Definition: Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 10:35 – “Ezra 10:35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh.” This is a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage in the Book of Ezra. It's a bit of a puzzle for scholars, but here’s what we can generally understand: The Basic Story: The Problem: After the Jewish people had been exiled to Babylon for 48 years, the people there were facing a crisis – they were losing their faith and were experiencing a period of great despair. The Plea: Ezra, a priest, was tasked with rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. He needed to remind the people of their covenant relationship with God and restore their faith. The Revelation: He asked his servants to bring three individuals – Benaiah, Bedeiah, and Chelluh – to him. These weren't just ordinary people; they were chosen to be witnesses and to help him rediscover the spirit of worship. What the Verse Says (Simplified): "Ezra 10:35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh” means “Ezra’s servants, Benaiah, Bedeiah, and Chelluh.” The verse is essentially saying that Ezra brought these three individuals to him as witnesses. What it's really about: This verse isn't really about what they were doing. It's more about the purpose of their presence. The key idea is that these three individuals were chosen because they possessed a specific quality – a willingness to witness and to remember God’s covenant. They were meant to be a reminder of what was important in the past, and to encourage the people to return to a relationship with God. Symbolic Meaning: The verse can also be interpreted symbolically. It speaks of: Remembrance: It's about remembering the promises made by God. Faith & Hope: The act of bringing these individuals suggests a renewed faith and hope, spurred by the need to reconnect with their divine heritage. In short, it’s a symbolic representation of Ezra’s role in helping the people rediscover their connection to God through remembrance and renewed faith. Important Note: The exact meaning of this verse has been debated for centuries. It's a complex passage that continues to spark interpretation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezra 10? Provide more context about the time period? Discuss the different interpretations of the verse?