Mizpar is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah. The name Mizpar appears in the list of those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. This return was a significant event in Jewish history, marking the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical Reference:

Mizpar is mentioned in Nehemiah 7:7, which is part of a larger passage that lists the leaders and families who returned with Zerubbabel. The verse states: "They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:" (Nehemiah 7:7). In this context, Mizpar is listed among the leaders, although the Berean Standard Bible uses the name "Mispereth," which is considered a variant of Mizpar.

Historical Context:

The return from exile occurred after the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, who allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4). This event is dated to around 538 BC. The returnees were led by notable figures such as Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and they faced the daunting task of restoring a city and religious life that had been in ruins for decades.

Significance:

The inclusion of Mizpar in the list of returnees highlights the importance of community and leadership in the restoration process. Each name in the list represents not only an individual but also a family or group that contributed to the rebuilding efforts. The return from exile is seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people and is a testament to His faithfulness and sovereignty.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem are seen as acts of divine providence. They underscore themes of repentance, restoration, and hope. The returnees, including Mizpar, played a role in re-establishing the covenant community, which was central to the identity and faith of the Jewish people.

Related Topics:

· Zerubbabel: A key leader of the returnees, often associated with the rebuilding of the Temple.
· Exile and Return: The Babylonian exile and subsequent return are pivotal events in Jewish history, reflecting themes of judgment and redemption.
· Rebuilding of the Temple: The efforts to rebuild the Temple are chronicled in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, symbolizing the restoration of worship and community life.

Mizpar's mention, though brief, is part of a larger narrative that emphasizes the collective effort and divine guidance in the restoration of Israel.Mizpar

(number); properly Mispar, the same as MISPERETH. (Ezra 2:2)

Number, one of the Jews who accompanied Zerubbabel from Babylon (Ezra 2:2); called also Mispereth (Nehemiah 7:7). MIZPAR

miz'-par.

See MISPAR.

4558. Mispar -- an Israelite
... NASB Word Usage Mispar (1). Mizpar. The same as melqach; number; Mispar, an Israelite --
Mizpar. Compare Micpereth. see HEBREW melqach. see HEBREW Micpereth. ...
/hebrew/4558.htm - 6kMizpar (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 7:7). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MIZPAR. miz'-par. See MISPAR.
Multi-Version Concordance Mizpar (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:2 ...
/m/mizpar.htm - 7k

Mispar (1 Occurrence)
... mis'-par (micpar): An exile who returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2). the King James
Version spells the name "Mizpar." In the parallel verse of Nehemiah it ...
/m/mispar.htm - 7k

Mizpeh (24 Occurrences)

/m/mizpeh.htm - 21k

Mizpah (42 Occurrences)

/m/mizpah.htm - 31k

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