Topical Encyclopedia Kolai'ah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah. The name Kolai'ah is of Hebrew origin, and it is understood to mean "voice of Jehovah" or "Jehovah's voice." This name reflects the common practice in ancient Israel of embedding the name of God, Yahweh, within personal names, signifying a connection or dedication to the divine.Biblical Reference: Kolai'ah is mentioned in Nehemiah 11:7, where he is identified as an ancestor of one of the families that returned to Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. The verse reads: "From the descendants of Benjamin: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah" (Nehemiah 11:7). This genealogical record places Kolai'ah within the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Historical and Cultural Context: The mention of Kolai'ah occurs in the context of the repopulation of Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian captivity. Nehemiah, a key leader in the restoration of Jerusalem, organized the resettlement of the city to ensure its stability and security. The genealogies listed in Nehemiah 11 serve to document the families and individuals who played a role in this significant period of Israel's history. The tribe of Benjamin, to which Kolai'ah belonged, held a unique position among the tribes of Israel. It was the smallest tribe, yet it produced significant figures, including King Saul, Israel's first king. The inclusion of Kolai'ah's lineage in the biblical record underscores the importance of maintaining tribal identities and heritage, even after the disruptions of exile. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the mention of Kolai'ah and his descendants highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving His people. Despite the challenges of exile and the potential for loss of identity, the return to Jerusalem and the reestablishment of the community demonstrate God's ongoing covenant relationship with Israel. The genealogies serve as a testament to God's promises and the continuity of His plan for His chosen people. Kolai'ah's name, meaning "voice of Jehovah," may also carry symbolic significance. It suggests the idea of being a spokesperson or representative of God's will, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. The faithful remnant, including Kolai'ah's descendants, played a crucial role in the restoration of worship and adherence to the Law, acting as a "voice" for God's purposes in a renewed Jerusalem. Conclusion: While Kolai'ah is a relatively obscure figure in the biblical text, his inclusion in the genealogical records of Nehemiah underscores the importance of every individual in the unfolding account of God's people. His name and lineage serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of faith and the fulfillment of divine promises throughout the history of Israel. Concordance Kolai'ah (1 Occurrence)Nehemiah 11:7 Thesaurus Kolai'ah (1 Occurrence)Kolai'ah. Kola'iah, Kolai'ah. Konae . Multi-Version Concordance Kolai'ah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 11:7 And these are the sons of ... /k/kolai'ah.htm - 6k Konae Kola'iah (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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