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Pashhur

Old TestamentExile & ReturnMaleLevite

Pashhur, the ancestor of a priestly family that returned from Babylonian exile.

Pashhur illustration
Pashhur

Biography

Pashhur was the ancestral head of a priestly family whose descendants returned from the Babylonian exile to resume temple service in Jerusalem (Ezra 2:38; Nehemiah 7:41). The family of Pashhur numbered 1,247 individuals in the returning company, making it one of the four major priestly clans that reconstituted the Levitical worship system in the Second Temple period. These returning priests were essential to reestablishing the sacrificial system and regular worship that had ceased with the destruction of Solomon's temple in 586 BC. The family maintained its priestly identity throughout the exile, preserving genealogical records that verified their eligibility for temple service. Upon returning, Pashhur's descendants underwent verification of their priestly lineage, as only those who could demonstrate legitimate descent were permitted to serve at the altar (Ezra 2:62). Their return marked a critical step in restoring Israel's covenant worship.

Significance

Pashhur's priestly family exemplifies the remarkable preservation of Israel's religious institutions through the trauma of exile. Despite the destruction of the temple and decades of displacement, this family maintained its identity and readiness to serve, demonstrating that Israel's priestly calling transcended physical structures. The return of Pashhur's 1,247 descendants ensured that the restored community would have adequate priestly personnel to maintain proper worship. Their faithfulness in preserving genealogical records during exile reflects a deep conviction that God's promises remained valid and that temple service would one day resume. Pashhur's family thus served as living bridges between the pre-exilic worship tradition and the Second Temple period, ensuring continuity in Israel's covenantal relationship with God.

Verse Appearances (5)

References

  1. Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
  2. Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
  3. Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
  4. Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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