Reelaiah רְעֵלָיָה
One of the leaders who returned with Zerubbabel
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
"who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:"
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Nehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 7:7
"who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | רְעֵלָיָה | H7480 |
| Named | Hebrew | רַעַמְיָה | H7485 |
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