Rehum רְחוּם
One of the leaders who returned with Zerubbabel
Who is Rehum in the Bible?
Rehum, also known as Harim or Nehum, was one of the leaders who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel after the Babylonian exile (Ezra 2:2; Nehemiah 7:7; 12:3). Following King Cyrus of Persia's decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild their temple, Rehum participated in the journey back to the homeland alongside other leaders such as Zerubbabel and Jeshua. According to Nehemiah 10:5, Rehum (or Harim) is also listed among the priests who sealed the covenant to follow God's law, demonstrating his role in reestablishing Jewish worship and obedience in the restored Jerusalem. His inclusion in these historical records underscores the importance of faithful leadership during the crucial period of Jewish restoration and religious renewal after exile.
Biography
Rehum, also known as Harim or Nehum, is mentioned in the lists of leaders who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel after the Babylonian exile (Ezr.2.2; Neh.7.7; 12.3). 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. Rehum (Harim or Nehum) is listed among the leaders of this group, along with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and others. The returning exiles faced the challenge of rebuilding the temple and reestablishing Jewish worship in Jerusalem. In the book of Nehemiah, Rehum (Harim) is also mentioned as one of the priests who sealed the covenant to follow God's law (Neh.10.5). The mention of Rehum (Harim or Nehum) in these passages highlights the significant role played by various leaders and priests 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:"
Study Ezra →
Nehemiah 4 verses
- Nehemiah 12:3
"Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,"
Study Nehemiah → - Nehemiah 10:5
"Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,"
Study Nehemiah → - Nehemiah 12:15
"of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;"
Study Nehemiah → - 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:"
Study Nehemiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | רְחוּם |
| Named | Hebrew | חָרִם |
| Named | Hebrew | נְחוּם |
Rehum
a copyist's error "Nehum"); Ne 12:3; /RAPC 1Es 5:8, "Roimus").
(2) A Persian officer of high rank (literally, "master of judgment, taste, reason") who with others wrote a letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes (Ezr 4:8,9,17,23).
(3) Son of Bani, a Levite, one of the wall-builders under Nehemiah (Ne 3:17).
(4) One of the signers of the covenant in Ne 10:25.
(5) In Ne 12:3 (omitted in the Septuagint) one Rehum is mentioned with those who went up with Zerubbabel. It is probable that we should read here "Harim" (charim for rechum of Ne 12:15).
W. N. Stearns
re'-i (re`i, "friendly"; Rhesei): Rei, Shimei and the Gibborim who belonged to David are listed among those who did not join Adonijah in his attempt on the throne (1Ki 1:8). The name is