Athaliah עֲתַלְיָ֫הוּ
Descendant of Elam who returned from Babylonian exile
Who is Athaliah in the Bible?
Athaliah was a descendant of Elam who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile with Ezra the priest and scribe, as recorded in Ezra 8:7. He was among the leading men from various families whom Ezra gathered to accompany him on his mission to teach and enforce the Law of Moses in Jerusalem. His inclusion in this list suggests he held a prominent position among the returning exiles and likely participated in the religious and social reforms that Ezra instituted. Athaliah's significance lies in his role as part of the restoration community that helped rebuild Jewish religious life in Jerusalem following the Babylonian captivity.
Biography
Athaliah is mentioned in Ezra 8 as one of the descendants of Elam who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. He was part of the group that accompanied Ezra, the priest and scribe, on his journey to Jerusalem to teach and enforce the Law of Moses. Ezra had gathered a number of leading men from various families to join him in this mission. Athaliah's presence in this list suggests that he was a prominent figure among the returnees and played a role in the religious and social reforms initiated by Ezra.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 8:7
"from the descendants of Elam, Jeshaiah son of Athaliah, and with him 70 men;"
Study Ezra →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | עֲתַלְיָ֫הוּ |