Adonikam is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. His name, which means "The Lord has risen" or "My Lord has arisen," is indicative of the hope and restoration associated with the return from exile. Adonikam is primarily noted for his descendants who were part of the group that returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:13 · In the list of those who returned from Babylonian captivity, the descendants of Adonikam are mentioned: "the sons of Adonikam, 666." This enumeration highlights the significant number of his descendants who participated in the return, suggesting that Adonikam's family was relatively large and influential.

2. Nehemiah 7:18 · This passage mirrors the account in Ezra, again listing the "sons of Adonikam, 667." The slight numerical discrepancy between Ezra and Nehemiah is a point of interest for biblical scholars, often attributed to variations in textual transmission or different stages of the return.

3. Ezra 8:13 · In a later account, Ezra records the names of those who accompanied him on a subsequent return to Jerusalem. Here, Adonikam's descendants are again mentioned: "Of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these: Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them 60 men." This passage provides additional names and numbers, indicating the continued prominence of Adonikam's lineage.

Historical and Theological Context:

Adonikam's mention in the post-exilic records underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal affiliation in the restoration of Israel. The return from Babylon was not merely a physical relocation but a spiritual and communal reconstitution of the Jewish people. Families like that of Adonikam played a crucial role in re-establishing the religious and social structures of the Jewish community in Jerusalem.

Theologically, the return of Adonikam's descendants can be seen as part of God's covenantal faithfulness to Israel. Despite the exile, God preserved a remnant, fulfilling His promises to restore His people to their land. The participation of Adonikam's family in this divine plan highlights the continuity of God's redemptive work through generations.

Significance:

The account of Adonikam and his descendants serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and obedience among the Jewish exiles. It reflects the broader narrative of restoration and hope that characterizes the post-exilic period. For contemporary readers, Adonikam's account is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's calling and the impact of one's legacy on future generations.Adonikam

the Lord is raised

Whom the Lord sets up, one of those "which came with Zerubbabel" (Ezra 2:13). His "children," or retainers, to the number of 666, came up to Jerusalem (8:13). ADONIKAM

ad-o-ni'-kam ('adhoniqam, "my lord has risen up"): The name of a family of the returning exiles (Ezra 2:13 Nehemiah 7:18). "The sons of Adonikam," men and women and children, numbered 666 according to the list as given in Ezra, but 667 according to the copy in Nehemiah. Either included among these or in addition to them was the contingent that came with Ezra, "Ehphalet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah, and with them 60 males" (Ezra 8:13).

140. Adoniqam -- "my Lord has arisen," head of an Israelite family
... "my Lord has arisen," head of an Israelite family. Transliteration: Adoniqam Phonetic
Spelling: (ad-o-nee-kawm') Short Definition: Adonikam. ... Adonikam. ...
/hebrew/140.htm - 6k

The Apocalypse.
... Not much better is Hengstenberg's explanation: Adonikam, ie, "The Lord arises,"
a good name for Antichrist (2:Thess.2:4)! He bases it on Ezra 2:13: "The ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 101 the apocalypse.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... is proved in the Israelitish epoch by Canaanitish names, such as Adonizedek and
Adonibezek, or Jewish names such as Adonijah, Adonikam, Adoniram-Adoram. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Adonikam (1 Occurrence)
...ADONIKAM. ... "The sons of Adonikam," men and women and children, numbered 666 according
to the list as given in Ezra, but 667 according to the copy in Nehemiah. ...
/a/adonikam.htm - 7k

Adoni'kam (3 Occurrences)
Adoni'kam. Adonikam, Adoni'kam. Adoniram . Multi-Version Concordance
Adoni'kam (3 Occurrences). Ezra 2:13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty ...
/a/adoni'kam.htm - 7k

Sixty (70 Occurrences)
... (WEB BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV). Ezra 2:13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred
sixty-six. ... Nehemiah 7:18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-seven. ...
/s/sixty.htm - 28k

Shemaiah (40 Occurrences)
... (15) A member of the family of Adonikam (Ezra 8:13, Codex Vaticanus Samaia;
Codex Alexandrinus Samaeia; "Samaias" in 1Es 8:39). ...
/s/shemaiah.htm - 29k

Threescore (87 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV). Ezra 8:13 And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these,
Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males. (KJV JPS ASV). ...
/t/threescore.htm - 33k

666 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 666 (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:13 The children
of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-six. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/666.htm - 6k

667 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 667 (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:18 The children
of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-seven. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/667.htm - 6k

Jeuel (3 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:13 Of the sons of Adonikam, who were the last; and these are their names:
Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah; and with them sixty males. ...
/j/jeuel.htm - 8k

Jeu'el (3 Occurrences)
... Ezra 8:13 And of the sons of Adonikam, the last, whose names were Eliphelet, Jeuel,
and Shemaiah; and with them sixty males. (See RSV). Jeuel, Jeu'el. Jeush ...
/j/jeu'el.htm - 7k

Eliph'elet (8 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Ezra 8:13 And of the sons of Adonikam, that were the last; and these
are their names, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah; and with them threescore males. ...
/e/eliph'elet.htm - 8k

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