Asnah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Ezra. The reference to Asnah is found in a genealogical context, which provides insight into the post-exilic community of Israel. The name Asnah appears in a list of the descendants of the servants of Solomon who returned from the Babylonian exile.

Biblical Reference:

· Ezra 2:50 : "the descendants of Asnah, Meunim, and Nephusim."

This verse is part of a larger passage that enumerates the people who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylon under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The list includes various groups, such as the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants, as well as the descendants of Solomon's servants. The mention of Asnah is brief, and the text does not provide additional details about this individual or group.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The return from exile marked a significant period in Jewish history, as the Israelites sought to rebuild the temple and restore their community in the land of their ancestors. The inclusion of the descendants of Solomon's servants, including Asnah, highlights the diverse composition of the returning exiles. These groups played a crucial role in the re-establishment of religious and social structures in post-exilic Judah.

The descendants of Solomon's servants were likely associated with the administrative and religious functions of the temple, given their historical connection to Solomon, who built the first temple in Jerusalem. Their return signifies the continuity of temple service and the importance of maintaining the traditions and practices established during Solomon's reign.

Etymology and Interpretation:

The name Asnah is of uncertain etymology, and its meaning is not explicitly defined in the biblical text. Some scholars suggest that it may be of foreign origin, reflecting the diverse influences present in the ancient Near East. The brevity of the mention in Ezra leaves much to interpretation, and as such, Asnah remains a somewhat enigmatic figure within the biblical narrative.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Asnah and other similar names in the genealogical records underscores the theme of restoration and covenant faithfulness. The return from exile is seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to His people, and the detailed records of those who returned serve as a testament to God's providence and the continuity of His covenant with Israel.

The mention of Asnah, though brief, contributes to the broader narrative of redemption and restoration that is central to the post-exilic books of the Bible. It reflects the collective identity of the Israelites as they sought to re-establish their relationship with God and their place in the Promised Land.Asnah

(thorn-bush). The children of Asnah were among the Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:50)

ASNAH

as'-na ('acnah, "thornbush"): One of the Nethinim, who returned with Zerubbabel from the exile (Ezra 2:50).

619. Asnah -- perhaps "thornbush," one of the Nethinim
... 618, 619. Asnah. 620 . perhaps "thornbush," one of the Nethinim. Transliteration:
Asnah Phonetic Spelling: (as-naw') Short Definition: Asnah. ...
/hebrew/619.htm - 6kAsnah (1 Occurrence)
...ASNAH. as'-na ('acnah, "thornbush"): One of the Nethinim, who returned with
Zerubbabel from the exile (Ezra 2:50). ...Asnah (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/asnah.htm - 6k

Nephi'sim (1 Occurrence)
... Nephi'sim (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:50 the children of Asnah, the children of Meunim,
the children of Nephusim; (See RSV). Nephisim, Nephi'sim. Nephtali . ...
/n/nephi'sim.htm - 6k

Nephusim (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nephusim (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:50 The children of Asnah,
the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim, (KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT). ...
/n/nephusim.htm - 7k

Nephussim (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nephussim (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:50 the children of Asnah,
the children of Meunim, the children of Nephusim; (See NIV). ...
/n/nephussim.htm - 6k

Nephisim (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nephisim (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:50 the children of Asnah,
the children of Meunim, the children of Nephisim, (WEB ASV BBE NAS). ...
/n/nephisim.htm - 7k

Meunim (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV BBE). Ezra 2:50 the children of Asnah, the children of Meunim,
the children of Nephisim, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). ...
/m/meunim.htm - 8k

Me-u'nim (3 Occurrences)
... their flocks. (See RSV). Ezra 2:50 the children of Asnah, the children of
Meunim, the children of Nephisim, (See RSV). Nehemiah 7:52 ...
/m/me-u'nim.htm - 7k

Mehunim (2 Occurrences)
... Mehunims. (Root in KJV WBS YLT). Ezra 2:50 The children of Asnah, the children
of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim, (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/m/mehunim.htm - 7k

Asnapper (1 Occurrence)

/a/asnapper.htm - 7k

Asana
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ASANA. as'-a-na (Asana, Assana) = Asnah
(Ezra 2:50); omitted in Nehemiah. The sons of Asana (temple ...
/a/asana.htm - 6k

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