Milalai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah. He is identified as one of the Levitical musicians who participated in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. The account of Milalai is brief, yet it provides insight into the organization and roles of the Levites during the post-exilic period.

Biblical Reference:

Milalai is mentioned in Nehemiah 12:36. The passage describes the procession and celebration that took place during the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. The verse reads:

"And his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani—with the musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession." (Nehemiah 12:36)

Historical and Religious Context:

The Book of Nehemiah is set during the time of the return from the Babylonian exile, a period marked by the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of Jewish religious practices. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, was granted permission to return to Jerusalem to oversee the reconstruction of the city walls. The dedication of the wall was a significant event, symbolizing not only the physical restoration of the city but also the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people.

The Levites, including Milalai, played a crucial role in this celebration. As members of the tribe of Levi, they were responsible for various religious duties, including music and worship in the temple. The mention of musical instruments "prescribed by David the man of God" highlights the continuity of worship practices from the time of King David, who is credited with organizing the Levitical musicians and establishing the use of music in temple worship (1 Chronicles 15:16-24).

Role of Music in Worship:

Music held a significant place in Israelite worship, serving as a means to express joy, gratitude, and reverence to God. The participation of Milalai and his fellow musicians in the dedication ceremony underscores the importance of music in communal and religious life. The use of music in worship was seen as a way to honor God and to enhance the spiritual experience of the congregation.

Significance of Milalai:

While Milalai is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the list of Levitical musicians highlights the collective effort and unity of the people in restoring their city and faith. His role, though small, contributes to the larger picture of a community coming together to celebrate God's faithfulness and provision.

Milalai's mention in the Book of Nehemiah serves as a reminder of the importance of every individual's contribution to the worship and service of God. The dedication of the wall of Jerusalem was not only a physical accomplishment but also a spiritual milestone, with Milalai and his fellow Levites playing a vital part in this momentous occasion.Milalai

circumcision; my talk

Milalai

(eloquent), probably a Gershonite Levite of the sons of Asaph, who assisted at the dedication of the walls of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 12:36)

MILALAI

mil-a-la'-i, mil'-a-li (milalay): A Levite musician (Nehemiah 12:36).

4450. Milalay -- an Israelite musician
... an Israelite musician. Transliteration: Milalay Phonetic Spelling: (mee-lal-ah'-
ee) Short Definition: Milalai. ... musician NASB Word Usage Milalai (1). Milalai. ...
/hebrew/4450.htm - 6kMilalai (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia MILALAI. mil-a-la'-i, mil'-a-li (milalay): A Levite
musician (Nehemiah 12:36). Multi-Version Concordance Milalai (1 Occurrence). ...
/m/milalai.htm - 7k

Mil'alai (1 Occurrence)
Mil'alai. Milalai, Mil'alai. Milcah . Multi-Version Concordance Mil'alai
(1 Occurrence). ... Milalai, Mil'alai. Milcah . Reference Bible.
/m/mil'alai.htm - 6k

Nethaneel (14 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:36 And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai,
Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of ...
/n/nethaneel.htm - 11k

Nethan'el (14 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:36 and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel,
and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ...
/n/nethan'el.htm - 10k

Nethanel (14 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:36 and his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel,
and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ...
/n/nethanel.htm - 12k

Gilalai (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 12:36 and his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel,
and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ...
/g/gilalai.htm - 7k

Gil'alai (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 12:36 and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel,
and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ...
/g/gil'alai.htm - 6k

Milaiai

/m/milaiai.htm - 6k

Musical (14 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 12:36 and his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel,
and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ...
/m/musical.htm - 12k

Music-instruments (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 12:36 And his brothers, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel
and Judah, Hanani, with the music-instruments of David, the man of God ...
/m/music-instruments.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus