Tamah
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Overview:
Tamah is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the post-exilic return to Jerusalem. The name appears in the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The mention of Tamah is brief, and the details about this individual or family are limited. The name is associated with a group of people rather than a single person, indicating a family or clan that was part of the larger community of Israelites returning to their homeland.

Biblical References:
Tamah is mentioned in two key passages in the Old Testament, both of which are lists of those who returned from exile:

1. Ezra 2:53 : "the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah,"
2. Nehemiah 7:55 : "the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah,"

In both passages, Tamah is listed among the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple. The Nethinim were considered a lower class within the Israelite community, often thought to be descendants of the Gibeonites who were assigned to serve in the temple as woodcutters and water carriers (Joshua 9:27).

Historical Context:
The return from Babylonian exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple. The lists in Ezra and Nehemiah serve to document the families and groups who participated in this return, emphasizing the continuity of the Israelite community and their dedication to reestablishing their religious practices.

The inclusion of Tamah in these lists highlights the importance of every group, regardless of their social status, in the collective effort to restore the worship and community life in Jerusalem. The Nethinim, including the descendants of Tamah, played a crucial role in the functioning of the temple, ensuring that the Levites could perform their duties effectively.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Tamah and other similar groups underscores the biblical theme of restoration and redemption. Despite their previous status as exiles and their lower social standing, the descendants of Tamah were integral to the reestablishment of the temple and the worship of God in Jerusalem. This reflects the inclusive nature of God's plan, where every member of the community has a role to play in His divine purposes.

Furthermore, the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple are seen as acts of divine faithfulness, fulfilling the promises made through the prophets that God would restore His people to their land. The participation of the Nethinim, including Tamah, in this process is a testament to God's grace and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

Cultural and Social Insights:
The Nethinim, including the descendants of Tamah, were a distinct group within the Israelite society. Their role as temple servants was vital, yet they were often viewed as outsiders or of lower status compared to the Levites and priests. Despite this, their inclusion in the genealogical records of Ezra and Nehemiah highlights the value placed on their contributions to the community's religious life.

The post-exilic period was a time of rebuilding and redefining identity for the Jewish people. The acknowledgment of groups like Tamah in the biblical record serves as a reminder of the diverse makeup of the community and the shared commitment to the worship of Yahweh.

Conclusion:
While the biblical references to Tamah are limited, the inclusion of this group in the genealogical records of Ezra and Nehemiah provides valuable insights into the social and religious dynamics of the post-exilic Jewish community. The descendants of Tamah, as part of the Nethinim, played a crucial role in the restoration of temple worship, reflecting the broader themes of redemption and divine faithfulness in the biblical narrative.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Tamah

blotting or wiping out; smiting

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Tamah

(laughter). The children of Tamah or Thamah, (Ezra 2:53) were among the Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel. (Nehemiah 7:55)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
TAMAH

ta'-ma.

See TEMAH.

Strong's Hebrew
2933. tamah -- to be stopped up, stupid
... 2932b, 2933. tamah. 2934 . to be stopped up, stupid. Transliteration: tamah
Phonetic Spelling: (taw-maw') Short Definition: stupid. ... tamah. 2934 . ...
/hebrew/2933.htm - 6k

8539. tamah -- to be astounded or dumbfounded
... 8538, 8539. tamah. 8540 . to be astounded or dumbfounded. Transliteration:
tamah Phonetic Spelling: (taw-mah') Short Definition: amazed. ... tamah. 8540 . ...
/hebrew/8539.htm - 6k

8547. Tamach -- head of a postexilic family
... Tamah, Thamah. Of uncertain derivation; Temach, one of the Nethinim -- Tamah,
Thamah. 8546, 8547. Tamach. 8548 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/8547.htm - 6k

8541. timmahon -- bewilderment
... Word Origin from tamah Definition bewilderment NASB Word Usage bewilderment (2).
astonishment. From tamahh; consternation -- astonishment. see HEBREW tamahh. ...
/hebrew/8541.htm - 6k

8429. tevah -- to be startled or alarmed
... astounded. Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to tamah Definition to be startled
or alarmed NASB Word Usage astounded (1). to grieve. ...
/hebrew/8429.htm - 6k

8540. temah -- a wonder
... wonders. Word Origin (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to tamah Definition
a wonder NASB Word Usage wonders (3). wonder. (Aramaic ...
/hebrew/8540.htm - 6k

Thesaurus
Tamah (1 Occurrence)
...TAMAH. ta'-ma. See TEMAH. ...Tamah (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:55 The children of Barkos,
the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah, (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/t/tamah.htm - 6k

Marvel (20 Occurrences)
... mar'-vel, mar'-vel-us (tamah, pala'; thaumazo, thaumastos): "To marvel" is the
translation of tamah, "to wonder" (Genesis 43:33 Psalm 48:5, the Revised Version ...
/m/marvel.htm - 16k

Marvelous (30 Occurrences)
... mar'-vel, mar'-vel-us (tamah, pala'; thaumazo, thaumastos): "To marvel" is the
translation of tamah, "to wonder" (Genesis 43:33 Psalm 48:5, the Revised Version ...
/m/marvelous.htm - 18k

Tamar (28 Occurrences)

/t/tamar.htm - 21k

Talsas

/t/talsas.htm - 6k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Tamah (1 Occurrence)

Nehemiah 7:55
The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah,
(KJV WBS YLT)

Subtopics

Tamah

Tamah: Called Thamah

Tamah: One of the Nethinim

Related Terms

Marvel (20 Occurrences)

Marvelous (30 Occurrences)

Tamar (28 Occurrences)

Talsas

Talsas
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