Overview:
Aalar is a biblical location mentioned in the context of the return of the exiles from Babylon. It is referenced in the apocryphal book of 1 Esdras, which is considered part of the biblical canon in some Christian traditions, such as the Eastern Orthodox Church, but is not included in the Hebrew Bible or most Protestant Bibles.

Biblical Reference:
The mention of Aalar is found in 1 Esdras 5:36, which parallels the account of the return from exile found in the canonical books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The Berean Standard Bible does not include 1 Esdras, so the reference is typically found in translations that include the Apocrypha.

Context:
In the context of 1 Esdras, Aalar is listed among the places from which the exiles returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This return is part of the larger narrative of the Jewish people being allowed to return to their homeland following the decree of Cyrus, the king of Persia, who conquered Babylon.

Significance:
The mention of Aalar, like other locations in the list, underscores the widespread dispersion of the Jewish people during the Babylonian exile and their subsequent gathering from various regions to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. It highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land.

Related Biblical Themes:
· Exile and Return: The return from Babylonian exile is a significant theme in the Old Testament, symbolizing redemption and restoration. It is a pivotal moment in Jewish history, marking the end of a period of punishment and the beginning of a new chapter in the covenant relationship between God and His people.
· Restoration of Jerusalem: The rebuilding of the temple and the city of Jerusalem is a central focus of the post-exilic books. It represents not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal for the Jewish community.
· Faithfulness of God: The return from exile is often seen as a testament to God's faithfulness in keeping His promises, as prophesied by prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Geographical Considerations:
The exact location of Aalar is not clearly identified in modern geographical terms, and it is not mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible. As with many ancient locations, its precise identification remains uncertain, and it is primarily known through its mention in the apocryphal text.

Historical Context:
The return from exile occurred around 538 BCE, following the decree of Cyrus the Great. This period was marked by significant challenges, including opposition from surrounding peoples, the need to rebuild the temple, and the re-establishment of religious and social structures in Jerusalem.

Cross-References:
· Ezra 2:1-2 : "Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town, accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah."
· Nehemiah 7:6-7 : "These are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town, accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah."

Note: While Aalar is not mentioned in the canonical books of Ezra and Nehemiah, the lists of returnees in these books provide a broader context for understanding the return from exile.AALAR

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... ALLAR. al'-ar (the King James Version, Aalar; Aalar): Occurring once (1 Esdras
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Aaron (343 Occurrences)

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