Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Chelal is a lesser-known biblical figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the post-exilic community. His name appears in the context of the return from the Babylonian exile, a significant period in Israel's history when the Jewish people were reestablishing their identity and religious practices in Jerusalem and the surrounding regions. Biblical Reference: Chelal is mentioned in the Book of Ezra, which details the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple. The specific reference to Chelal can be found in Ezra 10:30. This chapter deals with the issue of intermarriage between the Israelites and the surrounding nations, which was seen as a violation of the covenantal laws given to the people of Israel. Ezra 10:30 : "From the descendants of Pahath-moab: Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh." Context and Significance: The mention of Chelal occurs in a list of those who had taken foreign wives and were called to put them away in order to maintain the purity of the Israelite community. This was part of a larger reform led by Ezra, a scribe and priest, who sought to restore adherence to the Law of Moses among the returned exiles. The issue of intermarriage was significant because it threatened the distinctiveness of the Israelite faith and culture, which were central to their identity as God's chosen people. Theological Implications: The inclusion of Chelal in this list highlights the challenges faced by the post-exilic community in maintaining their covenant relationship with God. The reforms initiated by Ezra were aimed at renewing the community's commitment to the Torah and ensuring that the people lived in accordance with God's commandments. This period of reform underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's laws as a means of preserving the spiritual and cultural integrity of the Israelite nation. Historical and Cultural Background: The return from exile was a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The Babylonian exile had resulted in significant cultural and religious shifts, and the returnees faced the task of rebuilding not only the physical structures of their society but also their spiritual foundations. The issue of intermarriage was particularly pressing because it represented a potential dilution of the religious and cultural identity that had been preserved through the exile. Conclusion: Chelal's mention in the Book of Ezra serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to maintain faithfulness to God's covenant in the face of external influences. His inclusion in the genealogical records of those who had intermarried reflects the broader narrative of repentance and reform that characterized the post-exilic community's efforts to reestablish their identity as a people set apart for God's purposes. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary ChelalSmith's Bible Dictionary Chelal(perfection), (Ezra 10:30) one who had a strange wife. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CHELALke'-lal (kelal, "perfection"): One of the bene Pachath-Mo'abh who took "strange wives" (Ezra 10:30). Strong's Hebrew 3636. Kelal -- an Israelite... 3635, 3636. Kelal. 3637 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Kelal Phonetic Spelling: (kel-awl') Short Definition: Chelal. ... NASB Word Usage Chelal (1). Chelal. ... /hebrew/3636.htm - 6k Thesaurus Chelal (1 Occurrence)...CHELAL. ke'-lal (kelal, "perfection"): One of the bene Pachath-Mo'abh who took "strange wives" (Ezra 10:30). Multi-Version Concordance Chelal (1 Occurrence). ... /c/chelal.htm - 6k Kelal (1 Occurrence) Ma-asei'ah (23 Occurrences) Mattaniah (16 Occurrences) Mattani'ah (16 Occurrences) Pa'hath-mo'ab (5 Occurrences) Pahathmoab (6 Occurrences) Pahath-moab (6 Occurrences) Bez'alel (9 Occurrences) Binnui (7 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Chelal (1 Occurrence)Ezra 10:30 Subtopics Related Terms |
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