Topical Encyclopedia Zalaph is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah. He is identified as the father of Hanun, one of the individuals who took part in the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah. The name "Zalaph" itself is of Hebrew origin, though its exact meaning is not definitively known. It is often considered to be a personal name rather than a title or descriptive term.Biblical Reference: Zalaph is mentioned in Nehemiah 3:30, which details the efforts of various groups and individuals in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. The verse reads: "After him, Hanun the son of Zalaph repaired another section, from the room of the guard to the Angle." (Nehemiah 3:30). This passage highlights the collaborative effort among the Israelites to restore their city after the Babylonian exile, with Zalaph's son, Hanun, playing a significant role in this communal project. Historical and Cultural Context: The Book of Nehemiah is set during the Persian period, after the decree of Cyrus the Great allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. Nehemiah, serving as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I, was granted permission to lead the rebuilding efforts of Jerusalem's walls, which had been in ruins since the Babylonian conquest. The reconstruction of the walls was not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual and communal renewal for the Jewish people. Zalaph's mention, though brief, places him within this significant historical context. His son Hanun's involvement in the rebuilding project suggests that Zalaph's family was part of the community committed to the restoration and protection of Jerusalem. This reflects the broader theme of faithfulness and dedication to God's covenant, as the Israelites sought to reestablish their identity and religious practices in their ancestral land. Theological Significance: While Zalaph himself is not a central figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the genealogical and communal records of Nehemiah underscores the importance of every individual's contribution to God's work. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was a collective effort that required the participation of many families and clans, each playing a vital role in the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Theologically, the account of Zalaph and his son Hanun serves as a reminder of the importance of community and cooperation in achieving God's purposes. It highlights the value of each person's labor and dedication, regardless of their prominence or recognition in the biblical text. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of the body of believers working together, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 12, where the Apostle Paul speaks of the church as one body with many parts, each essential to the whole. In summary, Zalaph, though a minor figure in the biblical narrative, represents the collective faithfulness and dedication of the Jewish people during a pivotal moment in their history. His mention in Nehemiah serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who contribute to the work of God, regardless of their individual renown. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary ZalaphSmith's Bible Dictionary Zalaph(wound) father of Hanun, who assisted in rebuilding the city wall. (Nehemiah 3:30) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZALAPHza'-laf (tsalaph, "caper-plant"): Father of Hanun, one of the repairers of the wall (Nehemiah 3:30). Strong's Hebrew 6764. Tsalaph -- father of one of the builders of the Jer. wall... wall. Transliteration: Tsalaph Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-lawf') Short Definition: Zalaph. Word ... wall NASB Word Usage Zalaph (1). Zalaph. From ... /hebrew/6764.htm - 6k Thesaurus Zalaph (1 Occurrence)...ZALAPH. za'-laf (tsalaph, "caper-plant"): Father of Hanun, one of the repairers of the wall (Nehemiah 3:30). Multi-Version Concordance Zalaph (1 Occurrence). ... /z/zalaph.htm - 7k Hanun (10 Occurrences) Zalmon (3 Occurrences) Quarters (17 Occurrences) Zaketan Repairs (24 Occurrences) Meshul'lam (23 Occurrences) Berechi'ah (11 Occurrences) Berechiah (12 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Zalaph (1 Occurrence)Nehemiah 3:30 Subtopics Related Terms |
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