Kolaiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogical records of the tribe of Benjamin. He is recognized as an ancestor of Sallu, a notable Benjamite who played a role in the post-exilic community of Jerusalem.

Biblical References:

Kolaiah is mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah, which provides insight into the restoration period following the Babylonian exile. The relevant passage is found in Nehemiah 11:7, which states:

"From 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." (Nehemiah 11:7)

This verse situates Kolaiah within a genealogical framework, highlighting his place in the lineage leading to Sallu. The context of Nehemiah 11 is the repopulation of Jerusalem, where various families and individuals are listed as residents of the city, contributing to its restoration and defense.

Historical and Theological Context:

The mention of Kolaiah occurs during a significant period in Israel's history. After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people were allowed to return to their homeland under the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah document the efforts to rebuild the temple and the walls of Jerusalem, as well as the reestablishment of the Jewish community and its religious practices.

Kolaiah's inclusion in the genealogical record underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the post-exilic community. The chronicling of family lines served not only to preserve tribal identities but also to affirm the continuity of God's covenant with His people. The Benjamites, as one of the twelve tribes of Israel, played a crucial role in the reconstitution of the nation.

Significance:

While Kolaiah himself is not a prominent figure in biblical narratives, his mention as an ancestor of Sallu highlights the interconnectedness of the Israelite community and the importance of family heritage. The genealogies in the Bible often serve to link individuals to the broader account of God's dealings with His people, emphasizing themes of faithfulness, restoration, and divine providence.

In the broader theological context, the restoration of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of the Jewish community are seen as acts of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The genealogical records, including the mention of Kolaiah, are testimonies to the enduring legacy of the tribes of Israel and their role in the unfolding of redemptive history.Nehemiah 11:7
And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the 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 Jesaiah.
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