Zattu is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. He is recognized as the head of one of the families that returned with Zerubbabel, a leader who played a significant role in the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:8 : "the descendants of Zattu, 945." This verse lists the family of Zattu among those who returned from the Babylonian exile. The number 945 indicates the members of his family or clan who made the journey back to Jerusalem. This return was part of the first wave of exiles who came back under the decree of Cyrus, King of Persia, who allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple.

2. Nehemiah 7:13 : "the descendants of Zattu, 845." This passage is part of a similar list found in the book of Nehemiah, which recounts the same event. The discrepancy in numbers between Ezra and Nehemiah is a subject of scholarly discussion, often attributed to differences in the recording or copying of these historical records.

3. Nehemiah 10:14 : "The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani." Zattu is listed among the leaders who sealed the covenant in Nehemiah's time. This covenant was a renewal of the people's commitment to follow the Law of God, emphasizing the importance of obedience and dedication to the covenantal relationship with God.

Historical and Theological Context:

Zattu's mention in these post-exilic records highlights the importance of family and tribal leadership in the restoration of Israel. The return from exile was not just a physical journey but also a spiritual renewal for the Jewish people. Leaders like Zattu played a crucial role in re-establishing the community's identity and religious practices.

The returnees faced numerous challenges, including opposition from surrounding peoples and the daunting task of rebuilding the Temple and the city walls. The inclusion of Zattu's family in these records underscores the collective effort required to restore the nation and the significance of each family's contribution to this monumental task.

Theologically, the return from exile and the rebuilding efforts symbolize God's faithfulness to His promises. Despite the judgment and exile due to Israel's disobedience, God remained committed to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring the survival and restoration of His chosen people.

Significance:

Zattu's family, as part of the returning exiles, represents the fulfillment of prophetic promises and the hope of renewal for the Jewish nation. Their participation in the covenant renewal under Nehemiah signifies a recommitment to the laws and commandments given by God, highlighting the centrality of faith and obedience in the life of the community.

In summary, Zattu is a figure whose mention in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and leadership in the history of Israel. His family's return and involvement in the covenant renewal reflect the broader themes of restoration, faithfulness, and the communal effort to uphold the covenant with God.Zattu

The sons of Zattu were a family of laymen of Israel who returned with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:8; Nehemiah 7:13)

Id., one whose descendants returned from the Captivity with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:8; Nehemiah 7:13); probably the same as Zatthu. ZATTU

zat'-u (zattu', meaning unknown): Head of a large family that returned with Zerubbabel to Jerusalem from Babylon (Ezra 2:8; Ezra 10:27 Nehemiah 7:13; Nehemiah 10:14 (15)). According to Ezra 10:27, some of his sons had married foreign wives, and Zattu is named in Nehemiah 10:14 as one of the chiefs who signed Nehemiah's covenant. Septuagint A also adds the name before that of Shecaniah in Ezra 8:5, and so we should read, "And of the sons of Zattu, Shecaniah.... "; so 1 Esdras 8:32 has Zathoes. the King James Version has "Zatthu" in Neb 10:14.

2240. Zattu -- an Israelite
... 2239, 2240. Zattu. 2241 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Zattu Phonetic Spelling:
(zat-too') Short Definition: Zattu. ... NASB Word Usage Zattu (5). Zattu. ...
/hebrew/2240.htm - 5kZattu (5 Occurrences)
...ZATTU. ... Septuagint A also adds the name before that of Shecaniah in Ezra 8:5, and
so we should read, "And of the sons of Zattu, Shecaniah.... ...
/z/zattu.htm - 8k

Zatthu (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZATTHU. zat'-thu: In Nehemiah 10:14; the Revised
Version (British and American) ZATTU (which see). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/z/zatthu.htm - 7k

Zabad (8 Occurrences)
... Perhaps the name in Chronicles should be Zacar (zakhar), (5) Name of three men who
had married foreign wives: (a) son of Zattu (Ezra 10:27)= "Sabathus" of 1 ...
/z/zabad.htm - 11k

Forty-five (15 Occurrences)
... (WEB BBE DBY WBS RSV NIV). Ezra 2:8 The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty-five. ...
Nehemiah 7:13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty-five. ...
/f/forty-five.htm - 10k

Zathoes
... Zathoe): Name of a family, part of which returned with Ezra (1 Esdras 8:32), not
found in the Hebrew of Ezra 8:5; probably identical with "Zattu" of Ezra 2:8 ...
/z/zathoes.htm - 6k

845 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 845 (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:13 The children
of Zattu, eight hundred forty-five. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/845.htm - 6k

945 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 945 (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:8 The children
of Zattu, nine hundred forty-five. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/945.htm - 6k

Zamoth
... foreign wives (1 Esdras 9:28) = "Zattu" of Ezra 10:27; called "Zathui" in 1 Esdras
5:12 and "Zathoes" (the King James Version "Zathoe") in 1 Esdras 8:32. ...
/z/zamoth.htm - 6k

Zathui
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZATHUI. za-thu'-i (Zaththoui, Septuagint Codex
Vaticanus Zaton): In 1 Esdras 5:12 = "Zattu" in Ezra 2:8 Nehemiah 10:14. ...
/z/zathui.htm - 6k

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