Nekodan is a name mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history, specifically in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The name appears in the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. Nekodan is identified as one of the families of the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who played a crucial role in the functioning of the Second Temple.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:48 : "the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Ami."

2. Nehemiah 7:50 : "the descendants of Reaiah, the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda, the descendants of Gazzam, the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah."

In these passages, Nekodan is listed among the Nethinim, a group that served in the temple. The Nethinim were originally non-Israelites who were assigned to assist the Levites in the more menial tasks of the temple service. Over time, they became an integral part of the temple community, contributing to the religious life of Israel.

Historical Context:

The return from Babylonian exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking the restoration of the Jewish community in their ancestral homeland. The genealogical records in Ezra and Nehemiah serve to establish the continuity of the Jewish people and their religious practices. The inclusion of the Nethinim, including the family of Nekodan, highlights the diverse composition of the returning exiles and the importance of every group in the reestablishment of temple worship.

Role of the Nethinim:

The Nethinim, including the descendants of Nekodan, were essential to the daily operations of the temple. Their duties likely included tasks such as maintaining the temple grounds, assisting the Levites with sacrifices, and performing other necessary services that allowed the temple to function smoothly. Although they were not of Israelite descent, their dedication and service were vital to the religious life of the post-exilic community.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Nekodan and the Nethinim in the biblical record underscores the inclusivity of God's plan for His people. Despite their foreign origins, the Nethinim were embraced as part of the covenant community, demonstrating that faithfulness and service to God transcend ethnic and cultural boundaries. This theme resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's desire for all nations to come to know Him and serve Him.

Conclusion:

The family of Nekodan, as part of the Nethinim, represents the diverse and inclusive nature of the post-exilic Jewish community. Their presence in the genealogical records of Ezra and Nehemiah highlights the importance of every group in the restoration of Israel's religious life and the functioning of the Second Temple.NEKODAN

ne-ko'-dan (Nekodan; the Revised Version margin "Nekoda"; the King James Version Necodan):

(1) Head of a family which returned from exile, but "could not show their families nor their stock" (1 Esdras 5:37) equals "Nekoda" of Ezra 2:60 Nehemiah 7:62.

(2) See NOEBA.

Nekodan
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEKODAN. ne-ko'-dan (Nekodan; the Revised
Version margin "Nekoda"; the King James Version Necodan ...
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Nekoda (4 Occurrences)
... In the parallel verses of 1 Esdras the names are given thus: NOEBA and NEKODAN
(which see). Multi-Version Concordance Nekoda (4 Occurrences). ...
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Neko'da (4 Occurrences)
Neko'da. Nekoda, Neko'da. Nekodan . Multi-Version Concordance Neko'da (4
Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Nekoda, Neko'da. Nekodan . Reference Bible.
/n/neko'da.htm - 7k

Nemesis (1 Occurrence)

/n/nemesis.htm - 6k

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