The Nethinims, a group of temple servants in ancient Israel, played a significant role in the religious and communal life of the Jewish people, particularly during the period of the return from the Babylonian captivity. The term "Nethinim" is derived from the Hebrew word "nathan," meaning "to give," indicating that these individuals were "given" or dedicated to assist the Levites in the service of the temple.

Historical Background

The Nethinims are first mentioned in the context of the return from the Babylonian exile, a pivotal event in Jewish history. After the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, many Jews were taken captive to Babylon. However, with the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, the exiles were allowed to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This return is chronicled in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where the Nethinims are listed among those who came back to Jerusalem and Judah.

Role and Function

The primary role of the Nethinims was to assist the Levites in the temple service. They were responsible for various menial tasks that were essential for the daily operations of the temple, allowing the Levites to focus on their priestly duties. The Nethinims were not of Israelite descent but were likely foreigners who had been integrated into the community of Israel, possibly as captives or converts, and dedicated to the service of the temple.

Return from Captivity

The return of the Nethinims is documented in the book of Ezra, where they are mentioned alongside the priests, Levites, and other groups who returned to Jerusalem. Ezra 2:43-54 lists the Nethinims by their family names, emphasizing their importance in the restoration of the temple worship. The passage states: "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" (Ezra 2:43-54).

Similarly, Nehemiah 7:46-56 provides a parallel account of the Nethinims' return, underscoring their continued presence and service in the post-exilic community. The inclusion of the Nethinims in these lists highlights their integral role in the reestablishment of temple worship and the religious life of the Jewish people.

Significance in Post-Exilic Community

The Nethinims' return from captivity and their dedication to temple service reflect the broader theme of restoration and renewal in the post-exilic period. Their presence underscores the importance of communal and religious identity for the returning exiles. The Nethinims, though not of Israelite origin, were fully integrated into the covenant community, illustrating the inclusive nature of God's people and the fulfillment of His promises to restore and rebuild.

In summary, the Nethinims were a vital part of the temple service during the return from the Babylonian captivity. Their dedication and service exemplify the commitment to worship and the restoration of religious practices in the post-exilic Jewish community.1 Chronicles 9:2
Now the first inhabitants that dwelled in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.
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Ezra 2:43,58,70
The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
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Ezra 7:7,24
And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
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Ezra 8:17
And I sent them with commandment to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say to Iddo, and to his brothers the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring to us ministers for the house of our God.
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Nehemiah 3:26,31
Moreover the Nethinims dwelled in Ophel, to the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lies out.
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Nehemiah 7:46,60,73
The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
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Nehemiah 10:28
And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands to the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;
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Nehemiah 11:3,21
Now these are the chief of the province that dwelled in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelled every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.
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Ezra, the Priest and Scribe
... close of the seventy years' captivity, is remarkable ... to the Israelites to return,
Artaxerxes arranged ... and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 50 ezra the priest.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Jews, from their long and tedious captivity: For though ... priests and levites, singers,
porters, nethinims, or ministers ... and levites, that would return to their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Who were the Nethinim? | GotQuestions.org

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