Thamah is a name found in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The name appears in the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. Thamah is listed among the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who played a crucial role in the religious life of the restored community.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:53 : "the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Thamah." This verse is part of a larger passage that enumerates the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The mention of Thamah here indicates that this family was part of the Nethinim, who were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple.

2. Nehemiah 7:55 : "the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Thamah." This passage mirrors the account in Ezra, reaffirming the presence of the Thamah family among the Nethinim. Nehemiah's record serves to confirm the continuity and faithfulness of these temple servants in the post-exilic community.

Historical and Religious Context:

The Nethinim, including the descendants of Thamah, were integral to the functioning of the Second Temple. Their duties likely included various forms of manual labor and assistance in the temple rituals, allowing the Levites and priests to focus on their primary religious responsibilities. The inclusion of the Nethinim in the genealogical records underscores their importance and the recognition they received within the community.

The return from exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking a period of restoration and renewal. The detailed lists of returnees, such as those found in Ezra and Nehemiah, highlight the collective effort to reestablish the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem. The descendants of Thamah, as part of this group, contributed to the rebuilding of the temple and the reestablishment of religious practices.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Thamah and other Nethinim in the biblical record emphasizes God's faithfulness in preserving His people and the structures necessary for worship. Despite the challenges of exile and the daunting task of rebuilding, the inclusion of these temple servants illustrates the comprehensive nature of God's plan for restoration. Each family and individual, regardless of their specific role, was vital to the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel.

The account of Thamah and the Nethinim serves as a reminder of the diverse ways in which God's people can serve and contribute to His purposes. It highlights the value of service and dedication, even in roles that may seem less prominent, within the broader context of God's redemptive work.Thamah

that blots out; that suppresses

Thamah

(daughter). "The children of Thamah" were a family of Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:53)

THAMAH

tha'-ma.

See TEMAH.

8547. Tamach -- head of a postexilic family
... Tamah, Thamah. Of uncertain derivation; Temach, one of the Nethinim -- Tamah,
Thamah. 8546, 8547. Tamach. 8548 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/8547.htm - 6kThamah (2 Occurrences)
...THAMAH. tha'-ma. See TEMAH. ...Thamah (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:53 The children of Barkos,
the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah, (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
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Thahash (1 Occurrence)

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Temah (2 Occurrences)
... Vaticanus Thema; Lucian, Themaa; Nehemiah 7:55; Codex Vaticanus Hemath; Codex
Alexandrinus Thema; Lucian, Themaa; the King James Version, Thamah): The family ...
/t/temah.htm - 7k

Thamar (1 Occurrence)

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