Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Jekabzeel is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period. It is a town in the territory of Judah, and its mention provides insight into the restoration and resettlement efforts of the Jewish people following their return from Babylonian exile. Biblical References: Jekabzeel is referenced in the book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts of Nehemiah and others to rebuild Jerusalem and reestablish the Jewish community in their ancestral land. The specific mention of Jekabzeel is found in Nehemiah 11:25: "As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba and its villages, in Dibon and its villages, in Jekabzeel and its villages." Historical Context: The mention of Jekabzeel occurs during the period of the return from Babylonian exile, a significant event in Jewish history. This period is marked by the efforts to restore the religious, social, and political life of the Jewish people in their homeland. The resettlement of towns like Jekabzeel was part of a broader initiative to repopulate and revitalize the region of Judah. Geographical Location: Jekabzeel is identified as a town within the tribal allotment of Judah. While its precise location is not definitively known today, it is believed to have been situated in the southern part of Judah, possibly near the Negev desert. The town's inclusion in the list of settlements in Nehemiah underscores its role in the reestablishment of the Jewish community. Cultural and Religious Significance: The resettlement of Jekabzeel and other towns was crucial for the restoration of Jewish identity and religious practices. The returnees were tasked with rebuilding not only the physical structures of their towns but also the spiritual and communal life that had been disrupted by the exile. The mention of Jekabzeel highlights the importance of community and continuity in the Jewish faith, as the people sought to reestablish their covenant relationship with God in their ancestral land. Conclusion: While Jekabzeel is not one of the more prominent locations in biblical narratives, its mention in Nehemiah serves as a testament to the broader efforts of restoration and renewal undertaken by the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. The town's inclusion in the biblical record reflects the significance of every community in the collective identity and heritage of the people of Israel. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia JEKABZELje-kab'-ze-el (yeqabhtse'el, "God gathers"; Nehemiah 11:25). Thesaurus Jekabzel... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia JEKABZEL. je-kab'-ze-el (yeqabhtse' el, "God gathers"; Nehemiah 11:25). See KABZEEL. ... /j/jekabzel.htm - 6k Jekabzeel (1 Occurrence) Jekab'zeel (1 Occurrence) Jekameam (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |