Lexical Definition
בִּלְגַה Bilgah (bil-gaw') Bilgah N:N-M-P
from בָּלַג; desistance
Bilgah.
- § Bilgah = "cheerfulness"
- Bilgah, the name of two Israelites
1) a priest of the 15th course, in David's time
2) a priest accompanying Zerubbabel
Extended Information
- A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.10.8 also called Bilgai at Neh.10.8
- Also named: bil.gay (בִּלְגַּי "Bilgai" בִּלְגַּי)
Brown-Driver-Briggs
בִּלְגָּה proper name, masculine (cheerfulness) —
1. priest of 15th course (David's time) 1Chr 24:14.
2. priest that went up with Zerubbabel Neh 12:5; Neh 12:18.
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| 1 Chronicles | 24:14 |
| Nehemiah | 12:5 · 12:18 |
Profile
Male • Returned priest • Priest who returned from exile and sealed the covenant
Man living at the time of Exile and Return
Bilgah, also known as Bilgai, was a priest who returned from Babylonian exile and sealed the covenant during Nehemiah's time.
- A priest living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.10.8;
- referred to as Bilgah בִּלְגַה, or Bilgai בִּלְגַּי.
Bilgah, also known as Bilgai, was a priest who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile (Neh. 12:5). He is mentioned among the priests who settled in Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah. Later, Bilgai, likely the same person as Bilgah, is listed among the priests who sealed the covenant during Nehemiah's reforms (Neh. 10:8). The covenant was a solemn agreement made by the returned exiles to follow the Law of God and maintain their distinct identity as God's chosen people. By sealing the covenant, Bilgah/Bilgai and the other priests pledged to uphold its terms, which included observing the Sabbath, avoiding intermarriage with foreigners, and supporting the temple service. Bilgah/Bilgai's presence as a priest during this significant period highlights the importance of the priestly role in the restoration of Jerusalem and the spiritual renewal of the Jewish community after the exile.