Gahar is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The name "Gahar" appears in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, as recorded in the book of Ezra.

Biblical Reference:
Gahar is listed among the descendants of the temple servants who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. The relevant passage is found in Ezra 2:47: "the descendants of Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah," . This list is part of a larger enumeration of the people who returned from the Babylonian captivity to help rebuild the temple and restore the worship practices in Jerusalem.

Historical Context:
The return from exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their land after seventy years of captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). The temple servants, or Nethinim, were a group assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple. Their role was crucial in the re-establishment of the temple rituals and the religious life of the community.

Role and Significance:
Although Gahar himself is not described in detail, his inclusion in the list of returnees highlights the importance of every group and individual in the restoration process. The temple servants, including the descendants of Gahar, played a vital role in supporting the Levites and priests, ensuring that the worship of Yahweh could be conducted according to the Law of Moses.

Theological Implications:
The mention of Gahar and other temple servants underscores the theme of faithfulness and continuity in God's plan for His people. Despite the exile, God preserved a remnant who were committed to His covenant and willing to undertake the arduous journey back to Jerusalem. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of redemption and restoration, where God remains faithful to His promises and calls His people to participate in His divine purposes.

Cultural and Religious Impact:
The returnees, including the descendants of Gahar, contributed to the rebuilding of the Jewish community and the re-establishment of its religious identity. Their dedication to the temple service was a testament to their commitment to God and His commandments. This period laid the foundation for the Second Temple era, which would shape Jewish worship and culture for centuries to come.

In summary, Gahar, though a minor figure, represents the collective effort and dedication of the Jewish people in restoring their spiritual heritage after the Babylonian exile. His mention in the biblical record serves as a reminder of the importance of every individual's contribution to the fulfillment of God's promises and the continuity of faith across generations.Gahar

(hiding-place) The Bene-Gahar were among the families of Nethinim who returned from the captivity with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:47; Nehemiah 7:49) (B.C. before 536.)

Lurking-place, one of the chief of the Nethinim, whose descendants returned to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:47). GAHAR

ga'-har (gachar):

A family name of the Nethinim who came up with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:47 Nehemiah 7:49); in APC 1Esdras 5:30 called Geddur.

1457. gahar -- to bend, crouch
... 1456, 1457. gahar. 1458 . to bend, crouch. Transliteration: gahar Phonetic
Spelling: (gaw-har') Short Definition: stretched. ... 1456, 1457. gahar. 1458 . ...
/hebrew/1457.htm - 5k

1515. Gachar -- "lurker," an Israelite
... Gachar. 1516 . "lurker," an Israelite. Transliteration: Gachar Phonetic Spelling:
(gah'-khar) Short Definition: Gahar. ... NASB Word Usage Gahar (2). Gahar. ...
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Gahar (2 Occurrences)
... 2:47). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GAHAR. ga'-har (gachar ... called Geddur.
Multi-Version Concordance Gahar (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:47 ...
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Giddel (4 Occurrences)
... Giddel (4 Occurrences). Ezra 2:47 the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,
the children of Reaiah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
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Gai (1 Occurrence)

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Geddur
... GEDDUR. ged'-ur (Geddour): Head of a family of temple-servants (1 Esdras
5:30), corresponding to Gahar of Ezra 2:47 and Nehemiah 7:49. ...
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Gaham (1 Occurrence)

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Re-ai'ah (4 Occurrences)
... his son, (See RSV). Ezra 2:47 the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,
the children of Reaiah, (See RSV). Nehemiah 7:50 the ...
/r/re-ai'ah.htm - 7k

Reaiah (4 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:47 the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of
Reaiah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Nehemiah ...
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Hanan (19 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:49 the children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children
of Gahar, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/hanan.htm - 14k

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