Topical Encyclopedia Mattenai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the post-exilic period of Israel's history. His name appears in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent religious reforms led by Ezra and Nehemiah. The name "Mattenai" is believed to mean "gift of Yahweh," reflecting the common practice of the Israelites to incorporate the name of God into personal names as a testament to their faith and heritage.Biblical References: 1. Ezra 10:33 · Mattenai is listed among the sons of Bani who had taken foreign wives during the exile. This was a significant issue addressed by Ezra as he sought to restore the purity of the Israelite community according to the Law of Moses. The verse states: "From the descendants of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei." This passage highlights the communal effort to repent and rectify the transgressions that had occurred during the Babylonian captivity. 2. Nehemiah 12:19 · Mattenai is also mentioned in the context of the priestly divisions established by Nehemiah. The verse reads: "of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;" . This reference places Mattenai within the priestly lineage, indicating his role in the religious leadership and temple service during the period of restoration. Historical and Religious Context: The period following the Babylonian exile was marked by a strong emphasis on religious reform and the re-establishment of Jewish identity. Leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah were instrumental in guiding the people back to the covenantal laws and traditions that defined their relationship with God. The issue of intermarriage with foreign women was particularly contentious, as it was seen as a threat to the cultural and religious purity of the Israelite community. Mattenai's inclusion in the list of those who had taken foreign wives underscores the widespread nature of this challenge and the collective commitment to address it. The priestly divisions mentioned in Nehemiah 12 were part of the organizational structure necessary for the proper functioning of the Second Temple. By assigning specific duties and responsibilities to different families and individuals, Nehemiah ensured that the worship and sacrificial practices adhered to the standards set forth in the Torah. Theological Significance: Mattenai's account, though brief, is emblematic of the broader themes of repentance, restoration, and covenant faithfulness that permeate the post-exilic books of the Bible. His willingness to be named among those who corrected their ways reflects the communal and individual responsibility emphasized in the Hebrew Scriptures. The reforms led by Ezra and Nehemiah were not merely about legalistic adherence to the law but were deeply rooted in a desire to honor God and preserve the distinct identity of His chosen people. In summary, Mattenai serves as a representative figure of the challenges and triumphs faced by the Jewish community during a pivotal moment in their history. His mention in the biblical narrative highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain faithfulness to God's commandments amidst external influences and internal weaknesses. Smith's Bible Dictionary Mattenai(gift of Jehovah), a contraction of Mattaniah.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MATTENAImat-e-na'-i, mat'-e-ni (mattenay, "liberal"): Strong's Hebrew 4982. Mattenay -- an Israelite priest, also two Israelites... an Israelite priest, also two Israelites. Transliteration: Mattenay Phonetic Spelling: (mat-ten-ah'ee) Short Definition: Mattenai. ... NASB Word Usage Mattenai (3). ... /hebrew/4982.htm - 6k Thesaurus Mattenai (3 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MATTENAI. mat-e-na'-i, mat ... of Joiarib. Multi-Version Concordance Mattenai (3 Occurrences). Ezra 10:33 ... /m/mattenai.htm - 7k Matte'nai (3 Occurrences) Mat'tattah (1 Occurrence) Mattaniah (16 Occurrences) Zabad (8 Occurrences) Uzzi (11 Occurrences) Jedaiah (13 Occurrences) Jaasu (1 Occurrence) Ja'asu (1 Occurrence) Jeremai (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Mattenai (3 Occurrences)Ezra 10:33 Ezra 10:37 Nehemiah 12:19 Subtopics Mattenai: A Priest in the Time of Joiakim Mattenai: Two Israelites Who Put Away (Divorced) Their Gentile Wives After the Captivity Related Terms |
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