Gazzam is a name found in the Old Testament, specifically within the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The name appears in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Gazzam is listed among the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who played a crucial role in the functioning of the Second Temple.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:48 : "the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hagab, the descendants of Shalmai, the descendants of Hanan, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar, the descendants of Reaiah, the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda, the descendants of Gazzam,"

2. Nehemiah 7:51 : "the descendants of Gazzam, the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah, the descendants of Besai,"

In these passages, Gazzam is mentioned as part of a list of families or groups who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The Nethinim, to which the descendants of Gazzam belonged, were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple. Their duties likely included menial tasks necessary for the maintenance and operation of the temple, allowing the Levites to focus on their priestly responsibilities.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Nethinim were a distinct group within the Israelite community, and their origins are somewhat obscure. The term "Nethinim" means "given ones," indicating that they were dedicated to the service of the temple. It is believed that they may have been descendants of the Gibeonites, who were assigned to serve the Israelites after their deceptive treaty with Joshua (Joshua 9:27). Over time, their role became institutionalized within the temple service.

The return of the exiles and the rebuilding of the temple were significant events in Jewish history, marking a period of religious and national restoration. The inclusion of the Nethinim in the lists of returnees highlights the importance of their service in re-establishing the worship practices central to Jewish identity and faith.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Gazzam and the Nethinim underscores the theme of restoration and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Despite the exile and the challenges faced by the returning community, the re-establishment of the temple and its services signified a renewal of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The faithful service of groups like the Nethinim was essential in maintaining the worship and religious life of the community, reflecting the broader biblical principle that every member of the community has a role to play in the service of God.

In summary, Gazzam represents a family within the Nethinim who contributed to the restoration of the temple service in post-exilic Jerusalem. Their inclusion in the biblical record highlights the diverse and cooperative effort required to rebuild and sustain the spiritual life of the Jewish people during this pivotal period.Gazzam

the fleece of them

Gazzam

(devouring). The Bene-Gazzam were among the familiar of the Nethinim who returned from the captivity with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:48; Nehemiah 7:51) (B.C. 536.)

GAZZAM

gaz'-am (gazzam, "devouring"):

Head of a family of Nethinim who returned from exile (Ezra 2:48 Nehemiah 7:51; APC 1Esdras 5:31, "Gazera").

1502. Gazzam -- "devourer," an Israelite
... Gazzam. 1503 . "devourer," an Israelite. Transliteration: Gazzam Phonetic Spelling:
(gaz-zawm') Short Definition: Gazzam. ... NASB Word Usage Gazzam (2). Gazzam. ...
/hebrew/1502.htm - 6kGazzam (2 Occurrences)
...GAZZAM. gaz'-am (gazzam, "devouring"): Head of a family of Nethinim who returned
from exile (Ezra 2:48 Nehemiah 7:51; APC 1Esdras 5:31, "Gazera"). ...
/g/gazzam.htm - 7k

Nekoda (4 Occurrences)
... Nekoda (4 Occurrences). Ezra 2:48 the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,
the children of Gazzam, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/n/nekoda.htm - 8k

Neko'da (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Neko'da (4 Occurrences). Ezra 2:48 the children of Rezin,
the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam; (See RSV). ...
/n/neko'da.htm - 7k

Gazzah (1 Occurrence)

/g/gazzah.htm - 6k

Gazera
... (2) Head of a family of temple-servants who returned with Zerubbabel (APC
1Esdras 5:31) = "Gazzam" in Ezra 2:48 and Nehemiah 7:51. ...
/g/gazera.htm - 6k

Ge (1 Occurrence)

/g/ge.htm - 6k

Pase'ah (4 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Nehemiah 7:51 the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children
of Paseah; (See RSV). Paseah, Pase'ah. Pashhur . Reference Bible.
/p/pase'ah.htm - 7k

Paseah (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah 7:51 the children of Gazzam,
the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah. (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). ...
/p/paseah.htm - 8k

Phaseah (2 Occurrences)
... children of Besai, (DBY). Nehemiah 7:51 The children of Gazzam, the children
of Uzza, the children of Phaseah, (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/p/phaseah.htm - 7k

Rezin (11 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:48 the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Nehemiah ...
/r/rezin.htm - 13k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus