Bezai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The name "Bezai" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "conqueror" or "strong." Bezai is recognized as the head of a family or clan that returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:17 : "the descendants of Bezai, 323." This verse is part of a larger genealogical record that lists the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylonian captivity under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The mention of Bezai here indicates that his descendants were among those who took part in the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the Temple.

2. Nehemiah 7:23 : "the descendants of Bezai, 324." This passage is a parallel account to the one found in Ezra, providing a similar list of returnees. The slight numerical discrepancy between the two accounts (323 in Ezra and 324 in Nehemiah) is a point of interest for biblical scholars, often attributed to variations in record-keeping or textual transmission over time.

3. Nehemiah 10:18 : "Bezai." In this context, Bezai is listed among those who sealed the covenant, a significant event where the leaders, Levites, and priests made a solemn agreement to follow the Law of God as given through Moses. This covenant was part of a broader spiritual renewal and commitment to obedience among the returned exiles.

Historical and Theological Context:

The return from Babylonian exile was a pivotal moment in Jewish history, marking the end of a period of punishment and the beginning of restoration. The inclusion of Bezai's descendants in the lists of returnees highlights the importance of family lineage and continuity in the post-exilic community. It underscores the collective effort to re-establish religious and social structures in accordance with God's covenant.

The act of sealing the covenant, in which Bezai participated, reflects a deep commitment to spiritual renewal and adherence to the Law. This covenant was a response to the realization of past failures and a desire to align the community with God's will, ensuring His blessings and protection.

Significance:

Bezai's mention in the biblical narrative, though brief, contributes to the larger account of Israel's restoration and the re-establishment of their identity as God's chosen people. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of those who returned to rebuild their homeland and renew their covenant with God. The legacy of Bezai and his descendants is preserved in the biblical record as part of the faithful remnant committed to the restoration of Jerusalem and the worship of Yahweh.Bezai

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Bezai

(conqueror). "Children of Bezai," to the number of 328, returned from captivity with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:17; Nehemiah 7:23; 10:18)

BEZAI

be'-za-i (betsay, "shining"(?)):

(1) A chief who with Nehemiah sealed the covenant (Nehemiah 10:18).

(2) The descendants of Bezai returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (323, Ezra 2:17; 324, Nehemiah 7:23 = Bassai, 1 Esdras 5:16).

1209. Betsay -- an Israelite name
... Betsay. 1210 . an Israelite name. Transliteration: Betsay Phonetic Spelling:
(bay-tsah'-ee) Short Definition: Bezai. ... name NASB Word Usage Bezai (3). Bezai. ...
/hebrew/1209.htm - 6kBezai (2 Occurrences)
...BEZAI. ... (2) The descendants of Bezai returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem
(323, Ezra 2:17; 324, Nehemiah 7:23 = Bassai, 1 Esdras 5:16). ...
/b/bezai.htm - 7k

Be'zai (3 Occurrences)
Be'zai. Bezai, Be'zai. Bezaleel . Multi-Version Concordance Be'zai (3 Occurrences).
Ezra 2:17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-three. (See RSV). ...
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324 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 324 (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:23 The children
of Bezai, three hundred twenty-four. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/324.htm - 6k

323 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 323 (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:17 The children
of Bezai, three hundred twenty-three. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/323.htm - 6k

Twenty-three (15 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-three. (WEB BBE DBY RSV). Ezra
2:17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-three. (WEB BBE DBY RSV). ...
/t/twenty-three.htm - 10k

Bassai
... bas'-ai, bas'-i (Bassai, Bassa; the King James Version Bassa; 1 Esdras 5:16; Bezai
(Ezra 2:17 Nehemiah 7:23)): The sons of Bassai returned with Zerubbabel to ...
/b/bassai.htm - 6k

Bezaanannim

/b/bezaanannim.htm - 6k

Twenty-four (26 Occurrences)
... (WEB BBE DBY RSV). Nehemiah 7:23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-four.
(WEB BBE DBY RSV). Twenty-five, Twenty-four. Twenty-fourth . Reference Bible
/t/twenty-four.htm - 14k

Hodiah (6 Occurrences)
... NIV). Nehemiah 10:13 Hodiah, Bani, Beninu. (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). Nehemiah
10:18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/h/hodiah.htm - 9k

Hodi'ah (6 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:13 Hodiah, Bani, Beninu. (See RSV). Nehemiah 10:18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai;
(See RSV). Hodiah, Hodi'ah. Hodiah's . Reference Bible.
/h/hodi'ah.htm - 7k

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