Ziha צִיחָא
Family of temple servants living on the Ophel
Who is Ziha in the Bible?
Ziha was the name of a family of temple servants, or Nethinim, who lived in Jerusalem during the post-exilic period after the return from Babylonian captivity. According to Nehemiah 11:21, the family of Ziha was among the temple servants who settled on the Ophel, a hill located near the temple mount, which positioned them conveniently close to their duties assisting the Levites and maintaining temple operations. The mention of Ziha in the list of Jerusalem's residents reflects the important role these temple servants played in supporting the religious life and worship practices of the restored Jewish community. Though relatively obscure, the family of Ziha represents the broader class of dedicated workers essential to the functioning of the temple and the continuity of Israel's religious traditions after exile.
Biography
In Nehemiah 11, Ziha is mentioned again as one of the families of temple servants (Nethinim) who lived in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian exile. The passage specifies that the temple servants lived on the Ophel, which was a hill located near the temple mount in Jerusalem. This suggests that the Nethinim, including the family of Ziha, were given living quarters in close proximity to the temple, allowing them to easily carry out their duties in assisting the Levites. The chapter provides a list of the residents of Jerusalem, including various officials, leaders, and groups responsible for maintaining the city and the temple. The mention of the temple servants and their location on the Ophel underscores their important role in supporting the temple worship and the religious life of the community.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentNehemiah 1 verse
- Nehemiah 11:21
"The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, with Ziha and Gishpa over them."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | צִיחָא |