Lexical Summary Mechida: Mechida Original Word: מְחִידָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Mehida From chuwd; junction; Mechida, one of the Nethinim -- Mehida. see HEBREW chuwd NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Mehida (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מְחִידָא proper name, masculine head of a family of returning exiles Ezra 2:52 (ᵐ5 Μαουδα ᵐ5L Μεειδα) = Nehemiah 7:54 (ᵐ5 Μεειδα). מִחְיָה see חיה. מְחַיָּיאֵל see מְחוּיָאֵל. Topical Lexicon Overview Mehida is the name of a post-exilic family whose members returned from Babylon to Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Ezra 2:2; Nehemiah 7:7). Though mentioned only twice, the family’s inclusion in the inspired genealogies underscores the value God places on every servant who labors for the purity of worship and the rebuilding of His people. Biblical Occurrences • Ezra 2:52 places “the sons of Bazluth, Mehida, and Harsha” within the list of the Temple servants (Nethinim) who came back with the first returnees. The Berean Standard Bible aggregates all Temple servants and descendants of Solomon’s servants into one census figure: “All the Temple servants and the descendants of Solomon’s servants numbered three hundred ninety-two” (Ezra 2:58; Nehemiah 7:60). While no separate tally is given for Mehida alone, the family shared in that collective headcount. Historical Context of the Nethinim The Nethinim (“given ones”) trace their origin to the Gibeonites who were consigned to menial duties for the sanctuary (Joshua 9:27). Over centuries other groups, possibly including captives secured by David (Ezra 8:20), were incorporated. By the exile they had become an organized guild tasked with maintaining practical logistics for Temple worship: drawing water, chopping wood, guarding gates, and assisting Levites in miscellaneous chores. To volunteer for the arduous journey home meant embracing obscurity and self-denial in order to ensure that the sacrificial system could function again. Mehida’s descendants stand as representatives of this humble yet indispensable workforce. Theological and Ministry Significance 1. Faithfulness in Small Things The Holy Spirit enshrined these names to testify that even the least celebrated forms of service belong to the redemptive account line. Families such as Mehida remind the Church that “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown” (Hebrews 6:10). 2. Covenant Community and Genealogy Post-exilic leaders scrutinized lineage to protect the holiness of worship. Mehida’s verified pedigree affirmed covenant continuity and warned against casual participation apart from God-ordained order (compare Ezra 2:59–63). 3. Restoration Motif Their return participates in the prophetic vision of re-gathering (Jeremiah 29:10-14). Every individual named signals Yahweh’s faithfulness to rebuild ruined lives and to reestablish true worship in His appointed place—a theme climactically fulfilled in the Messiah who declares, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). Reflections for Worship and Discipleship • Humble, consistent service is vital to corporate worship. Later Jewish Tradition Rabbinic literature later placed restrictions on marriage for Nethinim because of their servile background, yet Scripture grants no stigma. Instead, the canonical text dignifies them by counting them among the restored remnant—a foretaste of the New Testament pattern where social barriers dissolve in the body of Christ (Galatians 3:28). Christological and Ecclesiological Reflections Mehida’s family assists in the worship system that foreshadowed the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Their role whispers of the greater Servant who “emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). In the church age, spiritual gifts differ yet are indispensable (1 Corinthians 12). The quiet obedience of Mehida urges modern believers to embrace servanthood, confident that the Lord of the Temple sees, records, and rewards every act done for His name. Forms and Transliterations מְחִידָ֖א מחידא mə·ḥî·ḏā mechiDa məḥîḏāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:52 HEB: בַצְל֥וּת בְּנֵי־ מְחִידָ֖א בְּנֵ֥י חַרְשָֽׁא׃ NAS: the sons of Mehida, the sons KJV: the children of Mehida, the children INT: of Bazluth the sons of Mehida the sons of Harsha Nehemiah 7:54 2 Occurrences |
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