Nekoda is a name mentioned in the context of the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah. The name appears in the genealogical records of those who were part of the return under Zerubbabel, as documented in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The name Nekoda is associated with two distinct groups of individuals, both of whom faced challenges in establishing their genealogical records upon their return to the land of Israel.

1. Nekoda as a Family of Temple Servants:

The first mention of Nekoda is found in the list of the Nethinim, or Temple servants, who returned from exile. The Nethinim were a group of individuals assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the Temple. In Ezra 2:48 and Nehemiah 7:50, the "descendants of Nekoda" are listed among these Temple servants:

· "The descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pokereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Ami." (Ezra 2:47-48)
· "The descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pokereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Ami." (Nehemiah 7:49-50)

The inclusion of Nekoda in these lists highlights the role of his descendants in the religious and communal life of post-exilic Israel, serving in the sacred duties of the Temple.

2. Nekoda as a Family with Uncertain Lineage:

The second mention of Nekoda is in the context of those who could not prove their Israelite lineage. This group is listed among those who sought to establish their genealogical records but were unable to do so, thus facing restrictions in their participation in certain religious functions. In Ezra 2:60 and Nehemiah 7:62, the "descendants of Nekoda" are included in this list:

· "The descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 652 in all." (Ezra 2:60)
· "The descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 642 in all." (Nehemiah 7:62)

This inability to verify their lineage meant that these individuals were considered as potentially non-Israelite and were excluded from the priesthood until a priest could consult the Urim and Thummim (Ezra 2:63, Nehemiah 7:65).

Significance in Post-Exilic Community:

The dual mention of Nekoda underscores the complexities faced by the returning exiles in re-establishing their identity and religious practices. The descendants of Nekoda, whether as Temple servants or those with uncertain lineage, reflect the broader challenges of maintaining religious purity and continuity in the post-exilic community. The emphasis on genealogical records in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah highlights the importance of heritage and the continuity of the covenant community in the restoration period.Ezra 2:48,60
The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,
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Nehemiah 7:50,62
The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,
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