Maasai מַעֲשַׂי
Priest during the time of David and Nehemiah
Who is Maasai in the Bible?
Maasai, also known as Amashsai, was a priest who served during the time of David and Nehemiah. In 1 Chronicles 9:12, Maasai is listed in the genealogy of priestly families as a descendant of Adiel and the priestly clan of Immer, indicating he belonged to the lineage that served in the temple during David's reign. The same person, called Amashsai in Nehemiah 11:13, is mentioned as the son of Azarel and a leader among the priests who resettled in Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. His appearance in both pre-exilic and post-exilic records demonstrates the continuity and faithfulness of the priestly families in maintaining their service in God's temple across generations.
Biography
Maasai, also referred to as Amashsai, was a priest mentioned in the genealogies of the priestly families during and Nehemiah (1Ch.9.12; Neh.11.13). In the genealogy recorded in 1 Chronicles, Maasai is listed as a descendant of Adiel, who was a descendant of Immer, one of the priestly clans (1Ch.9.12). This suggests that Maasai belonged to the priestly lineage that served in the temple during the reign of David. In the book of Nehemiah, Amashsai (likely the same person as Maasai) is mentioned as the son of Azarel and a leader among the priests who settled in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile (Neh.11.13). The inclusion of Maasai/Amashsai in both the pre-exilic and post-exilic records highlights the continuity of the priestly families and their service in the temple.
Family
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 1 with study content1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 9:12
"Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;"
Nehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 11:13
"and his associates, the leaders of families—242 men; Amashai son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer;"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מַעֲשַׂי |
| Named | Hebrew | עֲמַשְׁסַי |