Topical Encyclopedia Adinus is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the return of the exiles to Jerusalem following the Babylonian captivity. His name appears in the apocryphal book of 1 Esdras, which is considered canonical in some Christian traditions but is not included in the Hebrew Bible or the Protestant Old Testament. The name "Adinus" is not found in the canonical books of the Bible, such as Ezra or Nehemiah, which also recount the return from exile.Biblical Context In 1 Esdras 8:32, Adinus is listed among the leaders of the families who returned with Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem. The passage reads: "And of the sons of Adonikam, the last ones, and these are their names: Eliphalet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah, and with them seventy males." The mention of Adinus in this context suggests that he was a leader or a notable figure among the returning exiles, although specific details about his life and role are not provided in the text. Name and Meaning The name "Adinus" is of uncertain origin and meaning. It is possible that it is a variant or transliteration of a Hebrew name, but without additional context or occurrences in the canonical texts, its exact meaning remains speculative. Names in the biblical context often carry significant meanings or reflect certain attributes, but in the case of Adinus, such insights are limited due to the scarcity of information. Historical and Theological Significance The return from Babylonian exile is a significant event in Jewish history, marking the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple. Leaders like Adinus, though not extensively detailed in the biblical narrative, played a crucial role in this restoration process. Their leadership and commitment to re-establishing the worship and practices of the Jewish faith were vital to the community's renewal. Theologically, the return from exile is seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to His people, demonstrating His faithfulness and mercy. It underscores themes of repentance, restoration, and the importance of adhering to God's covenant. Figures like Adinus, therefore, are part of the larger narrative of God's redemptive work through history. Related Figures and Texts Adinus is associated with the family of Adonikam, as mentioned in 1 Esdras. The canonical book of Ezra also lists the sons of Adonikam among those who returned from exile (Ezra 2:13), although the name Adinus does not appear there. This connection suggests that Adinus may have been a descendant or related to the family of Adonikam, a family that played a role in the post-exilic community. The book of Nehemiah, which also details the return and rebuilding efforts, provides additional context for understanding the challenges and achievements of the returning exiles. While Adinus is not mentioned in Nehemiah, the book complements the narrative found in Ezra and 1 Esdras, offering a broader picture of the period. Conclusion While Adinus is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the list of returning exiles highlights the collective effort and diverse leadership that characterized the restoration of Jerusalem. His mention in 1 Esdras serves as a reminder of the many individuals who contributed to the fulfillment of God's promises and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their ancestral homeland. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ADINUSad'-i-nus. See IADINUS (Apocrypha). Thesaurus AdinusAdinus. Adinu, Adinus. Adithaim . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ADINUS. ad'-i-nus. See IADINUS (Apocrypha). Adinu, Adinus. Adithaim . ... /a/adinus.htm - 6k Iadinus Adinu Adithaim (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |