Gilalai גִּלֲלַי
Priest and musician during the dedication of Jerusalem's wall.
Who is Gilalai in the Bible?
Gilalai was a priest and musician who participated in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem during Nehemiah's time, as recorded in Nehemiah 12:36. After the wall's reconstruction was completed, Nehemiah organized a grand dedication ceremony that included two large choirs processing along the top of the wall while singing praises to God with musical instruments. Gilalai is specifically listed among the priests who played trumpets during this celebration, alongside other musicians such as Zechariah, Azarel, and Milalai. His inclusion in this significant event underscores the central role that music and priestly leadership played in commemorating important moments in the Jewish community's spiritual life.
Biography
Gilalai is mentioned briefly in Neh.12.36 as one of the priests and musicians who participated in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah. After the completion of the wall's reconstruction, Nehemiah organized a grand dedication ceremony, which involved two large choirs proceeding along the top of the wall in opposite directions, praising God with singing and musical instruments (Neh.12.27-43). Gilalai is listed among the priests who played trumpets during this ceremony, along with Zechariah, Azarel, Milalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani. The mention of Gilalai in this context highlights the importance of music and worship in the celebration of significant events in the life of the Jewish community, as well as the role of priests in leading these celebrations.
Family
Siblings
- Zechariah Tribe of LeviSon of IsshiahSon of Isshiah, a LeviteView full profile →
- Shemaiah MaleLevite during David's reignView full profile →
- Azarel MaleReturned priestPriest who participated in the dedication of Jerusalem's wallView full profile →
- Milalai MaleReturned priestA priest who participated in the dedication of Jerusalem's wall.View full profile →
- Maai MaleReturned musicianLevite musician who participated in the dedication of Jerusalem's wallView full profile →
- Nethanel MalePriest who blew trumpetsView full profile →
- Judah MaleReturned divorceeA Levite who married a foreign womanView full profile →
- Hanani Tribe of LeviSon of HemanA musician in the temple during David's reign.View full profile →
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 12:36
"and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani—with the musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession."
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | גִּלֲלַי |