Bilshan בִּלְשָׁן
Leader who returned from Babylonian exile
Who is Bilshan in the Bible?
Bilshan was one of the Jewish leaders who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity, as recorded in Ezra 2:2 and Nehemiah 7:7. He is mentioned alongside other prominent figures such as Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and Nehemiah, indicating his significant influence within the Jewish community during this critical period. His inclusion in the lists of returning exiles emphasizes the continuity of Jewish leadership and marks the beginning of the restoration of Jewish life in Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple. Bilshan's role in leading the people back to their homeland demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people after the exile.
Biography
Bilshan was among the leaders who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity (Ezr. 2:2; Neh. 7:7). He is mentioned alongside other prominent figures such as Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and Nehemiah. The return of these leaders marked the beginning of the restoration of Jewish life in Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple. Bilshan's presence as a leader indicates his importance and influence within the Jewish community during this significant period of their history. The list of returning leaders in Ezra and Nehemiah emphasizes the continuity of Jewish leadership and the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their homeland after the exile.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 2 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 2:2
"accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel:"
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Nehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 7:7
"accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel:"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | בִּלְשָׁן |
Bilshan
maic), balash, the ("b" being an abbreviation of ben, as in bidhqar, and bimhal. Bilshan would then be a compound of ben, and lashon. J. Halevy (Revue etudes juives, X, 3)) translates the name "pere de la langue," 'abh lashon. In 1 Esdras 5:8, he is called "Beelsarus," which is akin to the form "Belshar" = "Belshar-uccur" or "O Bel, protect king." Bilshan points to "Belsun," "his lord." The rabbis take Bilshan as a surname to the preceding
Mordecai. H. J. Wolf
bim'-hal (bimhal): A descendant of Asher (1Ch 7:33).
bind (deo): There are a number of Hebrew words used to express this word in its