Bakbukiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. His name, which may mean "the Lord has emptied" or "the Lord has poured out," reflects a common practice in Hebrew culture of attributing significant meanings to names.

Biblical References:

Bakbukiah is primarily mentioned in the books of Nehemiah and 1 Chronicles, which detail the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple.

1. Nehemiah 11:17 : "Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the leader who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun."

2. Nehemiah 12:9 : "Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood opposite them in the services."

3. Nehemiah 12:25 : "Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates."

4. Nehemiah 12:44-47 : These verses describe the duties and organization of the Levites, among whom Bakbukiah served, emphasizing the importance of worship and the maintenance of temple services.

Role and Function:

Bakbukiah was a Levite, a member of the tribe set apart for religious duties and temple service. His specific role involved leading in thanksgiving and prayer, as well as participating in the musical aspects of worship. The Levites were crucial in maintaining the spiritual life of the community, and Bakbukiah's position highlights the organized and communal nature of worship during this period.

Historical and Religious Context:

The return from Babylonian exile was a pivotal moment in Jewish history, marked by a renewed commitment to the covenant and the reestablishment of religious practices. The rebuilding of the temple and the reorganization of its services were central to this renewal. Bakbukiah's involvement in these activities underscores the importance of worship and the continuity of Levitical traditions.

Significance:

Bakbukiah's mention in the scriptures, though brief, is significant in illustrating the dedication and structure of the post-exilic community. His role as a leader in thanksgiving and prayer reflects the emphasis on gratitude and reliance on God, which were vital themes for the returning exiles. The detailed listing of individuals like Bakbukiah in the biblical narrative serves to honor their contributions and preserve their legacy within the history of Israel.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, Bakbukiah's service as a Levite highlights the importance of worship and the role of music and prayer in the life of God's people. His example encourages believers to value and participate in communal worship, recognizing it as a means of expressing gratitude and maintaining a relationship with God. The dedication of individuals like Bakbukiah serves as a model for faithful service and commitment to God's purposes.Bakbukiah

(wasting of Jehovah), a Levite in the time of Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 11:17; 12:9) (B.C. before 536.)

BAKBUKIAH

bak-bu-ki'-a baqbuqyah, ("the Lord pours out"):

(1) A Levite who "dwelt in Jerusalem" after the return from Babylon (Nehemiah 11:17).

(2) A Levite who returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 12:9).

(3) A Levite and porter keeping "the watch at the store-houses of the gates" (Nehemiah 12:25).

1229. Baqbuqyah -- "emptying of Yah," a Levite
... 1228, 1229. Baqbuqyah. 1230 . "emptying of Yah," a Levite. Transliteration:
Baqbuqyah Phonetic Spelling: (bak-book-yaw') Short Definition: Bakbukiah. ... Bakbukiah ...
/hebrew/1229.htm - 6kBakbukiah (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAKBUKIAH. bak-bu-ki'-a baqbuqyah ... 12:25).
Multi-Version Concordance Bakbukiah (3 Occurrences). Nehemiah 11:17 ...
/b/bakbukiah.htm - 8k

Bakbuki'ah (3 Occurrences)
Bakbuki'ah. Bakbukiah, Bakbuki'ah. Bake . ... (See RSV). Nehemiah 12:9 Also Bakbukiah
and Unni, their brethren, were over against them in wards. (See RSV). ...
/b/bakbuki'ah.htm - 7k

Mattani'ah (16 Occurrences)
... 11:17 and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was
the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among ...
/m/mattani'ah.htm - 10k

Associates (26 Occurrences)
... 11:17 and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was
the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among ...
/a/associates.htm - 14k

Mattaniah (16 Occurrences)
... 11:17 and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was
the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among ...
/m/mattaniah.htm - 14k

Unno (1 Occurrence)
... Unno (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 12:9 Also Bakbukiah and Unno, their brothers, were
over against them according to their offices. (WEB ASV BBE RSV). ...
/u/unno.htm - 7k

Unni (3 Occurrences)
... NIV). Nehemiah 12:9 Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, were over against
them in the watches. (KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/u/unni.htm - 8k

Obadi'ah (16 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:25 Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were
porters keeping the ward at the store-houses of the gates. (See RSV). ...
/o/obadi'ah.htm - 10k

Jeduthun (15 Occurrences)
... 11:17 and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was
the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among ...
/j/jeduthun.htm - 13k

Jedu'thun (11 Occurrences)
... 11:17 and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was
the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among ...
/j/jedu'thun.htm - 10k

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