Maai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. He is noted for his involvement in the musical and ceremonial activities during the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, as recorded in the Book of Nehemiah.

Biblical Reference:

Maai is mentioned in Nehemiah 12:36, which states: "And his kinsmen Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession."

Historical Context:

The Book of Nehemiah details the efforts of Nehemiah, a Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This period marks a significant phase in Jewish history, characterized by the return of the exiles and the restoration of Jerusalem as a center of Jewish life and worship.

Role and Significance:

Maai is listed among the Levites who participated in the dedication ceremony of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem. The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties, and their involvement in such ceremonies underscores the importance of worship and music in the life of the restored community. The mention of "the musical instruments of David the man of God" highlights the continuity of worship practices from the time of King David, who is credited with organizing the Levitical musicians and establishing a tradition of musical worship in Israel.

Theological Implications:

The inclusion of Maai in the list of musicians and his participation in the dedication ceremony reflects the broader theme of restoration and renewal found in the Book of Nehemiah. The rebuilding of the wall symbolizes not only the physical restoration of Jerusalem but also the spiritual renewal of the people of Israel. The Levites, including Maai, played a crucial role in leading the community in worship, thereby reinforcing the centrality of God in the life of the nation.

Cultural and Liturgical Contributions:

The presence of Maai and his fellow musicians at the dedication ceremony illustrates the integral role of music in Jewish worship and community life. The use of instruments associated with David signifies a return to traditional forms of worship and a reaffirmation of Israel's covenantal relationship with God. This event, marked by joy and thanksgiving, serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Davidic worship practices and their significance in the post-exilic community.

In summary, Maai's mention in the Book of Nehemiah, though brief, highlights the importance of music and worship in the religious life of Israel during a pivotal moment in its history. His participation in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem underscores the themes of restoration, continuity, and the centrality of worship in the life of God's people.Maai

belly; heaping up

Maai

(compassionate), one of the Bene-Asaph who took part in the solemn musical service by which the wall of Jerusalem was dedicated. (Nehemiah 12:36)

MAAI

ma-a'-i, ma'i (ma`ay): An Asaphite musician who took part in the ceremony of the dedication of the walls (Nehemiah 12:36).

4597. Maay -- an Israelite musician
... Maay. 4598 . an Israelite musician. Transliteration: Maay Phonetic Spelling:
(maw-ah'-ee) Short Definition: Maai. ... musician NASB Word Usage Maai (1). Maai. ...
/hebrew/4597.htm - 6k

The Debt of Israel
... Thy father, Maai, surnamed the Compassionate, was the eldest of six. They were mighty
men, tawny like the lion and as bold"worthy sons of Judah! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter x the debt of.htm

The Angel of Death
... As for the notice Kenkenes took of Israel, it began and ended with his inquiry after
Rachel, the daughter of Maai the Compassionate, a son of Judah. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xli the angel of.htm

List of Characters and Places
... Punt,"Poont, Arabia. Ra,"Rah, the sun god, patron deity of On.
Rachel,"daughter of Maai of Israel, beloved of Kenkenes. Rameses ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/list of characters and places.htm

The Petition
... "Before thee, even now is such a choice. "Already thou hast given over the mastership
of Rachel, daughter of Maai the Israelite, to thy fan-bearer, Har-hat. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxiv the petition.htm

The Margin of the Nile
... But the name grew wealthy and powerful to the third generation. My father was Maai
the Compassionate, who loved his brethren better than himself. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xiv the margin of.htm

The Plagues
... "It is my boast before the gods," the Egyptian answered with dignity. "I am Rachel,
of Israel, daughter of Maai, and I have fled from shame. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxix the plagues.htm

Maai (1 Occurrence)
...MAAI. ma-a'-i, ma'i (ma`ay): An Asaphite musician who took part in the ceremony
of the dedication of the walls (Nehemiah 12:36). ...Maai (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/maai.htm - 7k

Ma'ai (1 Occurrence)
Ma'ai. Maai, Ma'ai. Maalehacrabbim . Multi-Version Concordance Ma'ai (1 Occurrence). ...
(See RSV). Maai, Ma'ai. Maalehacrabbim . Reference Bible.
/m/ma'ai.htm - 6k

Nethaneel (14 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:36 And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai,
Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of ...
/n/nethaneel.htm - 11k

Nethan'el (14 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:36 and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel,
and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ...
/n/nethan'el.htm - 10k

Nethanel (14 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:36 and his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel,
and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ...
/n/nethanel.htm - 12k

Gilalai (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 12:36 and his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel,
and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ...
/g/gilalai.htm - 7k

Gil'alai (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 12:36 and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel,
and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ...
/g/gil'alai.htm - 6k

Mil'alai (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 12:36 and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel,
and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ...
/m/mil'alai.htm - 6k

Musical (14 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:36 and his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel,
and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ...
/m/musical.htm - 12k

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