Meshullam מְשֻׁלָּם
A priest who stood beside Ezra during the reading of the Law.
Who is Meshullam in the Bible?
Meshullam was a priest in the Old Testament who stood beside Ezra during the public reading of the Law in Jerusalem. According to Nehemiah 8:4, after the completion of the city wall, Meshullam joined other priests on a wooden platform as Ezra read the Book of the Law to the assembled people. His presence alongside Ezra underscores the spiritual significance of this moment, highlighting the priesthood's crucial role in teaching and preserving God's Law. Though little else is recorded about Meshullam individually, his participation in this pivotal event demonstrates the collective responsibility of Israel's religious leaders to guide the community in understanding and obeying God's Word.
Biography
Meshullam is mentioned in the book of Nehemiah as one of the priests who stood beside Ezra during the public reading of the Law (Neh.8.4). After the completion of the wall of Jerusalem, the people gathered to hear Ezra read the Book of the Law. Ezra stood on a wooden platform built for this purpose, and beside him stood several priests, including Meshullam. The presence of these priests alongside Ezra emphasizes the importance and solemnity of the occasion, as well as the role of the priesthood in teaching and upholding the Law.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 8:4
"Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for this occasion. At his right side stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, and at his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מְשֻׁלָּם |