Jaalah יַעֲלָא
Returned exile; descendant of Solomon's servants.
Who is Jaalah in the Bible?
Jaalah was a descendant of Solomon's servants who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, as recorded in Ezra 2:56 and Nehemiah 7:58. Solomon's servants were workers who had served in various capacities during King Solomon's reign, likely as laborers, craftsmen, or administrators, and their descendants maintained this distinct identity generations later. Jaalah's inclusion in the registry of returnees under Zerubbabel's leadership demonstrates the diverse composition of the first wave of exiles who rebuilt Jerusalem, extending beyond priests and Levites to include those from lower social and occupational classes. His mention underscores how the restoration community after exile was made up of people from all segments of pre-exile Judean society.
Biography
Jaalah is mentioned in two parallel passages, Ezr.2.56 and Neh.7.58, as one of the descendants of Solomon's servants who returned to Jerusalem and Judah after the Babylonian exile. The lists in these chapters record the individuals and families who were part of the first wave of returnees under the leadership of Zerubbabel.
Solomon's servants were likely a group of people who had been assigned to work in various capacities during King Solomon's reign, possibly as laborers, craftsmen, or administrators. Their descendants maintained this identity even after the exile.
The mention of Jaalah and the other descendants of Solomon's servants in these lists highlights the diverse composition of the returning exiles, which included not only priests, Levites, and ordinary Israelites but also those from various occupational groups.
No further information is provided about Jaalah's specific role or family. The inclusion of the descendants of Solomon's servants in the return from exile demonstrates God's faithfulness in preserving and restoring His people according to His promises.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 2 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 2:56
"the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,"
Study Ezra →
Nehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 7:58
"the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,"
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | יַעֲלָא |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | יַעֲלָא |