Topical Encyclopedia Meedda is a lesser-known biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah. It is referenced in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The name "Meedda" appears in the list of places whose inhabitants participated in the reconstruction efforts.Biblical Reference: The primary mention of Meedda is found in Nehemiah 11:31, where it is listed among the towns and villages where the people of Judah settled after their return from exile. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows: "These are the leaders of the province who settled in Jerusalem (but in the towns of Judah each lived on his own property in their towns—Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the descendants of Solomon’s servants). Some of the descendants of Judah and Benjamin settled in Jerusalem. From the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez; and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, a descendant of Shelah. 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; and his followers, Gabbai and Sallai—928 men. Joel son of Zichri was the officer over them, and Judah son of Hassenuah was over the city’s second district. From the priests: Jedaiah son of Joiarib; Jachin; Seraiah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God; and their associates, who performed the work of the temple—822 men. Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; and his associates, the leaders of families—242 men. Amashsai son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer; and their associates, mighty men of valor—128 men. Zabdiel son of Haggedolim was their overseer. From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni; Shabbethai and Jozabad, two of the leaders of the Levites, who supervised the work outside the house of God; Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the director who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, the second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. The Levites in the holy city totaled 284. The gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men. The rest of the Israelites, along with the priests and Levites, were in all the towns of Judah, each on his own inheritance. The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, with Ziha and Gishpa over them. Now the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica, from the descendants of Asaph, who were the singers responsible for the service of the house of God. For there was a command from the king concerning them, and a fixed provision for the singers, as every day required. Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, a descendant of Zerah son of Judah, was the king’s agent in every matter concerning the people. As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba and its villages, in Dibon and its villages, in Jekabzeel and its villages, in Jeshua, in Moladah, in Beth-pelet, in Hazar-shual, in Beersheba and its villages, in Ziklag, in Meconah and its villages, in En-rimmon, in Zorah, in Jarmuth, Zanoah, Adullam, and their villages, in Lachish and its fields, and in Azekah and its villages. So they settled from Beersheba all the way to the Valley of Hinnom." Historical and Geographical Context: Meedda, like many other towns mentioned in Nehemiah, was part of the region of Judah. The return from Babylonian exile marked a significant period of restoration and rebuilding for the Jewish people. The mention of Meedda in this context highlights the communal effort to reestablish the Jewish presence in their ancestral homeland. The exact location of Meedda is not definitively known today, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, which suggests it may have been a smaller or less prominent settlement. Theological Significance: The inclusion of Meedda in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of every community and individual in the collective mission of God's people. Each town and its inhabitants played a role in the fulfillment of God's promises to restore Israel. The rebuilding of Jerusalem and its surrounding areas was not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal, as the people recommitted themselves to the covenant with God. The mention of Meedda serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God in bringing His people back to their land and the importance of unity and cooperation among the people of God in achieving His purposes. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia MEEDDAme-ed'-a (Meedda, but Swete, Dedda, following Codex Vaticanus; the King James Version Meeda): The head of one of the families of Nethinim (temple slaves) who went up with Zerubbabel from the captivity (1 Esdras 5:32); identical with "Mehida" of Ezra 2:52 and Nehemiah 7:54. Thesaurus Meedda... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MEEDDA. me-ed'-a (Meedda, but Swete, Dedda, following Codex Vaticanus; the King James Version Meeda ... /m/meedda.htm - 6k Meek (23 Occurrences) Meeda Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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