Who Was Pochereth-hazzebaim in the Bible?
Pochereth-hazzebaim is a name mentioned in the Bible during the time of the Exile and Return. This individual appears in the genealogical records of those who returned from Babylonian exile to rebuild Jerusalem. Specifically, Pochereth-hazzebaim is mentioned in Ezra 2:57 and Nehemiah 7:59. The name Pochereth-hazzebaim is transliterated from the Hebrew פּוֹכֶרֶת הַצְּבָיִים (Pochereth hatstsebayim).
Biblical Context and Historical Background
The Exile and Return
The Exile refers to the period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon and removed from their homeland. This event was a result of their continuous disobedience to God. The Return is the subsequent period when the Persian King Cyrus allowed the Israelites to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and restore the city. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah document these significant events in Israel’s history.
Genealogical Significance
Detailed Records in Ezra and Nehemiah
In Ezra 2:57, it is written, “The descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the descendants of Ami.” Similarly, Nehemiah 7:59 states, “The descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the descendants of Ami.” These verses place Pochereth-hazzebaim among the families and individuals who returned from exile.
The Name Pochereth-hazzebaim
The exact meaning of the name Pochereth-hazzebaim is not explicitly provided in the biblical text. However, it is believed to be a compound name that could indicate a place of origin or a significant characteristic of the individual or family. Such names were common in ancient times, often reflecting aspects of identity or history.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Value of Every Individual
The inclusion of Pochereth-hazzebaim in the genealogical records underscores the importance of every individual in God’s plan. Even though Pochereth-hazzebaim is not a prominent figure, his name being recorded highlights that each person has a role in the community and in God’s unfolding story. Modern Christians can take this as a reminder that their contributions, no matter how small they seem, are valuable in the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 speaks about the body of Christ and how every part is essential for the whole.
The Faithfulness of God
The meticulous recording of names like Pochereth-hazzebaim in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah demonstrates God’s faithfulness in keeping track of His people. Despite the exile, God preserved a remnant and ensured their return to Jerusalem. This serves as a powerful reminder that God is always mindful of His people and His promises. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
The Importance of Community and Restoration
The returnees, including Pochereth-hazzebaim, were part of a collective effort to restore Jerusalem and the temple. This emphasizes the importance of community and working together to achieve God’s purposes. Modern Christians can learn from this that rebuilding and restoring are often communal efforts that require unity and cooperation. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Detailed Care
The genealogies that include Pochereth-hazzebaim reflect God’s detailed care and attention to His people. Every name represents a person who was part of God’s covenant community. This shows that God values each individual and knows them by name. Isaiah 43:1 says, “But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.'”
God’s Promise of Restoration
Pochereth-hazzebaim’s inclusion in the list of returnees points to God’s promise of restoration. Despite the Israelites’ disobedience and subsequent exile, God promised to bring them back to their land. This is a testament to His unending grace and commitment to His promises. Jeremiah 29:10-11 captures this promise, “This is what the Lord says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
Connection to Jesus Christ
Fulfillment of God’s Redemptive Plan
The return from exile, which includes individuals like Pochereth-hazzebaim, is part of the broader narrative of God’s redemptive plan that culminates in Jesus Christ. The restoration of Jerusalem and the temple set the stage for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus fulfills the promises of restoration and brings ultimate redemption to humanity. Matthew 1:17 ties the genealogies to Jesus, showing the continuity of God’s plan, “Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.”
Jesus as the Restorer
Just as the returnees worked to rebuild the physical temple, Jesus came to restore the spiritual relationship between God and humanity. He is the ultimate Restorer who repairs what was broken by sin. John 2:19-21 speaks to this, “Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.’ They replied, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?’ But the temple he had spoken of was his body.”
Conclusion
Pochereth-hazzebaim, mentioned in Ezra 2:57 and Nehemiah 7:59, is a minor figure in the Bible but plays a part in the significant event of the return from exile. His inclusion in the genealogical records highlights the value of every individual in God’s plan, the faithfulness of God to His promises, and the importance of community in the work of restoration. For modern Christians, Pochereth-hazzebaim serves as a reminder of God’s detailed care, His promise of restoration, and the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Through the story of Pochereth-hazzebaim, believers are encouraged to see their own value in God’s eyes and to participate faithfully in His ongoing work in the world.