Pelaliah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah. He is noted as one of the Levites who played a significant role during the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under the leadership of Nehemiah. The name Pelaliah means "Jehovah has judged" or "Jehovah's intervention," reflecting the theocentric nature of Hebrew names and their meanings.

Biblical Reference:

Pelaliah is mentioned in Nehemiah 8:7, where he is listed among the Levites who helped the people understand the Law as it was being read by Ezra the scribe. The passage reads: "The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places." (Nehemiah 8:7)

Role and Significance:

Pelaliah's role as a Levite was crucial during a pivotal moment in Israel's history. The Levites were members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. In the context of Nehemiah 8, the Levites, including Pelaliah, were responsible for ensuring that the people understood the Law of God. This was a time of spiritual renewal and recommitment to the covenant, as the Israelites had returned from Babylonian exile and were re-establishing their identity as God's chosen people.

The reading and explanation of the Law were essential for the community's spiritual revival. Pelaliah, along with his fellow Levites, facilitated this process by interpreting and clarifying the Scriptures, ensuring that the people could comprehend and apply God's commandments to their lives. This act of teaching underscores the importance of understanding and living according to God's Word, a principle that remains central to the faith and practice of believers.

Historical and Theological Context:

The period of Nehemiah was marked by the restoration of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of religious practices that had been neglected during the exile. The Levites' involvement in teaching the Law highlights the emphasis on returning to the foundational truths of the faith. Pelaliah's participation in this event signifies the collective effort of the community to align themselves with God's will and to renew their commitment to His covenant.

In the broader theological context, Pelaliah's contribution reflects the enduring role of religious leaders in guiding and instructing the faithful. The Levites' dedication to teaching the Law serves as a model for spiritual leadership, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine and the transmission of biblical knowledge.

Conclusion:

While Pelaliah is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the list of Levites who taught the Law underscores the collective effort required for spiritual renewal and the importance of understanding God's Word. His role in the community's recommitment to the covenant serves as a reminder of the vital function of religious instruction in maintaining the faith and identity of God's people.Pelaliah

entreating the Lord

Pelaliah

(judged by Jehovah), the son of Amzi and ancestor of Adaiah. (Nehemiah 11:12)

PELALIAH

pel-a-li'-a (pelalyah, "Yahweh judges"): A priest, father of Jeroham, one of the "workers" in the Lord's house (Nehemiah 11:12).

6421. Pelalyah -- "Yah has interposed," an Israelite priest
... Pelalyah. 6422 . "Yah has interposed," an Israelite priest. Transliteration: Pelalyah
Phonetic Spelling: (pel-al-yaw') Short Definition: Pelaliah. ... Pelaliah. ...
/hebrew/6421.htm - 6kPelaliah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PELALIAH. pel-a-li'-a (pelalyah ... 11:12).
Multi-Version Concordance Pelaliah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 11:12 ...
/p/pelaliah.htm - 7k

Pelali'ah (1 Occurrence)
Pelali'ah. Pelaliah, Pelali'ah. Pelatiah . Multi-Version Concordance
Pelali'ah (1 Occurrence). ... Pelaliah, Pelali'ah. Pelatiah . Reference Bible.
/p/pelali'ah.htm - 6k

822 (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 11:12 and their brothers who did the work of the house, eight hundred
twenty-two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi ...
/num/822.htm - 6k

Jeroham (11 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:12 and their brothers who did the work of the house, eight hundred
twenty-two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi ...
/j/jeroham.htm - 12k

Jero'ham (10 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:12 and their brethren that did the work of the house, eight hundred
twenty and two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of ...
/j/jero'ham.htm - 9k

Malchi'jah (12 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:12 and their brethren that did the work of the house, eight hundred
twenty and two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of ...
/m/malchi'jah.htm - 9k

Malchijah (15 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:12 and their brothers who did the work of the house, eight hundred
twenty-two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi ...
/m/malchijah.htm - 14k

Malkijah (13 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:12 and their brethren that did the work of the house, eight hundred
twenty and two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of ...
/m/malkijah.htm - 10k

Malchiah (10 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:12 And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred
twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son ...
/m/malchiah.htm - 10k

Pashhur (12 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:12 and their brothers who did the work of the house, eight hundred
twenty-two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi ...
/p/pashhur.htm - 12k

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