Teemeth is a lesser-known figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Old Testament. The name "Teemeth" appears in the context of the post-exilic period, specifically in the book of Ezra, which details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and the surrounding regions. The name is found in a list of individuals who were part of the group returning to Judah to rebuild the temple and restore the worship of Yahweh.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Teemeth is found in the book of Ezra. In Ezra 2:53 , Teemeth is listed among the descendants of the temple servants who returned with Zerubbabel: "The descendants of Barkos, Sisera, Temah, Neziah, and Hatipha." The mention of Teemeth in this context suggests a connection to the temple service, indicating that Teemeth was likely part of a family or group dedicated to assisting the Levites in their duties.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The return from Babylonian exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land. The temple servants, or Nethinim, played a crucial role in the religious life of the community. They were responsible for various tasks related to the maintenance and operation of the temple, supporting the Levites in their priestly functions. The inclusion of Teemeth in this list underscores the importance of every individual and family in the collective effort to reestablish the worship of God in Jerusalem.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Teemeth, though brief, highlights the theme of restoration and faithfulness in the biblical narrative. The returnees, including the temple servants, were part of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Each name in the genealogical records serves as a testament to the continuity of God's people and their dedication to His service.

Name Meaning and Etymology:

The name "Teemeth" is of uncertain etymology, and its meaning is not explicitly defined in the biblical text. However, like many biblical names, it may carry a significance related to the character or role of the individual or family within the community.

Role in the Post-Exilic Community:

As part of the temple servants, Teemeth and his descendants would have been integral to the daily operations of the temple. Their work ensured that the rituals and sacrifices prescribed by the Mosaic Law could be carried out, thus maintaining the spiritual life of the nation. The dedication of the temple servants reflects the broader commitment of the Jewish people to restore their identity and relationship with God after the exile.

In summary, while Teemeth is a minor figure in the biblical record, his inclusion in the genealogies of Ezra underscores the collective effort and faithfulness of the Jewish people in reestablishing their religious practices and community life in the post-exilic period.

Psalm CIII.
... what a crowd of illusions, what tribes of suggestions? All this in the human
heart, as it were, teemeth with the worms of human corruption. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ciii.htm

Teemeth (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Teemeth (3 Occurrences). Genesis 9:2 And the
fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast ...
/t/teemeth.htm - 7k

Teeming (18 Occurrences)

/t/teeming.htm - 12k

Wherewith (182 Occurrences)
... the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and
upon every bird of the heavens; With all wherewith the ground teemeth, and all ...
/w/wherewith.htm - 38k

Teemed (4 Occurrences)

/t/teemed.htm - 7k

Detestable (121 Occurrences)
... between the unclean fowl and the clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable
by beast, or by bird, or by anything wherewith the ground teemeth, which I ...
/d/detestable.htm - 39k

Beasts (241 Occurrences)
... fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon
every fowl of the air, and upon all wherewith the ground teemeth, and upon ...
/b/beasts.htm - 40k

Creatures (83 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 47:9 And it hath come to pass, every living creature that teemeth,
whithersoever the streams come, doth live: and there hath been great abundance of ...
/c/creatures.htm - 31k

Apart (228 Occurrences)
... between the unclean fowl and the clean: and ye shall not make your souls abominable
by beast, or by bird, or by anything wherewith the ground teemeth, which I ...
/a/apart.htm - 36k

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