Maaiמָעַי
Levite musician who participated in the dedication of Jerusalem's wall
Who is Maai in the Bible?
Maai was a Levite musician who participated in the dedication ceremony of Jerusalem's wall during the time of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 12:36). After the completion of the wall's reconstruction, Nehemiah organized a grand celebration that included two large choirs processing around the city on top of the wall while playing instruments and singing (Nehemiah 12:27-43). Maai's inclusion among the Levite musicians highlights the important role that music and worship played in the religious life of the Jewish community during this period of restoration.
Biography
Maai was a Levite musician who took part in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah (Neh.12.36). After the completion of the wall's reconstruction, Nehemiah organized a grand dedication ceremony that involved two large choirs processing around the city on top of the wall (Neh.12.27-43). Maai is listed among the Levite musicians who played instruments and sang during this celebratory event. The participation of Levite musicians in the dedication ceremony highlights the importance of music and worship in the religious life of the Jewish community. No further information is provided about Maai's specific role or personal life in the biblical text. His inclusion in the list of musicians demonstrates the significance of the Levites' musical duties in the context of religious celebrations and the restoration of Jerusalem during the post-exilic period.
Family
Siblings
- ZechariahTribe of LeviSon of IsshiahSon of Isshiah, a LeviteView full profile →
- ShemaiahMaleLevite during David's reignView full profile →
- AzarelMaleReturned priestPriest who participated in the dedication of Jerusalem's wallView full profile →
- MilalaiMaleReturned priestA priest who participated in the dedication of Jerusalem's wall.View full profile →
- GilalaiMaleReturned priestPriest and musician during the dedication of Jerusalem's wall.View full profile →
- NethanelMalePriest who blew trumpetsView full profile →
- JudahMaleReturned divorceeA Levite who married a foreign womanView full profile →
- HananiTribe of LeviSon of HemanA musician in the temple during David's reign.View full profile →
In Scripture
1 biblical book; 1 with study contentNehemiah1 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 | מָעַי |