Jaalah 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 "Jaalah" is found in the list of the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the house of God.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:56 : "The descendants of Jaalah, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel." This verse is part of a larger passage that enumerates the exiles who returned to Jerusalem and Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The mention of Jaalah here indicates that his descendants were among those who returned to help rebuild the temple and restore the worship practices in Jerusalem.

2. Nehemiah 7:58 : "The descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel." This passage mirrors the account in Ezra, reaffirming the presence of Jaalah's descendants among the returnees. Nehemiah's list serves to confirm and validate the genealogical records of those who were part of the restoration community.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Nethinim, to which Jaalah's descendants belonged, were a group of temple servants whose origins are somewhat obscure. The term "Nethinim" means "given ones," indicating that they were dedicated to the service of the temple. Their role was crucial in maintaining the daily operations and rituals of the temple, allowing the Levites to focus on their priestly duties.

The return from Babylonian exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking a period of renewal and reestablishment of religious practices. The inclusion of the Nethinim in the lists of returnees highlights the importance of every group and individual in the collective effort to restore the spiritual and communal life of the Israelites.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Jaalah and his descendants, though brief, underscores the theme of faithfulness and continuity in God's plan for His people. Despite the challenges of exile and the daunting task of rebuilding, the returnees, including the Nethinim, demonstrated commitment to their covenantal responsibilities. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's faithfulness to His promises and the role of His people in fulfilling His purposes.

Jaalah's inclusion in the genealogical records serves as a reminder of the diverse contributions of various groups within the community of faith. It highlights the importance of service and dedication in the worship and work of God, regardless of one's status or background.Jaalah

(wild goat). (Ezra 2:56)

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
... Definition: Jaala. Word Origin from the same as yael Definition an Isr. NASB
Word Usage Jaala (1), Jaalah (1). Jaala, Jaalah. Or Yaaalah ...
/hebrew/3279.htm - 6kJaalah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JAALA; JAALAH. ja'-a-la, ja-a'-la ... 5:33.
Multi-Version Concordance Jaalah (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:56 the ...
/j/jaalah.htm - 7k

Ja'alah (1 Occurrence)
Ja'alah. Jaalah, Ja'alah. Jaalam . ... Ja'alah (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:56 the children
of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, (See RSV). ...
/j/ja'alah.htm - 6k

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

Jaala (1 Occurrence)
... A wild she-goat, one of the Nethinim, whose descendants returned from the Captivity
(Nehemiah 7:58). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JAALA; JAALAH. ...
/j/jaala.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)
... Ezra 2:56 the children of Jaalah, 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)
... Darkon (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:56 the children of Jaalah, 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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