### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Gazzâm**, represented by `{{H1502}}`, is defined as "devourer" and identifies one of the Nethinim. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, referring to the head of a specific family.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Gazzâm** `{{H1502}}` is mentioned exclusively within genealogical lists of the Nethinim who returned from exile. The name appears in the context of "The children of **Gazzâm**" in both Ezra [[Ezra 2:48]] and Nehemiah [[Nehemiah 7:51]], identifying a specific family line that was part of the restored community.
### Related Words & Concepts
A key related word provides the immediate context for Gazzâm's appearance:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): Defined as a son, often in the sense of a builder of the family name. This word is used directly alongside Gazzâm in the phrase "The children{H1121} of Gazzam{H1502}" ([[Nehemiah 7:51]], [[Ezra 2:48]]), establishing a direct familial link. The term is broadly used to denote lineage and relationship, such as identifying the "sons of Jacob" [[Malachi 3:6]] or a specific individual like "Jonathan Saul's son" [[1 Samuel 23:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1502}}` is derived from its context within the biblical narrative rather than from the name itself.
* **Preservation of Lineage:** The inclusion of **Gazzâm** in the post-exilic census lists underscores the importance of preserving family lines. The repeated phrase "The children of..." ([[Ezra 2:48]], [[Nehemiah 7:51]]) highlights the continuity of the community returning to rebuild.
* **Role of the Nethinim:** As one of the Nethinim, the family of **Gazzâm** was part of a group dedicated to serving in the temple. Their recorded return signifies the restoration of temple worship and its support structures after the exile.
* **Covenant Identity:** The name is associated with "the children" or "sons" `{{H1121}}`, a term also used to describe the covenant people as the "sons of Jacob" [[Malachi 3:6]], reinforcing their identity as part of the restored nation of Israel.
### Summary
In summary, **Gazzâm** `{{H1502}}` is a proper name identifying a specific family of Nethinim. While the name itself has limited direct application, its presence in the biblical record is significant. It serves as a marker of genealogical identity within the restored community of Israel after the Babylonian exile, highlighting the theme of divine preservation and the re-establishment of roles within the nation's life.
TRV