Kallai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. He is identified as a priest who returned to Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile, playing a role in the restoration of the Jewish community and its religious practices.

Biblical References:

Kallai is mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and reestablish the Jewish community after the Babylonian captivity. In Nehemiah 12:9, Kallai is listed among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The verse states: "Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood opposite them in the services." While Kallai is not directly named in this verse, he is included in the broader context of the priestly families involved in the temple services.

Role and Significance:

Kallai's inclusion in the genealogical and priestly records underscores the importance of maintaining the continuity of the Levitical priesthood during the post-exilic period. The priests were responsible for conducting sacrifices, maintaining the temple, and leading the people in worship according to the Mosaic Law. Kallai's presence among the returning exiles highlights the commitment to restoring proper worship and adherence to the covenantal relationship with God.

Historical Context:

The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem were pivotal moments in Jewish history. The leadership of figures like Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Ezra, and Nehemiah was crucial in reestablishing the religious and social structures of the Jewish people. The priests, including Kallai, played a vital role in this process by ensuring that the temple services were conducted according to the traditions and commandments given to Moses.

Theological Implications:

Kallai's mention, though brief, serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people and the priesthood. The restoration of the temple and its services symbolized the renewal of the covenant and the hope of future blessings. The priests' dedication to their duties reflected the broader theme of repentance and renewal that characterized the post-exilic community.

Conclusion:

While Kallai may not be a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his role as a priest during a critical period in Israel's history is significant. His inclusion in the genealogical records of Nehemiah emphasizes the importance of the priesthood in maintaining the spiritual life of the Jewish people and the continuity of their covenantal relationship with God.Kallai

light; resting by fire; my voice

Kallai

(swift servant of Jehovah), a priest in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua. He represented the family of Sallai. (Nehemiah 12:20) (B.C. after 536.)

KALLAI

kal'-a-i, kal'-i (qallay, qal, "swift"): A priest among those who returned with Zerubbabel (Nehemiah 12:1). He represented the family of Sallai (Nehemiah 12:20).

7040. Qallay -- an Israelite priest
... Qallay. 7041 . an Israelite priest. Transliteration: Qallay Phonetic Spelling:
(kal-lah'-ee) Short Definition: Kallai. ... priest NASB Word Usage Kallai (1). Kallai ...
/hebrew/7040.htm - 6kKallai (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia KALLAI. ...Kallai (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 12:20 of
Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/k/kallai.htm - 7k

Kal'lai (1 Occurrence)
Kal'lai. Kallai, Kal'lai. Kamai . Multi-Version Concordance Kal'lai (1 Occurrence).
Nehemiah 12:20 of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber; (See RSV). ...
/k/kal'lai.htm - 6k

Kaiwan (1 Occurrence)

/k/kaiwan.htm - 6k

Amok's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Amok's (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah
12:20 of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber; (See NIV). ...
/a/amok's.htm - 6k

Amok (2 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Nehemiah 12:20 of Sallai, Kallai;
of Amok, Eber; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/a/amok.htm - 7k

Eber (16 Occurrences)
... ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Nehemiah 12:20 of Sallai, Kallai; of
Amok, Eber; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/eber.htm - 12k

Sal'lai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sal'lai (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 12:20 of Sallai, Kallai;
of Amok, Eber; (See RSV). Sallai, Sal'lai. Salla'i . Reference Bible.
/s/sal'lai.htm - 6k

Sallai (2 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah 12:20 of Sallai, Kallai;
of Amok, Eber; (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/s/sallai.htm - 7k

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