Hatipha is listed among the Nethinim in the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The Nethinim were a group of temple servants assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the house of God. Their role was crucial in maintaining the daily operations and rituals of the temple, although they were considered to be of a lower status than the Levites themselves.

The name "Hatipha" appears in the biblical records specifically in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which document the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and the subsequent rebuilding of the temple and the city walls. In these accounts, the Nethinim, including the family of Hatipha, are mentioned as part of the groups that returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and later Nehemiah.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:43 · "The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth, Keros, Siaha, Padon, Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub, Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan, Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah, Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam, Uzza, Paseah, Besai, Asnah, Meunim, Nephusim, Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur, Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha, Barkos, Sisera, Temah, Neziah, and Hatipha."

2. Nehemiah 7:46 · "The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth, Keros, Sia, Padon, Lebanah, Hagabah, Shalmai, Hanan, Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah, Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam, Uzza, Paseah, Besai, Meunim, Nephusim, Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur, Bazlith, Mehida, Harsha, Barkos, Sisera, Temah, Neziah, and Hatipha."

The mention of Hatipha in these genealogical lists underscores the importance of the Nethinim in the restoration community. Their inclusion in the records highlights their dedication and service to the temple, which was central to the religious and communal life of the Israelites.

The Nethinim, including Hatipha, were likely descendants of the Gibeonites, who were assigned to serve the Levites as woodcutters and water carriers as a result of their covenant with Joshua (Joshua 9:27). Over time, their role evolved into a more formalized service within the temple structure.

The return of the Nethinim, such as Hatipha, to Jerusalem signifies the re-establishment of proper worship and the reconstitution of the religious community after the Babylonian exile. Their presence and service were vital for the functioning of the temple, which was the focal point of Jewish worship and identity.

In summary, Hatipha represents a family within the Nethinim who played a significant role in the post-exilic restoration of Israel's religious practices. Their dedication to temple service reflects the broader theme of faithfulness and continuity in the worship of Yahweh, even amidst the challenges of exile and return.Ezra 2:54
The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 7:56
The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
Nave's Topical Index

2412. Chatipha -- one of the Nethinim
... Hatipha. From chataph; robber; Chatipha, one of the Nethinim -- Hatipha. see HEBREW
chataph. 2411, 2412. Chatipha. 2413 . Strong's Numbers.
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