Magbish is a name mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. The reference to Magbish is found in the book of Ezra, which details the efforts of the Jewish people to rebuild the temple and restore their community after the Babylonian captivity.

Biblical Reference:

The name Magbish appears in Ezra 2:30: "The men of Magbish, 156." . This verse is part of a larger passage that lists the families and groups who returned to Jerusalem and Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The list serves as a record of those who were part of the initial wave of returnees, highlighting the continuity of the Israelite community despite the years of exile.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The return from Babylonian exile occurred around 538 B.C., following the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who conquered Babylon. Cyrus allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, an event that marked a significant moment in Jewish history. The returnees were tasked with re-establishing their religious practices and community life, which had been disrupted by the exile.

Magbish, as mentioned in Ezra, is likely a place or a family group that was part of this return. The specific identification of Magbish is not detailed in the biblical text, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures, leaving its exact nature somewhat obscure. It may have been a town or village in the region of Judah or a family name that had significance at the time of the return.

Theological Significance:

The inclusion of Magbish in the list of returnees underscores the importance of each group and family in the restoration of Israel. The detailed genealogies and records in Ezra and Nehemiah emphasize the continuity of God's covenant people. Each name represents a link in the chain of God's promises to Israel, highlighting His faithfulness in preserving a remnant and restoring them to their land.

The return from exile is seen as a fulfillment of prophetic promises, such as those found in Isaiah and Jeremiah, where God assures His people of their eventual restoration. The mention of Magbish, though brief, is part of this larger narrative of redemption and hope, illustrating the collective effort of the Israelites to rebuild their identity and worship.

Conclusion:

While Magbish is a minor reference in the biblical text, its inclusion in the list of returnees in Ezra serves as a testament to the broader themes of restoration and faithfulness that permeate the post-exilic period. Each name, including Magbish, contributes to the tapestry of Israel's history and God's enduring covenant with His people.Magbish

excelling; height

Magbish

(congregating), a proper name in (Ezra 2:30) but whether of a man or of a place is doubtful; probably the latter, as all the names from (Ezra 2:20) to 34, except Elam and Harim, are names of places.

MAGBISH

mag'-bish (maghbish; Septuagint: Codex Vaticanus Magebos; Codex Alexandrinus Maabeis): A town in Benjamin, 156 of the inhabitants of which are said to have returned from exile with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:30). It does not appear in Nehemiah's list (Nehemiah 7:33). Septuagint (Codex Vaticanus), however, has Magebos. The name is probably identical with Magpiash, "one who sealed the covenant" (Nehemiah 10:20).

4019. Magbish -- an Israelite family
... Magbish. 4020 . an Israelite family. Transliteration: Magbish Phonetic Spelling:
(mag-beesh') Short Definition: Magbish. ... family NASB Word Usage Magbish (1). ...
/hebrew/4019.htm - 6kMagbish (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAGBISH. ... Multi-Version Concordance Magbish (1
Occurrence). Ezra 2:30 The children of Magbish, one hundred fifty-six. ...
/m/magbish.htm - 7k

Magdala (13 Occurrences)

/m/magdala.htm - 11k

156 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 156 (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:30 The children
of Magbish, one hundred fifty-six. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/156.htm - 6k

Niphis
... ni'-fis (Neipheis, Codex Alexandrinus Phineis; the King James Version Nephis): Given
in 1 Esdras 5:21 margin as equals "Magbish" of Ezra 2:30, whose sons are ...
/n/niphis.htm - 6k

Fifty-six (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB BBE DBY RSV). Ezra 2:22 The men of Netophah, fifty-six. (WEB BBE DBY RSV).
Ezra 2:30 The children of Magbish, one hundred fifty-six. (WEB BBE DBY RSV). ...
/f/fifty-six.htm - 7k

Mag'adan (1 Occurrence)
Mag'adan. Magadan, Mag'adan. Magbish . Multi-Version Concordance Mag'adan
(1 Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Magadan, Mag'adan. Magbish . Reference Bible.
/m/mag'adan.htm - 6k

Magpiash (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAGPIASH. mag'-pi-ash. See MAGBISH.
Multi-Version Concordance Magpiash (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 10 ...
/m/magpiash.htm - 6k

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