Neballat is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period when the Israelites were returning from Babylonian captivity to rebuild Jerusalem and its surrounding areas. The name "Neballat" is found in the book of Nehemiah, which details the efforts of Nehemiah and the Israelites to restore the walls of Jerusalem and reestablish their community.

Biblical Reference:

Neballat is mentioned in Nehemiah 11:34, which lists the settlements of the people of Judah and Benjamin who resettled in the land after the exile. The verse reads: "Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat" (Nehemiah 11:34). This passage is part of a larger section that enumerates the towns and villages where the returning exiles lived, highlighting the reorganization and repopulation efforts during this significant period in Israel's history.

Historical and Geographical Context:

Neballat is identified as a town in the territory of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin was allocated land in the central region of Canaan, north of Jerusalem. The mention of Neballat alongside other towns in the vicinity suggests its location within this tribal allotment. While the exact location of Neballat is not definitively known today, it is generally believed to have been situated near the modern-day West Bank, possibly northeast of Jerusalem.

Significance in the Post-Exilic Period:

The mention of Neballat in Nehemiah underscores the efforts to reestablish the Jewish community in their ancestral homeland following the Babylonian exile. The returnees faced the challenge of rebuilding not only the physical structures of their cities but also their social and religious institutions. The listing of towns like Neballat reflects the broader narrative of restoration and renewal that characterizes the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Cultural and Religious Implications:

For the returning exiles, resettling in towns such as Neballat was an act of reclaiming their heritage and fulfilling the promises of God to restore Israel. The repopulation of these areas was crucial for the reestablishment of the Jewish identity and the continuation of their covenant relationship with God. The rebuilding of communities and the reestablishment of worship practices were central to the spiritual revival that took place during this time.

Conclusion:

While Neballat is a relatively minor location in the biblical narrative, its mention in the context of the post-exilic restoration highlights the broader themes of faithfulness, perseverance, and divine providence that are woven throughout the Scriptures. The resettlement of towns like Neballat serves as a testament to the enduring hope and resilience of the Jewish people as they sought to rebuild their lives and their relationship with God.Neballat

prophecy; budding

Neballat

(hidden folly), town of Benjamin, one of those which the Benjamites reoccupied after the captivity. (Nehemiah 11:34)

Wickedness in secret, (Nehemiah 11:34), probably the village of Beit Nebala, about 4 miles north of Lydda. NEBALLAT

ne-bal'-at (nebhallaT; Naballat): A town occupied by the Benjamites after the exile, named along with Lod and Ono (Nehemiah 11:34). It is represented by the modern Belt Nebala, 4 miles Northeast of Lydda.

5041. Neballat -- a place where Benjamites dwelt
... 5040, 5041. Neballat. 5042 . a place where Benjamites dwelt. Transliteration:
Neballat Phonetic Spelling: (neb-al-lawt') Short Definition: Neballat. ...
/hebrew/5041.htm - 6kNeballat (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NEBALLAT. ...Neballat (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah
11:34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/n/neballat.htm - 7k

Zeboim (7 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 11:34); (2) ge ha-tsebho`im; Gai ten Samein (1 Samuel 13:18)): (1) A Benjamite
town mentioned as between HADID (which see) and NEBALLAT (which see ...
/z/zeboim.htm - 11k

Nebal'lat (1 Occurrence)
Nebal'lat. Neballat, Nebal'lat. Nebat . Multi-Version Concordance Nebal'lat
(1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 11:34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat; (See RSV). ...
/n/nebal'lat.htm - 6k

Zebo'im (2 Occurrences)
... Zeboim toward the wilderness. (See RSV). Nehemiah 11:34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat;
(See RSV). Zeboim, Zebo'im. Zebub . Reference Bible.
/z/zebo'im.htm - 6k

Nebajoth (3 Occurrences)

/n/nebajoth.htm - 7k

Hadid (3 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Nehemiah 11:34 Hadid, Zeboim,
Neballat, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/hadid.htm - 7k

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