Zophai is a biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. He is identified as a member of the tribe of Levi, specifically from the family of Kohath. The Levites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, set apart for religious duties and the service of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple in Jerusalem.

Genealogical Context

Zophai is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:26 , where he is listed in the genealogy of the Levites: "Elkanah his son, Zophai his son, Nahath his son." This passage places Zophai in the lineage of Elkanah, who is also noted as an ancestor of the prophet Samuel. The genealogies in 1 Chronicles are significant as they trace the priestly and Levitical lines, underscoring the hereditary nature of their sacred duties.

Name and Meaning

The name "Zophai" is believed to mean "watchman" or "watchful," which is consistent with the roles often associated with the Levites, who were tasked with guarding and maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Names in the Bible frequently carry significant meanings, reflecting the character or destiny of the individual or their family.

Role and Significance

While Zophai himself is not described in detail beyond his place in the genealogy, his inclusion in the biblical record highlights the importance of lineage and heritage in the Levitical tradition. The Levites were entrusted with the spiritual leadership of Israel, and their genealogies were meticulously recorded to ensure the purity and continuity of their service.

The genealogical records in 1 Chronicles serve not only as historical documentation but also as a theological affirmation of God's faithfulness to His covenant people. By preserving the lineage of the Levites, the chronicler underscores the enduring nature of God's promises and the central role of the priesthood in Israel's religious life.

Historical and Theological Context

The genealogies in 1 Chronicles were likely compiled during or after the Babylonian exile, a period when the Jewish people were re-establishing their identity and religious practices. By tracing the lineage of key figures like Zophai, the chronicler reinforces the continuity of Israel's religious heritage and the legitimacy of the Levitical priesthood.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, the Levites, including those in Zophai's line, are seen as integral to the worship and spiritual life of Israel. Their service in the Tabernacle and Temple was a foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who fulfills and transcends the Levitical priesthood through His perfect sacrifice and eternal intercession for believers.

Conclusion

Zophai's mention in the genealogical records of 1 Chronicles, though brief, is a testament to the enduring significance of the Levitical line in the history and theology of Israel. His place in the lineage of Elkanah and the broader Levitical family underscores the importance of heritage, service, and faithfulness in the biblical narrative.Zophai

(descended from Zuph), a Kohathite Levite, son of Elkanah and ancestor of Samuel. (2 Chronicles 6:26) (11). In ver. 35 he is called ZUPH.

ZOPHAI

zo'fi, zo'-fa-i (tsophay, meaning uncertain): In 1 Chronicles 6:26 (Hebrew verse 11) = Zuph, the Qere of 1 Chronicles 6:35 (Hebrew, verse 20), and 1 Samuel 1:1.

See ZUPH, (1).

6689. Tsuph -- ancestor of Elkanah and Samuel
... Zuph. Word Origin from tsuph Definition ancestor of Elkanah and Samuel NASB
Word Usage Zophai (1), Zuph (3). Zophai, Zuph. Or Tsowphay ...
/hebrew/6689.htm - 6kZophai (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZOPHAI. zo'fi, zo'-fa-i ... ZUPH, (1).
Multi-Version Concordance Zophai (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 6 ...
/z/zophai.htm - 7k

Zuph (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Honeycomb, a Kohathite Levite, ancestor of Elkanah and
Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1); called also Zophai (1 Chronicles 6:26). Zuph, Land of. ...
/z/zuph.htm - 9k

Zophar (4 Occurrences)

/z/zophar.htm - 10k

Zophah (2 Occurrences)

/z/zophah.htm - 7k

Nahath (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 6:26 As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, and Nahath
his son, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/n/nahath.htm - 9k

Ramathaimzophim (1 Occurrence)
... One of the Levitical families descended from Kohath, that of Zuph or Zophai (1
Chronicles 6:26, 35), had a district assigned to them in Ephraim, which from ...
/r/ramathaimzophim.htm - 8k

Ramathaim-zophim (1 Occurrence)
... One of the Levitical families descended from Kohath, that of Zuph or Zophai (1
Chronicles 6:26, 35), had a district assigned to them in Ephraim, which from ...
/r/ramathaim-zophim.htm - 8k

Elka'nah (20 Occurrences)
... Ahimoth. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles 6:26 As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah:
Zophai his son, and Nahath his son; (See RSV). 1 Chronicles ...
/e/elka'nah.htm - 11k

Elkanah (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Chronicles 6:26 As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, and
Nahath his son, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/e/elkanah.htm - 14k

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