Maaseiah
Maaseiah, a descendant of Benjamin, lived in Jerusalem after the exile (Neh.11.7).
Biography
Maaseiah, a descendant of Benjamin through the line of Colhozeh, was among those who resettled in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian captivity. His genealogy is recorded in Nehemiah 11:7, within the register of Benjaminite families who took up residence in the holy city. The tribe of Benjamin had historically shared a close relationship with Jerusalem, which sat on the border between Judah and Benjamin, and Benjaminites had been among the faithful remnant throughout Judah's history. The post-exilic resettlement required representatives from multiple tribes to reestablish Jerusalem as a functioning capital, and Maaseiah's Benjaminite household contributed to the diverse tribal composition that characterized the restored city. His willingness to relocate helped ensure Jerusalem's viability as the center of renewed Jewish life.
Significance
Maaseiah's inclusion in the Benjaminite register of Jerusalem's resettlers reflects the continuity of tribal identity even after the trauma of exile. Benjamin's presence alongside Judah in the restored city maintained the alliance between these two tribes that had persisted since the division of the monarchy, fulfilling the pattern established when Benjamin remained loyal to the Davidic dynasty. The Chronicler's careful preservation of these genealogical details affirms that God's covenant faithfulness extended through the exile, preserving the distinct tribal identities that constituted His people. Maaseiah's quiet resettlement contributes to the broader theological message that restoration requires the participation of the whole community, with each family and tribe playing its appointed role.
Verse Appearances (1)
Nehemiah
References
- Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
- Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]