Reelaiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Ezra. He is identified as one of the leaders who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The name Reelaiah means "Yahweh has caused trembling" or "Yahweh has made to quake," reflecting a common practice in Hebrew culture where names often carried significant meanings related to divine attributes or actions.

Biblical Reference:

Reelaiah is mentioned in Ezra 2:2, which lists the leaders of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylon. The Berean Standard Bible records this passage as follows:

"They arrived with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:" (Ezra 2:2)

This verse is part of a larger context that details the return of the Jewish exiles to their homeland following the decree of Cyrus, the king of Persia, who allowed them to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Reelaiah is listed among other notable leaders, indicating his role in this significant event in Jewish history.

Historical and Theological Context:

The return from exile was a pivotal moment for the Jewish people, marking the fulfillment of prophetic promises and the beginning of the restoration of their religious and national identity. Leaders like Reelaiah played crucial roles in organizing and leading the people during this challenging yet hopeful period.

Theologically, the return from exile is seen as a demonstration of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite the judgment and discipline of the Babylonian captivity, God remained committed to His people, providing a way for them to return and rebuild. The inclusion of Reelaiah in the list of leaders underscores the importance of faithful leadership in the fulfillment of God's plans.

Role and Significance:

While the Bible does not provide extensive details about Reelaiah's personal life or specific actions, his mention among the leaders suggests he was a person of influence and responsibility. His participation in the return to Jerusalem indicates his commitment to the restoration of the Jewish community and the worship of Yahweh.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, figures like Reelaiah remind believers of the importance of leadership, obedience, and faithfulness in the face of adversity. They serve as examples of how God uses individuals to accomplish His purposes and bring about His redemptive plans for His people.Reelaiah

shepherd or companion to the Lord

Reelaiah

(bearer of Jehovah), one who went up with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:2) In (Nehemiah 7:7) he is called RAAMIAH. (B.C. 445.)

REELAIAH

re-el-a'-ya, re-el-i'-a (re`elyah): One of the 12 chiefs who returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2 parallel Nehemiah 7:7). In the passage in Ne the name is Raamiah" (ra`amyah), and in 1 Esdras 5:8 "Resaias." Which is the original, it is almost impossible to decide; "Reelaiah" seems preferable.

7480. Reelayah -- companion of Zerubbabel
... 7479, 7480. Reelayah. 7481 . companion of Zerubbabel. Transliteration: Reelayah
Phonetic Spelling: (reh-ay-law-yaw') Short Definition: Reelaiah. ...
/hebrew/7480.htm - 6kReelaiah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia REELAIAH. re-el-a'-ya ... decide; "Reelaiah" seems
preferable. Multi-Version Concordance Reelaiah (1 Occurrence). ...
/r/reelaiah.htm - 7k

Raamiah (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Thunder of the Lord, one of the princes who returned from
the Exile (Nehemiah 7:7); called also Reelaiah (Ezra 2:2). Int. ...
/r/raamiah.htm - 8k

Re-el-ai'ah (1 Occurrence)
... Reelaiah, Re-el-ai'ah. Reeled . ... Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah,
Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. ...
/r/re-el-ai'ah.htm - 6k

Reelias
... followed by Swete, Boroleias; the King James Version Reelius): One of the "leaders"
with Zerubbabel in the return from exile (1 Esdras 5:8, margin "Reelaiah"). ...
/r/reelias.htm - 6k

Reel (6 Occurrences)

/r/reel.htm - 9k

Zerub'babel (23 Occurrences)
... RSV). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah,
Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The ...
/z/zerub'babel.htm - 13k

Nehemi'ah (8 Occurrences)
... Nehemi'ah (8 Occurrences). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah,
Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. ...
/n/nehemi'ah.htm - 8k

Jeshua (30 Occurrences)
... NIV). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah,
Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The ...
/j/jeshua.htm - 21k

Rehum (8 Occurrences)
... Rehum (8 Occurrences). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah,
Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. ...
/r/rehum.htm - 10k

Resaias
... re-sa'-yas, re-si'-as (Rhesaias; the King James Version Reesaias): One of the "leaders"
with Zerubbabel in the return (1 Esdras 5:8) = "Reelaiah" in Ezra 2:2 ...
/r/resaias.htm - 6k

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