Topical Encyclopedia
Harsha is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period when the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity. The name Harsha appears in the book of Ezra, which details the efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and reestablish the community of Israel after their return from exile.
Biblical Reference:Harsha is mentioned in
Ezra 2:51 and its parallel passage in
Nehemiah 7:53. These verses are part of a genealogical list that records the names of the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylon. The Berean Standard Bible renders the passage as follows:
·
Ezra 2:51 : "the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur,"
·
Nehemiah 7:53 : "the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur,"
In these passages, Harsha is listed among the "temple servants" or "Nethinim," a group of individuals who were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the Temple. The Nethinim were likely descendants of the Gibeonites, who were assigned to serve the Israelites after they made a covenant with Joshua (
Joshua 9:27).
Historical and Cultural Context:The return from Babylonian exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land. The lists in Ezra and Nehemiah serve to document the continuity of the Israelite community and their dedication to reestablishing proper worship and societal order according to the Law of Moses.
The mention of Harsha and other temple servants highlights the importance of maintaining the religious and cultural practices that defined the Israelite identity. The temple servants played a crucial role in supporting the Levites, who were responsible for the spiritual leadership and rituals of the community.
Theological Significance:From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Harsha in the genealogical records underscores the theme of restoration and faithfulness. Despite the challenges of exile and the daunting task of rebuilding, the Israelites remained committed to their covenant relationship with God. The detailed records of those who returned emphasize God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to His people.
The role of the Nethinim, including Harsha, also reflects the inclusive nature of God's plan, as individuals from various backgrounds were integrated into the service of the Temple. This foreshadows the New Testament revelation of the Gospel being extended to all nations, inviting all people to participate in the worship and service of God.
Conclusion:While Harsha is a relatively obscure figure, his mention in the biblical record serves as a testament to the faithfulness and dedication of those who participated in the restoration of Israel. The genealogical lists in Ezra and Nehemiah, including the descendants of Harsha, remind us of the importance of every individual's contribution to the fulfillment of God's purposes.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Harshaworkmanship; a wood
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Harsha(deaf). Bene-Harsha were among the families of Nethinim who came back from Babylon with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:52;Nehemiah 7:54)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Worker or enchanter, one of the Nethinim (
Ezra 2:52;
Nehemiah 7:54).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HARSHAhar'-sha (charsha'): Head of one of the families of the Nethinim (Ezra 2:52Nehemiah 7:54); 1 Esdras 5:32, "Charea."
Strong's Hebrew
2797. Charsha -- an Israelite... 2796, 2797. Charsha. 2798 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Charsha Phonetic
Spelling: (khar-shaw') Short Definition:
Harsha.
... NASB Word Usage
Harsha (2).
Harsha...8521. Tel Charsha -- "mound of a craftsman," a city in Babylon
... Tel Charsha. 8522 . "mound of a craftsman," a city in Babylon. Transliteration:
Tel Charsha Phonetic Spelling: (tale khar-shaw') Short Definition: Tel-harsha....
Library
Letter H
... Samuel "Received 1821, Located 1833 * Harrower, Peter P. "Received 1834 * Harryman,
Hezekiah "Received 1796, Died 1818 *Harsha, James "Received 1832...
Thesaurus
Tel-harsha (2 Occurrences)Tel-
harsha. Telharsha, Tel-
harsha. Tel-har'sha . Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia TEL-
HARSHA. tel-har'-sha (tel-charsha
...Tel-melah (2 Occurrences)
... TEL-MELAH. tel-me'-la (tel-melah, "hill of salt"): A Babylonian town mentioned in
Ezra 2:59 Nehemiah 7:61 with Tel-harsha and Cherub (see TEL-HARSHA)....
Kerub (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, TelHarsha, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed...
Immer (10 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, TelHarsha, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed...
Tel-har'sha (2 Occurrences)
Tel-har'sha. Tel-harsha, Tel-har'sha. Tell . Multi-Version Concordance
Tel-har'sha (2 Occurrences).... Tel-harsha, Tel-har'sha. Tell . Reference Bible.
Telmelah (2 Occurrences)
... TEL-MELAH. tel-me'-la (tel-melah, "hill of salt"): A Babylonian town mentioned in
Ezra 2:59 Nehemiah 7:61 with Tel-harsha and Cherub (see TEL-HARSHA)....
Telharsha
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia TEL-HARSHA. tel-har'-sha (tel-charsha'):
In Ezra 2:59 Nehemiah 7:61 (the King James Version in latter...
Tel (5 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, TelHarsha, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer; but they could not show their fathers' houses, and their seed...
Mehida (2 Occurrences)
... Mehida (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:52 the children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida,
the children ofHarsha, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)....
Mehi'da (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mehi'da (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:52 the children of Bazluth,
the children of Mehida, the children ofHarsha; (See RSV)....
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