Etymology and Meaning: The name "Acub" is of Hebrew origin, and it is believed to mean "insidious" or "sly." The name is sometimes rendered as "Akkub" in various translations of the Bible.

Biblical References: Acub is a name that appears in the context of post-exilic Israel, specifically in the lists of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name is mentioned in the context of the Levites and gatekeepers who played a role in the restoration of Jerusalem and its temple services.

1. Ezra 2:42: "The descendants of the gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Acub, Hatita, and Shobai, 139 in all." In this passage, Acub is listed among the gatekeepers who returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem. The gatekeepers were responsible for the security and proper functioning of the temple, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter.

2. Nehemiah 7:45: "The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Acub, Hatita, and Shobai, 138 in all." This verse mirrors the account in Ezra, reaffirming the role of Acub and his descendants as gatekeepers. The slight difference in the number of gatekeepers between Ezra and Nehemiah is a point of interest for biblical scholars, often attributed to textual variations or different stages of the return.

3. Nehemiah 11:19: "And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their brothers, who kept watch at the gates, totaled 172 men." Here, Acub is again mentioned in the context of the gatekeepers, highlighting the importance of their role in maintaining the sanctity and order of the temple.

Historical and Religious Context: The role of the gatekeepers was crucial in the religious life of Israel. They were Levites, a tribe set apart for religious duties, and their responsibilities included guarding the temple gates, managing the flow of people, and ensuring that the temple remained a holy place. The return from exile was a significant period of religious and cultural restoration for the Jewish people, and the gatekeepers, including Acub, were integral to re-establishing the temple's function and significance.

Theological Significance: The mention of Acub and his fellow gatekeepers underscores the importance of order, purity, and dedication in worship. Their role symbolizes the need for vigilance in maintaining the holiness of God's dwelling place. The careful listing of names in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah reflects the value placed on each individual's contribution to the community's spiritual life and the continuity of worship practices.

Cultural Impact: The returnees, including Acub, represent the fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people after the exile. Their dedication to rebuilding the temple and re-establishing religious practices serves as a testament to faithfulness and perseverance. The meticulous records of those who returned highlight the importance of community and collective identity in the Jewish faith.

Conclusion: The figure of Acub, though not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, plays a significant role in the restoration of the temple and the religious life of post-exilic Israel. His inclusion in the lists of gatekeepers emphasizes the importance of every individual's role in the service of God and the community.ACUB

a'-kub (Codex Vaticanus, Akouph; Codex Alexandrinus, Akoum) = Bakbuk (Ezra 2:51 Nehemiah 7:53): The descendants of Acub (temple-servants) returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (1 Esdras 5:31).

Acub
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ACUB. a'-kub (Codex Vaticanus, Akouph;
Codex Alexandrinus, Akoum) = Bakbuk (Ezra 2:51 Nehemiah 7 ...
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Bakbuk (2 Occurrences)
... bak'-buk baqbuq, "bottle" perhaps onomatopoetical, referring to the clucking noise
created by the pouring out of the contents of a bottle = Acub, (1 Esdras 5:31 ...
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Acud

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Acua
Acua. Actually, Acua. Acub . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ACUA.
ak'-ua. See ACUD. Actually, Acua. Acub . Reference Bible.
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