Milalai מִֽלֲלַי
A priest who participated in the dedication of Jerusalem's wall.
Who is Milalai in the Bible?
Milalai was a priest who participated in the dedication of Jerusalem's wall under Nehemiah's leadership, as recorded in Nehemiah 12:36. After the wall's reconstruction was completed, a great celebration was held featuring two large choirs appointed to walk upon the wall in opposite directions while giving thanks to God. Milalai was among the priests listed as part of one of these processional choirs, playing musical instruments such as trumpets as part of the ceremonial worship. Though Scripture provides no further details about his background or family, his inclusion in this account underscores the important role priests and Levites played in Jerusalem's spiritual restoration and the community's corporate worship during this pivotal moment in Israel's post-exilic history.
Biography
Milalai is mentioned briefly in the book of Nehemiah as a priest who participated in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem (Neh.12.36). After the completion of the wall's reconstruction under Nehemiah's leadership, a great celebration was held to dedicate the wall. Two large choirs were appointed to give thanks and walk on top of the wall in opposite directions (Neh.12.31,38). Milalai is listed among the priests who went with one of the choirs, along with other priests and Levites (Neh.12.36). These priests played trumpets and other musical instruments as part of the celebration and thanksgiving to God. No additional information about Milalai's background, family, or specific priestly duties is provided in the biblical text. His mention serves to highlight the involvement of priests and musicians in the joyous dedication ceremony of Jerusalem's wall.
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 →
- Gilalai MaleReturned priestPriest and musician during 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."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מִֽלֲלַי |