Bigvai is a biblical figure recognized as the head of a Jewish family that returned from the Babylonian exile. His name is mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish people were re-establishing themselves in Jerusalem and the surrounding regions following their release from captivity in Babylon.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:2, 14 · Bigvai is listed among the leaders who returned with Zerubbabel. The passage in the Berean Standard Bible states: "These came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: ... the descendants of Bigvai, 2,056."

2. Nehemiah 7:7, 19 · The book of Nehemiah also records the returnees, affirming Bigvai's role as a leader. The BSB reads: "They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: ... the descendants of Bigvai, 2,067."

3. Ezra 8:14 · In a later account, Ezra lists those who accompanied him from Babylon to Jerusalem, including Bigvai's descendants. The BSB states: "From the descendants of Bigvai, Uthai and Zaccur, and with them 70 men."

Historical and Theological Context:

Bigvai's mention in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah places him within the significant historical context of the Jewish return from exile, a pivotal moment in Jewish history. This period is marked by the rebuilding of the Temple and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their ancestral homeland. The returnees, including Bigvai's family, played a crucial role in the restoration of religious and social order in Jerusalem.

Theologically, the return from exile is seen as a fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people. The inclusion of Bigvai's family among the returnees underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving His covenant people. The specific mention of the number of returnees from Bigvai's family highlights the importance of each family unit in the collective effort to rebuild the nation.

Significance:

Bigvai's role as a head of a family that returned from exile signifies the importance of leadership and family lineage in the restoration process. His family's willingness to leave Babylon and return to Jerusalem reflects a commitment to their faith and heritage. This act of returning is seen as an expression of obedience to God's call and a desire to participate in the renewal of the Jewish community.

In summary, Bigvai is remembered as a leader whose family contributed to the re-establishment of the Jewish people in their homeland, embodying the themes of faithfulness, restoration, and hope that characterize the post-exilic period in biblical history.Ezra 2:2
Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mizpar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 8:14
Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 7:7,19
Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this;
Nave's Topical Index

Nehemiah 10:16
Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
Nave's Topical Index

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