Nehemiah 12:7 lists the names of four priests who were prominent leaders in their families ("chiefs") during the time of Jeshua (also known as Joshua). Jeshua was a high priest who returned from the Babylonian exile along with Zerubbabel (mentioned earlier in Nehemiah 12).
Here's a breakdown:
Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah: These are the names of individual priests who headed their respective priestly families.
These were the chiefs of the priests: This emphasizes that these men were the leaders or heads of their families/houses within the priestly order. They held positions of authority and responsibility.
and of their brothers: This suggests that these men led not just themselves, but also all the other male members (brothers) of their family/house, who would have been priests as well.
in the days of Jeshua: This gives a specific time frame. These priests were prominent and active during the time when Jeshua (the high priest) was leading the religious community after the return from exile.
In simpler terms:
This verse identifies four important priestly leaders and clarifies that they were active and held positions of authority during the time when Jeshua was the high priest after the Jews returned from Babylon. It's a historical marker, helping to place events and identify key figures of that era.
These verses are part of a larger section in Nehemiah that meticulously records the lineage and organization of the priests and Levites after the exile. This record was important for re-establishing the temple service and ensuring that the proper roles were maintained.
Nehemiah 12:7 lists the names of four priests who were prominent leaders in their families ("chiefs") during the time of Jeshua (also known as Joshua). Jeshua was a high priest who returned from the Babylonian exile along with Zerubbabel (mentioned earlier in Nehemiah 12).
Here's a breakdown:
Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah: These are the names of individual priests who headed their respective priestly families.
These were the chiefs of the priests: This emphasizes that these men were the leaders or heads of their families/houses within the priestly order. They held positions of authority and responsibility.
and of their brothers: This suggests that these men led not just themselves, but also all the other male members (brothers) of their family/house, who would have been priests as well.
in the days of Jeshua: This gives a specific time frame. These priests were prominent and active during the time when Jeshua (the high priest) was leading the religious community after the return from exile.
In simpler terms:
This verse identifies four important priestly leaders and clarifies that they were active and held positions of authority during the time when Jeshua was the high priest after the Jews returned from Babylon. It's a historical marker, helping to place events and identify key figures of that era.
These verses are part of a larger section in Nehemiah that meticulously records the lineage and organization of the priests and Levites after the exile. This record was important for re-establishing the temple service and ensuring that the proper roles were maintained.