Definition: Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, [were] porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 12:25. It's a fascinating snippet about the work and responsibilities of people in ancient Judah. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a group of people – porters – who were responsible for keeping watch at the gates of a city. Let’s unpack it further: Nehemiah 12: This is a story from the Book of Nehemiah, which tells about a time when Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after a period of chaos. Mattaniah: This word means "a measure" or “a standard.” It refers to a specific task or duty. Bakbukiah: This means “to warn” or “to alert.” They were responsible for keeping an eye out and warning of anything that might be amiss. Obadiah: This is a more formal word, possibly meaning "one who observes" or "one who watches." It emphasizes the vigilance required. Meshullam: This suggests someone who was skilled at handling heavy loads or carrying things. Talmon: This likely refers to a specific person or group of people involved in this task. Akkub: This word means “one who is responsible” – essentially, the leader or overseer of the entire group. [were] porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates: This part tells us what they were doing. They were porters - workers who carried goods and supplies - and their job was to keep watch at the entrances to a city – specifically, the gates. So, putting it all together: These people were tasked with being vigilant at the gates of the city. They were responsible for looking out for anything suspicious and alerting anyone who might need to be warned. Why is this important? This story highlights several things: Importance of Vigilance: It emphasizes that even seemingly small tasks – like keeping watch – are vital when it comes to protecting a community or city. Responsibility and Duty: It shows the weight of responsibility people carried, especially in times of crisis. Community Watch: The story suggests a sense of community and shared duty to ensure safety and security within the city. In short, this verse tells us about a group of laborers who played a crucial role in maintaining order and protecting their settlement. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a larger biblical story or theme?