Elam is a name that appears in the context of the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylonian captivity. The name is associated with a family or group of individuals who were part of the Jewish community during the time of the return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple. The references to Elam in the Bible highlight the faithfulness and dedication of the Jewish people in restoring their religious and communal life after the exile.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:7 · "the descendants of Elam, 1,254." This verse lists the descendants of Elam among those who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The mention of Elam here indicates a significant family or clan that was part of the initial wave of returnees. Their inclusion in the list underscores their commitment to the restoration of Jerusalem and the Temple.

2. Nehemiah 7:12 · "the descendants of Elam, 1,254." This passage mirrors the account in Ezra, reaffirming the presence and participation of the Elamites in the rebuilding efforts. Nehemiah's record serves to confirm the continuity and consistency of the Jewish community's efforts to reestablish their homeland.

3. Nehemiah 10:14 · "The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani." In this context, Elam is listed among the leaders who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah. This covenant was a solemn agreement to follow the Law of God and to live according to His commandments. The inclusion of Elam in this list highlights their leadership role and dedication to the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people.

4. Nehemiah 12:42 · "and Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as the leader." Here, Elam is mentioned among those who participated in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. This event was marked by great joy and celebration, as the people gave thanks to God for the successful completion of the wall. Elam's involvement in this ceremony reflects their active participation in the communal and religious life of the restored Jewish community.

Historical and Theological Significance:

The references to Elam in the post-exilic period highlight the importance of family and community in the restoration of Jewish life after the Babylonian captivity. The descendants of Elam, along with other families, played a crucial role in the physical and spiritual rebuilding of Jerusalem. Their commitment to the covenant and participation in significant religious events demonstrate their dedication to God and His commandments.

Theologically, the account of Elam and the other returnees underscores the themes of restoration, faithfulness, and covenant renewal. The return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple and Jerusalem are seen as acts of divine providence and fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The participation of Elam in these events serves as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Jewish community in the face of adversity.Ezra 2:7
The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 8:7
And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 7:12
The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xiv
... The Jewish interpretation of their names is entirely fanciful ... is against Chedorlaomer,
king of Elam, and Tidal ... unfortunate enough to be taken captive, and at ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiv.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... The larger part of Elam, which went by the name of ... whose members must doubtless be
included the Jewish exiles ... to their old homes, and the captive populations in ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... by failing to repeople these with captive exiles from ... Elam had assisted
Merodach-baladan, and its soldiers ... munitions of War, and enrolling Jewish soldiers ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... firmly fixed in the minds of the Jewish historians than ... was ablaze from the borders
of Elam to those ... Zibia and Armaid, and took Ullusunu captive, but, instead ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... shumu who reigned in Babylon, and who was taken prisoner to Elam by King ... and those
of the inhabitants who had escaped being carried away captive, together with ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... him obedience; on the other hand, Elam revolted from ... are those of prisoners being
led captive into Egypt ... such as Adonizedek and Adonibezek, or Jewish names such ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... purpose formed part of the booty recently brought back from Elam, the privilege ... reign
of fifty-five years attributed to Manasseh by the Jewish annalists cannot ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... the political organisations which obtained in the kingdoms of Assyria, Elam, and
Chaldaea ... existing, and thinks he can discern in it Greek, Jewish, and Christian ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... and discipline which the Assyrian troops possessed in such a high degree, were common
to the military forces of all the great states"Elam, Damascus, Nairi ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... she changeth from an old to a new, we may conceive, that God by making her so, did
it to show he would one day make a change of his church, from a Jewish to a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

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