Topical Encyclopedia Telharsha is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It is referenced in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. The name Telharsha appears in the genealogical records of those who returned to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua.Biblical References: 1. Ezra 2:59 : "The following came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel." 2. Nehemiah 7:61 : "The following came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel." In both passages, Telharsha is listed among the places from which certain groups of people returned. These individuals were unable to demonstrate their genealogical records to confirm their Israelite heritage. This lack of documentation was significant because it affected their ability to participate fully in the religious and communal life of the restored Jewish community. Historical and Geographical Context: The exact location of Telharsha is not definitively known, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible outside of these genealogical lists. The prefix "Tel" in Telharsha suggests a mound or ruin, which is common in the names of ancient Near Eastern sites. This indicates that Telharsha may have been a settlement or a notable landmark during the time of the Babylonian exile. Theological Significance: The mention of Telharsha in the context of the return from exile highlights the importance of lineage and identity in post-exilic Israel. The inability of some returnees to prove their ancestry underscores the challenges faced by the Jewish community in re-establishing their religious and cultural identity after the Babylonian captivity. It also reflects the broader theme of restoration and the reconstitution of the people of God, as they sought to rebuild not only the physical structures of Jerusalem but also their spiritual and communal life. Cultural and Religious Implications: The returnees from Telharsha, along with others who could not verify their lineage, were initially excluded from certain religious functions, particularly the priesthood, until a priest with Urim and Thummim could make a determination (Ezra 2:63; Nehemiah 7:65). This highlights the importance of maintaining the purity of the priestly line and the adherence to the Mosaic Law, which was central to the identity and religious practices of the Jewish people during this period. In summary, Telharsha serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by the Jewish exiles as they returned to their homeland and sought to re-establish their covenant relationship with God. The mention of this location in the genealogical records underscores the significance of heritage and the continuity of the faith community in the biblical narrative. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TEL-HARSHAtel-har'-sha (tel-charsha'): In Ezra 2:59 Nehemiah 7:61 (the King James Version in latter, " 'Telharesha," tel-ha-re'sha, -har'e-sha), a Babylonian town or village from which Jews who could not show their lineage returned with Zerubbabel. The site is unknown. In 1 Esdras 5:36 it is called "Thelersas." Thesaurus Telharsha/t/telharsha.htm - 6k Tel-harsha (2 Occurrences) Tel-harsa (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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