Bazlith is a name mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history, specifically in the books of Nehemiah and Ezra. The name appears in the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. Bazlith is associated with the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who played a crucial role in the religious and communal life of the restored Jewish community.

Biblical References:

1. Nehemiah 7:54 : "The descendants of Bazlith, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha." This verse is part of a larger passage that lists the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. The mention of Bazlith here indicates that his descendants were among those who were committed to the rebuilding of the temple and the reestablishment of worship in Jerusalem.

2. Ezra 2:52 : "the descendants of Bazluth, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha." In this parallel passage to Nehemiah 7, the name appears as "Bazluth," which is considered a variant spelling of Bazlith. This list in Ezra serves a similar purpose, documenting the returnees and emphasizing the continuity of the Jewish community despite the exile.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Nethinim, to which the descendants of Bazlith belonged, were a group of temple servants assigned to assist the Levites in the performance of their duties. The origin of the Nethinim is somewhat obscure, but they are believed to have been non-Israelites who were integrated into the service of the temple. Their role was vital in maintaining the daily operations and rituals of the temple, ensuring that the worship of Yahweh could proceed smoothly.

The return from exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking a period of renewal and restoration. The inclusion of the Nethinim in the lists of returnees highlights the importance of every group and individual in the rebuilding process. It underscores the collective effort required to restore the spiritual and communal life of the Jewish people.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Bazlith and his descendants in the biblical record serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in preserving His people through the exile and bringing them back to their land. It also reflects the inclusivity of God's plan, as even those who were not originally part of the Israelite community were given a role in the worship and service of the Lord.

The genealogical records in Ezra and Nehemiah emphasize the importance of heritage and continuity in the faith community. They serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who remained faithful to God's covenant, even in the face of adversity and displacement.Bazlith

(asking). "Children of Bazlith" were among the Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel. (Nehemiah 7:54) In (Ezra 2:52) the name is given as BAZLUTH. (B.C. 536.)

BAZLITH; BAZLUTH

baz'-lith, baz'-luth (batslith, Nehemiah 7:54; batsluth, Ezra 2:52; Basaloth, 1 Esdras 5:31, "asking"): The descendants of Bazlith (temple-servants) returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem.

1213. Batsluth -- "stripping," an Israelite
... "stripping," an Israelite. Transliteration: Batsluth Phonetic Spelling: (bats-looth')
Short Definition: Bazlith. ... NASB Word Usage Bazlith (1), Bazluth (1). ...
/hebrew/1213.htm - 6kBazlith (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAZLITH; BAZLUTH. baz'-lith, baz ... Zerubbabel to
Jerusalem. Multi-Version Concordance Bazlith (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/bazlith.htm - 7k

Bazluth (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAZLITH; BAZLUTH. baz'-lith, baz'-luth
(batslith, Nehemiah 7:54; batsluth, Ezra 2:52; Basaloth, 1 ...
/b/bazluth.htm - 7k

Mehida (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:54 the children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children
of Harsha, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/m/mehida.htm - 7k

Mehi'da (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:54 the children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha;
(See RSV). Mehida, Mehi'da. Mehir . Reference Bible.
/m/mehi'da.htm - 6k

Bazaars (1 Occurrence)

/b/bazaars.htm - 6k

Basaloth
... bas'-a-loth (A, Baaloth; B, Basalem; 1 Esdras 5:31 = Bazluth (Ezra 2:52) and Bazlith
(Nehemiah 7:54)): The descendants of Basaloth (temple-servants) returned ...
/b/basaloth.htm - 6k

Harsha (4 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:54 the children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children
of Harsha, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/harsha.htm - 8k

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