Kelai'ah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Ezra. He is one of the individuals listed among the sons of the priests who had taken foreign wives during the time of the return from the Babylonian exile. The name Kelai'ah means "swift" or "lightness," which may reflect certain characteristics or expectations of the individual or his lineage.

Biblical Reference:

Kelai'ah is mentioned in Ezra 10:23, where the narrative focuses on the reform led by Ezra to address the issue of intermarriage with foreign women, which was seen as a violation of the covenantal laws given to Israel. The passage reads:

"Moreover, among the priests: the descendants of Joiarib, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Kelai'ah (also called Kelita)." (Ezra 10:23)

In this context, Kelai'ah is also referred to as Kelita, which is a variant of his name. This dual naming is not uncommon in biblical texts and may indicate a translation or transcription variation over time.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The period of the return from exile was a time of significant religious and social reform for the Jewish people. Ezra, a scribe and priest, was instrumental in re-establishing the Law of Moses as the foundation of Jewish life and worship. The issue of intermarriage was particularly sensitive, as it was believed to lead to idolatry and a dilution of religious and cultural identity.

The inclusion of Kelai'ah in the list of those who had taken foreign wives highlights the widespread nature of the issue, affecting even the priestly class. The priests were expected to be exemplars of holiness and adherence to the law, and their involvement in such marriages was seen as particularly egregious.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the account of Kelai'ah and others in Ezra 10 underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness and the need for purity in worship and community life. The reforms initiated by Ezra were aimed at restoring the distinctiveness of the people of Israel as God's chosen nation, set apart for His purposes.

The narrative also reflects the theme of repentance and restoration. Those who had taken foreign wives were given the opportunity to rectify their actions, demonstrating the possibility of returning to covenant faithfulness through repentance and obedience.

Lessons and Applications:

The account of Kelai'ah serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and the dangers of compromising one's faith through alliances that lead away from God's commandments. It also highlights the role of leadership in guiding and correcting the community in matters of faith and practice.

In contemporary application, believers are encouraged to examine their own lives for areas of compromise and to seek alignment with biblical principles, emphasizing the need for personal and communal holiness in the pursuit of a faithful relationship with God.Kelai'ah (1 Occurrence)

Ezra 10:23
And of the Levites: Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah--the same is Kelita--Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.
(See RSV)

Kelai'ah (1 Occurrence)
Kelai'ah. Kelaiah, Kelai'ah. Kelal . Multi-Version Concordance Kelai'ah
(1 Occurrence). Ezra 10:23 And of the Levites: Jozabad, and ...
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Kelaiah (1 Occurrence)

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Kelal (1 Occurrence)

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