Definition and Meaning:
Tel-melah is a location mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity. The name "Tel-melah" is often understood to mean "mound of salt" or "hill of salt," which may indicate a geographical feature or characteristic of the area.

Biblical References:
Tel-melah is referenced in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and Judah following the decree of Cyrus, King of Persia. The specific mention of Tel-melah occurs in the genealogical lists of those who returned.

· Ezra 2:59 : "The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they could not prove that their families were descended from Israel."
· Nehemiah 7:61 : "The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not prove that their families were descended from Israel."

In both passages, Tel-melah is listed among the places from which certain groups of people returned. These individuals were unable to verify their genealogical records, which was significant for their inclusion in the community and participation in temple services.

Historical and Geographical Context:
The exact location of Tel-melah is not definitively known today, and it is not mentioned outside of these genealogical lists. It is presumed to have been a settlement in the region of Babylonia, where the Jewish exiles lived during their captivity. The name suggests a possible association with a saline area, which might have been a notable feature of the landscape.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Tel-melah in the context of the return from exile highlights the importance of identity and heritage among the Jewish people. The inability of some returnees to prove their lineage underscores the challenges faced by the exiles in re-establishing their community and religious practices. This reflects the broader biblical theme of restoration and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Cultural and Religious Implications:
For the post-exilic community, maintaining a clear genealogical record was crucial for determining one's role and rights within the society, particularly concerning temple service and land inheritance. The inclusion of Tel-melah in these lists serves as a reminder of the diverse origins of the returnees and the unifying goal of rebuilding the nation under God's covenant.

Related Entries:
· Babylonian Captivity: The period during which the Jewish people were exiled to Babylon following the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II.
· Cyrus the Great: The Persian king who issued the decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland.
· Genealogy in the Bible: The significance of genealogical records in establishing identity and heritage within the biblical narrative.Tel-Melah

heap of salt

Hill of salt, a place in Babylon from which the Jews returned (id.). TEL-MELAH

tel-me'-la (tel-melah, "hill of salt"): A Babylonian town mentioned in Ezra 2:59 Nehemiah 7:61 with Tel-harsha and Cherub (see TEL-HARSHA). It possibly lay on the low salt tract near the Persian Gulf. In 1 Esdras 5:36 it is called "Thermeleth."

8528. Tel Melach -- "mound of salt," a place in Babylon
... "mound of salt," a place in Babylon. Transliteration: Tel Melach Phonetic Spelling:
(tale meh'-lakh) Short Definition: Tel-melah. ... NASB Word Usage Tel-melah (2). ...
/hebrew/8528.htm - 6kTelmelah (2 Occurrences)
... tel-me'-la (tel-melah, "hill of salt"): A Babylonian town mentioned in Ezra 2:59
Nehemiah 7:61 with Tel-harsha and Cherub (see TEL-HARSHA ...Telmelah (2 Occurrences ...
/t/telmelah.htm - 7k

Tel-melah (2 Occurrences)
Tel-melah. Telmelah, Tel-melah. Tel-me'lah . Easton's Bible Dictionary Hill ...
NAS). Telmelah, Tel-melah. Tel-me'lah . Reference Bible.
/t/tel-melah.htm - 7k

Tel-me'lah (2 Occurrences)
Tel-me'lah. Tel-melah, Tel-me'lah. Tema . Multi-Version Concordance
Tel-me'lah (2 Occurrences). ... Tel-melah, Tel-me'lah. Tema . Reference Bible.
/t/tel-me'lah.htm - 7k

Kerub (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 These were those who went up from TelMelah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed ...
/k/kerub.htm - 6k

Immer (10 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 These were those who went up from TelMelah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed ...
/i/immer.htm - 10k

Tel-har'sha (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 And these were they that went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer; but they could not tell their fathers' houses, and their seed ...
/t/tel-har'sha.htm - 7k

Tel-mela (1 Occurrence)
... Tells, Tel-mela. Telmelah . Multi-Version Concordance Tel-mela (1 Occurrence).
Nehemiah 7:61 And these were they that went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha ...
/t/tel-mela.htm - 6k

Tel-harsha (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 And these were they that went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan,
'and' Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed ...
/t/tel-harsha.htm - 7k

Tel (5 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 These were those who went up from TelMelah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed ...
/t/tel.htm - 8k

Melah (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 These were those who went up from TelMelah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed ...
/m/melah.htm - 7k

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