Reelaiah רְעֵלָיָה
One of the leaders who returned with Zerubbabel
Who is Reelaiah in the Bible?
Reelaiah, also known as Raamiah, was one of the leaders who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel after the Babylonian exile (Ezra 2:2; Nehemiah 7:7). Following King Cyrus of Persia's decree that allowed the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild the temple, Reelaiah joined Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, and other leaders on the journey back to their homeland. Though little is known about him individually, his inclusion in the leadership lists underscores the important role he played in the restoration of Jewish worship and community life in Jerusalem after decades of captivity.
Biography
Reelaiah, also known as Raamiah, is mentioned in the lists of leaders who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel after the Babylonian exile (Ezr.2.2; Neh.7.7). Following the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, which allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple (Ezr.1.1-4), a group of exiles led by Zerubbabel made the journey back to Jerusalem. Reelaiah (Raamiah) is listed among the leaders of this group, along with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, and others. The returning exiles faced the challenge of rebuilding the temple and reestablishing Jewish worship in Jerusalem. The mention of Reelaiah (Raamiah) in these lists emphasizes the significant role played by various leaders in the restoration of Jewish life and faith after the exile.
In Scripture
2 biblical books ; 2 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 2:2
"accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel:"
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Nehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 7:7
"accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel:"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | רְעֵלָיָה |
| Named | Hebrew | רַעַמְיָה |
Reelaiah
Raamiah" (ra`amyah), and in 1 Esdras 5:8 "Resaias." Which is the original, it is almost impossible to decide; "Reelaiah" seems preferable.
re-el'-i-as (Codex Alexandrinus Rheelias (Fritzschel); Codex Vaticanus followed by Swete, Boroleias; the King James Version Reelius): One of the "leaders" with Zerubbabel in the return from exile (1 Esdras 5:8, margin