Jadau is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Ezra. He is listed among the descendants of the priests who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The name Jadau appears in the context of the post-exilic community's efforts to reestablish religious and social order in Jerusalem following the return from captivity.

Biblical Reference:

· Ezra 10:43 : "From the descendants of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah."

In this passage, Jadau is referred to as Jaddai, which is a variant of the name. He is identified as one of the sons of Nebo who had taken foreign wives, an issue that was addressed by Ezra as part of a broader reform to ensure the purity of the Israelite community. The returnees were urged to separate from their foreign wives to maintain the distinctiveness of the people of Israel as commanded in the Law of Moses.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The return from Babylonian exile marked a significant period in Jewish history, characterized by a strong emphasis on religious reform and adherence to the Torah. Ezra, a scribe and priest, played a crucial role in this movement, advocating for the observance of the Law and the restoration of proper worship practices. The issue of intermarriage with foreign women was seen as a threat to the covenantal identity of Israel, and Ezra's reforms aimed to address this concern.

Theological Significance:

Jadau's inclusion in the list of those who had married foreign women highlights the challenges faced by the post-exilic community in maintaining their distinct identity as God's chosen people. The call to separate from foreign influences was not merely a social or ethnic issue but was deeply rooted in the theological understanding of Israel's covenant relationship with God. The reforms led by Ezra were intended to renew the community's commitment to God's commandments and to ensure the continuity of the covenant promises.

Name Meaning and Variants:

The name Jadau, or Jaddai, is of Hebrew origin and is thought to mean "he is thankful" or "he will cast down." The slight variations in the spelling of the name across different biblical manuscripts reflect common transliteration differences in ancient texts.

Related Figures:

Jadau is associated with other figures mentioned in the same context, such as Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Joel, and Benaiah, who were also part of the group addressed by Ezra for having foreign wives. These individuals collectively represent the broader issue of intermarriage and the community's response to Ezra's call for reform.

Conclusion:

While Jadau is a relatively minor figure in the biblical narrative, his mention in the Book of Ezra serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the post-exilic community in maintaining their covenantal identity. The reforms initiated by Ezra underscore the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the need for the community to remain distinct in their worship and way of life.Jadau

his hand; his confession

Jadau

(loving), one of the Bene-Nebo who had taken a foreign wife. (Ezra 10:43) (B.C. 459.)

JADAU

ja'-do, ja-da'-u (yiddo, Kethibh; yadday, Qere the King James Version; but the Revised Version (British and American) IDDO): In Ezra 10:43, one of those who had married foreign wives. the Revised Version margin has "Jaddai" (= "Edos," 1 Esdras 9:35).

See IDDO.

Jadau (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JADAU. ...Jadau (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10:43 Of the sons
of Nebo; Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and Joel, Benaiah. ...
/j/jadau.htm - 7k

Jaddai (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JADDAI. jad'-i, jad'-ai. See IDDO; JADAU.
Multi-Version Concordance Jaddai (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10 ...
/j/jaddai.htm - 6k

Jadah (1 Occurrence)

/j/jadah.htm - 6k

Iddo (14 Occurrences)
... foreign wives. Another reading is Jaddai, the King James Version "Jadau."
In 1 Esdras 9:35 "Edos" (the King James Version "Edes"). (4 ...
/i/iddo.htm - 14k

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