Binnui, Ancestor of Shimei

Background and Family

Binnui appears in the post-exilic record during the mid-5th century BC. While his specific tribe is not explicitly stated in the text of Ezra 10, he is listed among the lay Israelites—distinct from the priests and Levites—who had returned to the land of Judah. The name Binnui (H1131) is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "building" or "built up," a common name during this era of reconstruction in Jerusalem.

In the genealogical structure of Ezra 10:38, Binnui is established as the progenitor of a specific group. The text identifies Shimei as being "from the descendants of Binnui." This suggests that by the time of Ezra’s ministry, the house of Binnui was an established family unit within the restored community of Israel.

Major Life Events

The only recorded event involving this specific Binnui is the census and subsequent legal action taken during the ninth month of the year. Following Ezra’s public prayer and confession regarding the people's unfaithfulness, a proclamation was issued for all the exiles to assemble in Jerusalem. Binnui’s family is mentioned in the final list of those who had participated in the prohibited marriages.

According to Ezra 10:38, a member of Binnui's lineage named Shimei was among those who had married foreign women. Along with the other men listed, Shimei was required to send away his foreign wife and any children born of the union, offering a ram as a guilt offering to atone for the spiritual trespass. While the text focuses on Shimei, the mention of Binnui serves to categorize and document the specific family line involved in this communal act of purification.

Relationship to Other Biblical Figures

Binnui is primarily linked to Shimei, who is identified as his descendant. There are no other recorded relationships for this specific individual in the biblical data. He exists in the narrative as a genealogical marker rather than an active participant in the dialogue or physical action of the book of Ezra.

Spiritual Significance

The inclusion of Binnui in the biblical record underscores the meticulous nature of post-exilic documentation. For the returning Jews, genealogies were not merely family trees but legal and spiritual proofs of identity and belonging to the covenant community. Binnui’s mention in the context of Ezra’s reforms highlights the pervasive nature of the intermarriage crisis, showing that it touched various families throughout the social fabric of the people. His name remains a testament to the community's effort to maintain distinctiveness and adherence to the Law of Moses following their return from Babylon.