through exile and their eventual return to the Promised Land. The detailed lists emphasize the fulfillment of God's promises and the restoration of Israel's identity as His chosen people.

In the broader theological context, the mention of Jaala and the other returnees underscores the theme of redemption and restoration that runs throughout the Bible. It reflects the hope and renewal that God offers to His people, even after periods of judgment and exile.Jaala

ascending; a little doe or goat

Jaala

(wild she-goat). Bene-Jaala were among the descendants of "Solomon's slaves" who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. (Nehemiah 7:58) (B.C. before 536.) The name also occurs as Ja-alah.

A wild she-goat, one of the Nethinim, whose descendants returned from the Captivity (Nehemiah 7:58). JAALA; JAALAH

ja'-a-la, ja-a'-la (ya`ala', meaning unknown, Nehemiah 7:58) and (ya`alah, "mountain goat" (?), Ezra 2:56): The name of a family of returned exiles, "children of Solomon's servants" = "Jeeli" in 1 Esdras 5:33.

3279. Yaala -- an Israelite
... an Israelite. Transliteration: Yaala or Yaalah Phonetic Spelling: (yah-al-aw') Short
Definition: Jaala. ... NASB Word Usage Jaala (1), Jaalah (1). Jaala, Jaalah. ...
/hebrew/3279.htm - 6kJaala (1 Occurrence)
... 7:58). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JAALA; JAALAH. ja'-a-la ... 5:33.
Multi-Version Concordance Jaala (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:58 ...
/j/jaala.htm - 7k

Ja'ala (1 Occurrence)
Ja'ala. Jaala, Ja'ala. Jaalah . ... Ja'ala (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:58 the children
of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, (See RSV). ...
/j/ja'ala.htm - 6k

Jala (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jala (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:58 the children of Jaala,
the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, (See JPS). ...
/j/jala.htm - 6k

Ja-ako'bah (1 Occurrence)
Ja-ako'bah. Jaakobah, Ja-ako'bah. Jaala . Multi-Version Concordance
Ja-ako'bah (1 Occurrence). ... Jaakobah, Ja-ako'bah. Jaala . Reference Bible.
/j/ja-ako'bah.htm - 6k

Jaalah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JAALA; JAALAH. ja'-a-la, ja-a'-la (ya`ala',
meaning unknown, Nehemiah 7:58) and (ya`alah, "mountain ...
/j/jaalah.htm - 7k

Jeeli
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JEELI. je-e'-li (Ieieli: Called "Jaalah"
in Ezra 2:56 and "Jaala" in Nehemiah 7:58 (1 Esdras 5:33). ...
/j/jeeli.htm - 6k

Giddel (4 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:58 the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children
of Giddel, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/g/giddel.htm - 8k

Darkon (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:58 the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children
of Giddel, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/darkon.htm - 7k

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