Johanan, a notable figure in the post-exilic period of Israel's history, is recognized as a priest who played a significant role in the restoration of the Jewish community following the Babylonian exile. His lineage and service are documented in the genealogical records of the priesthood, highlighting his importance in the religious life of the returning exiles.

Genealogy and Lineage

Johanan is identified as a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, through the line of Zadok, a prominent priestly family. This lineage is crucial as it establishes his legitimate claim to the priesthood, a position of great responsibility and honor in the Jewish community. The genealogical records in the Book of Chronicles provide insight into his ancestry: "Johanan the father of Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the temple Solomon built in Jerusalem)" (1 Chronicles 6:10). This connection underscores the continuity of the priestly line from the time of Solomon's Temple to the post-exilic period.

Role in the Post-Exilic Community

Johanan's role as a priest is particularly significant during the time of the rebuilding of the Temple and the re-establishment of religious practices in Jerusalem. The Book of Ezra mentions Johanan in the context of the return from exile and the efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh according to the Law of Moses. Although the Berean Standard Bible does not provide a direct quote for Johanan's activities, his presence in the genealogical lists of priests in Ezra and Nehemiah indicates his involvement in these critical events.

Historical Context

The period following the Babylonian exile was marked by efforts to rebuild not only the physical structures of Jerusalem but also the spiritual and communal life of the Jewish people. Priests like Johanan were instrumental in this process, as they were responsible for teaching the Law, leading worship, and ensuring the purity of religious practices. The priesthood served as a stabilizing force, helping to guide the people in their renewed covenant relationship with God.

Significance in Jewish Tradition

Johanan's inclusion in the priestly genealogies highlights the importance of maintaining a pure and unbroken line of descent from Aaron. This emphasis on lineage reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His promises and the continuity of His covenant with Israel. As a priest, Johanan would have been a key figure in upholding the religious traditions and laws that defined the identity of the Jewish people during a time of significant transition and renewal.

In summary, Johanan's role as a priest in the post-exilic community underscores the enduring significance of the priesthood in Jewish history and the vital function of religious leaders in guiding and sustaining the faith of the people. His presence in the genealogical records serves as a testament to the continuity of God's covenantal promises through the line of Aaron.Ezra 10:6
Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 12:22,23
The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.
Nave's Topical Index

Faith of Sinners in Prayer
... contrary to the Levitical law to assume the office of God's priest, and the ... Take
the instance of Johanan, just as the Children of Israel began their life of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/prayer and praying men/xi faith of sinners in.htm

How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as ...
... oaths, he went in haste out of the temple into the chamber of Johanan, the son ... month,
and found a great many of the posterity of Jeshua the high priest, and of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how xerxes the.htm

Machinations of the Enemies of Jesus.
... changed according to the caprice of the procurators, an old high priest, who had ...
It is thus that the Hebrew name Johanan became in Greek Joannes or Joannas.]. ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxii machinations of the.htm

The Captivity.
... at the same time Zephaniah likewise spoke of judgment, and Jeremiah, the priest
of Anathoth ... on his way to his friend, the King of Ammon, when Johanan, a friend ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson x the captivity.htm

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of ...
... Joiakin, Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, [6328] Jonathan, and Jaddua, who was
the contemporary of Alexander the Great. ... became High-Priest. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix iv an abstract of.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Over Jerusalem For Five [Six] Years When Jehoiada The High Priest Slew Her And ... Gedaliah
Was A Little Afterward Slain By Ishmael; And How Johanan After Ishmael ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The First Sayings of Jesus --His Ideas of a Divine Father and of a ...
... more than once proved themselves to be very liberal casuists.[7] Rabbi Johanan ere
long ... Never has any one been less a priest than Jesus, never a greater enemy ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter v the first sayings.htm

John.
... who, with Peter, followed Jesus into the court of the high-priest (18:15 ... of his divine
Master who thus fulfilled the prophecy of his name Johanan, ie, Jehovah ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 83 john.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

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