Hatita is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period when the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. Hatita is identified as one of the gatekeepers, a role of significant responsibility and honor in the service of the Temple.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:42 : "The descendants of the gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai, 139 in all."

2. Nehemiah 7:45 : "The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai, 138 in all."

In these passages, Hatita is listed among the gatekeepers who returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem. The role of the gatekeepers was crucial in maintaining the sanctity and security of the Temple. They were responsible for guarding the gates, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter, and protecting the Temple from any defilement or unauthorized access.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The gatekeepers were part of the Levitical order, a tribe set apart for religious duties. Their responsibilities extended beyond mere physical security; they were also involved in the spiritual oversight of the Temple precincts. The mention of Hatita alongside other gatekeepers underscores the organized and communal effort required to restore the religious practices and infrastructure of Israel after the exile.

The slight discrepancy in the number of gatekeepers between the books of Ezra and Nehemiah (139 in Ezra and 138 in Nehemiah) is a point of interest for biblical scholars. This difference may be attributed to variations in textual transmission or differing sources used by the authors of these books.

Theological Significance:

Hatita's inclusion in the genealogical records of Ezra and Nehemiah highlights the importance of each individual's contribution to the collective mission of restoring worship in Jerusalem. The gatekeepers, including Hatita, played a vital role in re-establishing the religious identity of the Jewish people after a period of displacement and exile. Their dedication to their duties reflects a commitment to God's covenant and the centrality of worship in the life of the Israelite community.

The role of gatekeepers like Hatita can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance, emphasizing the need for believers to guard their hearts and communities against spiritual threats. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, where the faithful are called to be watchful and discerning in their spiritual lives.

Conclusion:

While Hatita may not be a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his role as a gatekeeper serves as a reminder of the importance of every member's contribution to the faith community. His mention in the post-exilic records underscores the collective effort required to restore and maintain the worship of God, a task that remains relevant for believers today.Hatita

a bending of sin

Hatita

(exploring). Bene-Hatita (i.e. sons of Hatita) were among the "porters" (i.e. the gate-keepers) who returned from the captivity with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:42; Nehemiah 7:45) (B.C. 536.)

Exploration, one of the temple porters or janitors (Ezra 2:42). He returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. HATITA

ha-ti'-ta, hat'-i-ta (chaTiTa'): Head of a family among the "children of the porters" who returned from exile (Ezra 2:42 Nehemiah 7:45; APC 1Esdras 5:28, "Ateta").

2410. Chatita -- a Levite
... 2409, 2410. Chatita. 2411 . a Levite. Transliteration: Chatita Phonetic
Spelling: (khat-ee-taw') Short Definition: Hatita. ... Hatita. ...
/hebrew/2410.htm - 5kHatita (2 Occurrences)
... He returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
HATITA. ... Multi-Version Concordance Hatita (2 Occurrences). ...
/h/hatita.htm - 7k

Hati'ta (2 Occurrences)
Hati'ta. Hatita, Hati'ta. Hatred . Multi-Version Concordance Hati'ta (2
Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Hatita, Hati'ta. Hatred . Reference Bible.
/h/hati'ta.htm - 7k

Talmon (5 Occurrences)
... The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the
children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children ...
/t/talmon.htm - 9k

Akkub (8 Occurrences)
... The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the
children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children ...
/a/akkub.htm - 10k

Ater (3 Occurrences)
... The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the
children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children ...
/a/ater.htm - 8k

Sho'bai (2 Occurrences)
... The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the
children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children ...
/s/sho'bai.htm - 7k

Shobai (2 Occurrences)
... The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the
children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children ...
/s/shobai.htm - 7k

Door-keepers (34 Occurrences)
... of the door-keepers: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children
of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of ...
/d/door-keepers.htm - 17k

Doorkeepers (37 Occurrences)
... children of the doorkeepers: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the
children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children ...
/d/doorkeepers.htm - 18k

Porters (34 Occurrences)
... The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the
children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children ...
/p/porters.htm - 17k

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