Pochereth-hazzebaim
Who was Pochereth-hazzebaim in the Bible?
A servant of Solomon whose descendants returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel.
Pochereth-hazzebaim (also spelled Pochereth-Hazzebaim) is a figure mentioned in the genealogical records of the Jewish people returning from the Babylonian captivity. He is categorized among the 'descendants of the servants of Solomon,' a specific class of people who maintained an institutional identity alongside the priests, Levites, and Nethinim during the post-exilic era. His name appears in the parallel lists found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which document the families that journeyed back to Judah in the late 6th century BC.
While personal details about Pochereth-hazzebaim himself are not provided, his legacy is preserved through his children. These descendants were part of the first wave of returnees following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC. Their inclusion in the official registers of the restoration highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the era and the importance of ancestral continuity for those rebuilding the religious and social fabric of Jerusalem.
Background and Family
Pochereth-hazzebaim lived during the era of the United Monarchy or the early Divided Monarchy, as he is identified as one of the 'servants of Solomon' (Ezra 2:58). The Hebrew name Pochereth-hazzebaim is linguistically unique, often translated by scholars as 'the binder of the gazelles' or 'the snarer of the gazelles.' This suggests that his original role in the Solomonic administration may have been related to the management of royal game or specific hunting duties within the king's vast estates.
He is grouped with other families such as those of Shephatiah, Hattil, and Ami (or Amon). These families belonged to a distinct social stratum. Unlike the Nethinim (temple servants), the 'servants of Solomon' were likely descendants of the royal administrative staff or foreign captives whom Solomon had pressed into service for his massive building projects and maintenance of the royal house. By the time of the return from Babylon in the 530s BC, this group had become a recognized hereditary guild within the Judean community.
Major Life Events
There are no specific life events recorded for Pochereth-hazzebaim himself in the biblical text; rather, he is defined by the actions of his descendants. Following the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC, many Judean families were deported to Mesopotamia. During the decades of exile, the children of Pochereth-hazzebaim maintained their ancestral identity despite being far from their homeland.
When Cyrus the Great issued his decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim were among the 42,360 people who undertook the journey (Ezra 2:64). Their names were recorded by Ezra and Nehemiah to certify their status and their right to reside in the land and participate in the restoration of the Temple. Their presence in the list signifies their commitment to the rebuilding of the Jewish state and their loyalty to the traditions of the Davidic line.
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Pochereth-hazzebaim is consistently associated with a specific cohort of families returning from exile. In Ezra 2:57 and Nehemiah 7:59, he is listed alongside the descendants of Shephatiah and Hattil. These groups are immediately followed by the descendants of Ami (in Ezra) or Amon (in Nehemiah).
Collectively, these families were counted alongside the Nethinim, totaling 392 individuals in the first return (Ezra 2:58). While they were not of priestly or levitical descent, they were considered essential members of the community who provided the necessary labor and administrative support that had historically been assigned to the royal household since the time of King Solomon.
Spiritual Significance
The inclusion of Pochereth-hazzebaim in the holy scriptures serves as a testament to God's preservation of his people through the period of judgment and exile. Though his name might seem obscure, the biblical record emphasizes that no family was forgotten during the transition from captivity back to the Promised Land.
For the post-exilic community, these genealogies served as a 'spiritual map,' proving that God had maintained the identity of even the lowliest servants of the former monarchy. Pochereth-hazzebaim represents the restoration of all aspects of the old kingdom—not just the high offices of king and priest, but also the workers and servants whose labor supported the holy city. His legacy is one of endurance, showing how a family name could survive nearly seventy years of foreign displacement to return to the service of God in Jerusalem.
Pochereth-hazzebaim's significance lies in the preservation of the 'servants of Solomon' as a distinct group during the post-exilic restoration. His descendants are cited as evidence of the meticulous continuity of the Jewish people, ensuring that the socio-religious structures of the pre-exilic kingdom were faithfully transported back to the land of Judah. The recording of his name underscores the biblical theme that every member of the covenant community, regardless of status, is known and accounted for in the narrative of redemption.
Theological reflection on this figure often focuses on the concept of 'remnant.' The descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim represent a faithful minority who prioritized their heritage over their comfort in Babylon. By returning to a ruined Jerusalem, they helped ensure the survival of the nation through which the Messiah would eventually come, illustrating that even minor administrative families played a role in the grander scheme of salvation history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name 'Pochereth-hazzebaim' mean?
The name is generally understood to mean 'the binder of the gazelles' or 'the snarer of the gazelles,' likely reflecting an ancestral occupation involving the king's wildlife or hunting grounds.
Who were the 'servants of Solomon'?
They were a group of people, possibly of foreign origin or royal administrative background, who served King Solomon's household. Their descendants maintained this identity even through the Babylonian exile.
In which books of the Bible is Pochereth-hazzebaim mentioned?
He is mentioned in Ezra 2:57 and Nehemiah 7:59, both of which list the families returning from the Babylonian exile.
Why are his descendants important in the book of Ezra?
Their inclusion in the genealogy proves their legitimate connection to the pre-exilic community, granting them a place and a role in the newly restored Judean society.
Was Pochereth-hazzebaim a priest or a Levite?
No, he was not. He and his descendants belonged to a separate category of royal servants, distinct from the religious orders of the priests and Levites.
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Ezra1
- Nehemiah1
Scripture References
All 2 indexed verses, in canonical order, from the Berean Standard Bible.
Ezra · 1
- Ezra 2:57
the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Ami.
Nehemiah · 1
- Nehemiah 7:59
the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Amon.