Topical Bible: Bebai: The Name of Three Jews Whose Descendants Came from the Exile

◄ Bebai: The Name of Three Jews Whose Descendants Came from the Exile ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Bebai is a name associated with three distinct individuals in the post-exilic period of Jewish history, as recorded in the Old Testament. The name Bebai is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is not explicitly detailed in the biblical texts. However, the significance of Bebai is primarily linked to the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, a pivotal event in Jewish history that marked the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the Temple.

1. Bebai, the Ancestor of Returnees:

The first mention of Bebai is found in the context of the Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel. In the book of Ezra, Bebai is listed as the head of a family whose descendants were among those who returned from Babylon. Ezra 2:11 states, "the descendants of Bebai, 623." This enumeration highlights the significant number of individuals from the family of Bebai who participated in the return, underscoring their commitment to the restoration of their homeland and religious practices.

2. Bebai in the Time of Ezra:

The second mention of Bebai occurs during the reforms led by Ezra, a priest and scribe who played a crucial role in reestablishing the Law of Moses among the returned exiles. In Ezra 8:11 , it is recorded, "and of the descendants of Bebai, Zechariah, and with him 28 men." This passage indicates that members of the Bebai family were actively involved in the religious and social reforms initiated by Ezra. Their participation reflects a dedication to the spiritual renewal of the Jewish community and adherence to the covenantal laws.

3. Bebai in the Time of Nehemiah:

The third reference to Bebai is found in the book of Nehemiah, which details the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the reestablishment of the Jewish community under Nehemiah's leadership. Nehemiah 7:16 echoes the earlier record in Ezra, stating, "the descendants of Bebai, 628." This slight increase in number from the earlier account in Ezra suggests the growth and continued presence of the Bebai family in the post-exilic community. Their inclusion in Nehemiah's list signifies their ongoing involvement in the communal efforts to restore and fortify Jerusalem.

The descendants of Bebai, as recorded in these biblical accounts, exemplify the faithfulness and resilience of the Jewish people during a period of significant transition and renewal. Their commitment to returning to their ancestral land and participating in the religious and communal life of Jerusalem highlights the enduring legacy of the Bebai family in the history of Israel.