Salmai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. He is identified as one of the heads of the families of the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The Nethinim were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple, and their role was crucial in the restoration of worship practices in Jerusalem.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:46 : "The descendants of Hagab, the descendants of Salmai, the descendants of Hanan." This verse lists Salmai among the families of the Nethinim who returned to Jerusalem. The mention of Salmai here underscores the importance of the Nethinim in the reestablishment of the temple services after the return from exile.

2. Nehemiah 7:48 : "The descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Salmai." This passage parallels the account in Ezra, reaffirming the presence of Salmai's descendants among those who returned to help rebuild the community and religious life in Jerusalem.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Nethinim, including the family of Salmai, played a significant role in the religious life of post-exilic Israel. Their service was vital for the functioning of the temple, as they performed various duties that supported the Levites and priests. The return of the Nethinim, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, highlights the collective effort to restore the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity.

The inclusion of Salmai's family in the genealogical records of Ezra and Nehemiah indicates the importance of maintaining a detailed account of those who participated in the restoration efforts. This meticulous record-keeping reflects the value placed on heritage and continuity within the Israelite community, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Salmai and the Nethinim underscores the theme of restoration and faithfulness. The return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple symbolize God's enduring covenant with Israel and His commitment to His people. The participation of the Nethinim, including Salmai's descendants, in this process illustrates the inclusive nature of God's plan, where every member of the community, regardless of their specific role, contributes to the greater purpose of worship and service to God.

Salmai's inclusion in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the diverse ways in which individuals and families can serve in God's kingdom. It highlights the importance of every role within the community of faith, encouraging believers to recognize and fulfill their unique callings in service to God and His people.SALMAI

sal'-mi, sal'-ma-i (salmay; the King James Version, Shalmai (the King James Version in Nehemiah 7:48 is "Shalmai" = Ezra 2:46); the Revised Version (British and American) "Salmai"): The eponym of a family of Nethinim, called "Shamlai" in Ezra 2:46 (Qere, shamlay, Kethibh, shalmay, followed by the King James Version text, "Shalmai"; Codex Vaticanus Samaan; Codex Alexandrinus Selami; Nehemiah 7:48, Codex Vaticanus Salemei; Codex Alexandrinus Selmei; Codex Sinaiticus Samaei). The name suggests a foreign reign. In 1 Esdras 5:30 the corresponding name is "Subai."

8014. Salmay -- head of a postexilic family
... 2). Shalmai. From salmah; clothed; Salmai, an Israelite -- Shalmai. see HEBREW
salmah. 8013, 8014. Salmay. 8015 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/8014.htm - 6kSalmai (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SALMAI. ... In 1 Esdras 5:30 the corresponding name
is "Subai.". Multi-Version Concordance Salmai (2 Occurrences). ...
/s/salmai.htm - 7k

Salma (3 Occurrences)

/s/salma.htm - 8k

Leba'na (1 Occurrence)
... Leba'na (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:48 the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagaba,
the children of Salmai; (See RSV). Lebana, Leba'na. Lebanah . ...
/l/leba'na.htm - 6k

Lebana (1 Occurrence)
... Lebana (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:48 the children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba,
the children of Salmai, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/l/lebana.htm - 6k

Lebanah (2 Occurrences)
... ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah 7:48 the children of Lebana, the
children of Hagaba, the children of Salmai, (See JPS YLT). ...
/l/lebanah.htm - 6k

Salmanasar

/s/salmanasar.htm - 6k

Subai
... su'-ba-i, su'-bi (Subaei): Name of a family of temple-servants who returned with
Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:30) = "Shamlai" of Ezra 2:46; "Salmai" of Nehemiah 7:48 ...
/s/subai.htm - 6k

Shalmai (2 Occurrences)
... SHALMAI. shal'-mi, shal'-ma-i: the King James Version form in Ezra 2:46 for "Shamlai";
Nehemiah 7:48 "Salmai" (which see). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/s/shalmai.htm - 7k

Hag'aba (1 Occurrence)
... Hag'aba (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:48 the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagaba,
the children of Salmai; (See RSV). Hagaba, Hag'aba. Hagabah . ...
/h/hag'aba.htm - 6k

Hagaba (1 Occurrence)
... Hagaba (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:48 the children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba,
the children of Salmai, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/h/hagaba.htm - 6k

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