Topical Encyclopedia Aterezaias is a figure mentioned in the apocryphal text of 1 Esdras, which is part of the collection of books known as the Apocrypha. These texts are included in some Christian traditions, such as the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, but are not part of the Hebrew Bible or the Protestant Old Testament. The name Aterezaias appears in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, a significant event in Jewish history that is also detailed in the canonical books of Ezra and Nehemiah.Biblical Context In 1 Esdras 5:40, Aterezaias is listed among the leaders of the families who returned from the Babylonian exile. The passage reads: "The sons of Aterezaias, ninety-two." This enumeration is part of a larger genealogical record that details the families and individuals who participated in the return to Jerusalem under the decree of Cyrus, the Persian king. This return was a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land after seventy years of captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). Historical and Theological Significance The mention of Aterezaias, though brief, is significant in the broader narrative of the Jewish return from exile. This event marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history, as it led to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the re-establishment of Jewish religious practices and community life. The return from exile is seen as a demonstration of God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, despite their previous disobedience and the resulting judgment. Theologically, the return from Babylon is often viewed as a type or foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption and restoration that God promises to His people. It underscores themes of repentance, renewal, and divine mercy, which are central to the biblical narrative. Comparison with Canonical Texts While Aterezaias is specifically mentioned in 1 Esdras, the canonical books of Ezra and Nehemiah provide parallel accounts of the return from exile. In these texts, similar genealogical lists are provided, though the names and numbers may vary slightly due to differences in textual traditions and translations. For example, in the book of Ezra, the list of returnees includes the "sons of Ater" (Ezra 2:16), which may correspond to the Aterezaias mentioned in 1 Esdras. Linguistic and Etymological Notes The name Aterezaias is of uncertain etymology, but it may be a compound name combining elements that are common in Hebrew names. The prefix "Ater" could be related to the Hebrew word for "crown" or "wreath," while the suffix "ezaias" might be a variant of the name "Ezra" or a similar theophoric element. Names in the post-exilic period often reflected the religious and cultural influences of the time, including elements of Persian and Aramaic origin. Conclusion While Aterezaias is a relatively obscure figure, his inclusion in the genealogical records of 1 Esdras highlights the importance of each family and individual in the collective memory of Israel's restoration. The return from exile was not only a physical journey but also a spiritual renewal, as the people of Israel recommitted themselves to the worship of Yahweh and the observance of His laws. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ATEREZAIASa-ter-e-zi'-as (Ater to Hezekia): Usually found in the abbreviated form Ater. Head of a Jewish family, which returned with Zerubbabel, under the decree of Cyrus. Mentioned (Ezra 2:16) as sprung from Hezekiah. Their number is given as 98. Thesaurus Aterezaias... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ATEREZAIAS. ... Also found in 1 Esdras 5:15, where the name is given variously as Ater or Aterezaias. ... /a/aterezaias.htm - 7k Ater (3 Occurrences) Atergatis Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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