Pochereth-hazzebaim is a name mentioned in the context of the post-exilic return to Jerusalem, specifically in the lists of the Nethinim, a group of temple servants. The name appears in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple and the walls of Jerusalem.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:57 : "the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Ami." This verse is part of a larger list that enumerates the Nethinim who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. The Nethinim were temple servants assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple.

2. Nehemiah 7:59 : "the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Amon." This passage mirrors the list found in Ezra, reaffirming the presence of Pochereth-hazzebaim among the returning exiles. The repetition of these lists in both Ezra and Nehemiah underscores the importance of documenting the community's restoration and the reestablishment of proper worship practices.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Nethinim, including the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, played a crucial role in the functioning of the Second Temple. Their duties likely included menial tasks necessary for the daily operations of the temple, allowing the Levites to focus on their priestly responsibilities. The origin of the Nethinim is somewhat obscure, but they are believed to have been non-Israelite groups who were integrated into the Israelite community, possibly as a result of conquest or treaty, and dedicated to temple service.

The mention of Pochereth-hazzebaim in the post-exilic records highlights the inclusive nature of the returning community, which was composed of various groups united by their commitment to reestablishing the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem. The detailed genealogical records in Ezra and Nehemiah served to legitimize the claims of these groups to their ancestral roles and responsibilities within the religious life of Israel.

Linguistic Notes:

The name "Pochereth-hazzebaim" is of uncertain etymology, and its meaning is not definitively known. It is possible that the name is of foreign origin, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the Nethinim. The compound nature of the name, with "Pochereth" possibly meaning "potter" and "hazzebaim" potentially referring to "gazelles," suggests a descriptive or occupational origin, though this remains speculative.

Theological Significance:

The inclusion of Pochereth-hazzebaim in the biblical record serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people and restoring them to their land. The detailed lists of returnees emphasize the continuity of the covenant community and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. The Nethinim, though not of Israelite descent, were integrated into the worship life of the community, illustrating the broader theme of God's grace and the inclusion of all who serve Him faithfully.POCHERETH-HAZZEBAIM

pok'-e-reth, po'-ke-reth, po-ke'-reth, -ha-ze-ba'-im (pokhereth hatstsebhayim (Ezra 2:57), or pokhereth ha-tsebhayim (Nehemiah 7:59), "binder (feminine) of the gazelles"): Name of the head of a post-exilic family. The first word is a feminine Kal participle; compare qoheleth ("preacher"), the Hebrew title of the Book of Eccl. BDB suggests that the feminine is that of office. King James Version has "Pochereth of Zebaim" in Ezra, but Ryle (Cambridge Bible, 235) notes that "of" is not in the 1611 edition

6380. Pokereth Hatstsebayim -- "bindress of the gazelles," head of ...
... head of a postexilic family. Transliteration: Pokereth Hatstsebayim Phonetic Spelling:
(po-keh'-reth tseb-aw-yeem') Short Definition: Pochereth-hazzebaim. ...
/hebrew/6380.htm - 6kPocherethhazzebaim
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia POCHERETH-HAZZEBAIM. pok'-e-reth,
po'-ke-reth, po-ke'-reth, -ha-ze-ba'-im (pokhereth hatstsebhayim ...
/p/pocherethhazzebaim.htm - 7k

Pochereth-hazzebaim (2 Occurrences)
... Pocherethhazzebaim, Pochereth-hazzebaim. Po'chereth-hazzeba'im . Int. ...
Pocherethhazzebaim, Pochereth-hazzebaim. Po'chereth-hazzeba'im . Reference Bible.
/p/pochereth-hazzebaim.htm - 7k

Zebaim (2 Occurrences)
... "Pochereth of Zebaim" should be read as in the Revised Version, "Pochereth-hazzebaim"
("snaring the antelopes"), probably the name of some hunter. Int. ...
/z/zebaim.htm - 7k

Pochereth (2 Occurrences)
... Pochereth (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of
Hattil, the children of PocherethHazzebaim, the children of Ami. ...
/p/pochereth.htm - 7k

Po'chereth-hazzeba'im (2 Occurrences)
Po'chereth-hazzeba'im. Pochereth-hazzebaim, Po'chereth-hazzeba'im. Pocket . ...
(See RSV). Pochereth-hazzebaim, Po'chereth-hazzeba'im. Pocket . Reference Bible
/p/po'chereth-hazzeba'im.htm - 7k

Pokereth-hazzebaim (2 Occurrences)
... Pokereth-hazzebaim (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children
of Hattil, the children of PocherethHazzebaim, the children of Ami. ...
/p/pokereth-hazzebaim.htm - 6k

Shephati'ah (12 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Ezra 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children
of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the children of Ami. (See RSV). ...
/s/shephati'ah.htm - 9k

Shephatiah (13 Occurrences)
... NIV). Ezra 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the
children of PocherethHazzebaim, the children of Ami. (WEB ...
/s/shephatiah.htm - 12k

Hazzebaim (2 Occurrences)
... Hazzebaim (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of
Hattil, the children of PocherethHazzebaim, the children of Ami. ...
/h/hazzebaim.htm - 7k

Hattil (2 Occurrences)
... Hattil (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil,
the children of PocherethHazzebaim, the children of Ami. ...
/h/hattil.htm - 7k

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