The Hebrew word Zattûwʼ, represented by H2240, is the name of an Israelite. The derivation of the name is uncertain. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in scripture, consistently identifying an individual whose descendants are part of the post-exilic community of Israel.
Zattu's name appears exclusively in records concerning Israel's return from Babylonian exile and the subsequent rebuilding of the nation. His descendants, the "children of Zattu" H1121, are counted in the census of returnees, with one record listing nine hundred forty and five members Ezra 2:8 and another listing eight hundred forty and five Nehemiah 7:13. Zattu himself is listed among "The chief of the people" who sealed the covenant to follow God's Law Nehemiah 10:14. Additionally, the "sons of Zattu" are named in the list of men who had married foreign wives and agreed to separate from them Ezra 10:27.
Several other names and terms appear in connection with Zattu, providing context for his family's role in the restored community:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is fundamental to the references to Zattu, as he is primarily known through his "children" or "sons" (Ezra 2:8, Nehemiah 7:13, Ezra 10:27). It establishes Zattu as the head of a significant family line within the returning exiles.
- H1137 Bânîy (built; Bani, the name of five Israelites): Bani is listed alongside Zattu as one of "The chief of the people" who sealed the covenant Nehemiah 10:14. This places Zattu among other prominent leaders responsible for guiding the post-exilic community.
- H6551 Parʻôsh (Parosh, the name of our Israelite): The family of Parosh is also listed with Zattu's in the census of returnees Nehemiah 7:8 and among the chiefs who sealed the covenant Nehemiah 10:14, indicating these families were of similar standing.
The mentions of Zattu, while brief, highlight several key themes of the post-exilic period:
- Genealogical Cohesion: The careful counting of the "children of Zattu" (Ezra 2:8, Nehemiah 7:13) underscores the importance of lineage in reconstituting the nation of Israel after the exile. Identity was tied to established family lines.
- Covenantal Renewal: Zattu's inclusion as one of the "chief of the people" H7218 sealing the renewed covenant demonstrates the role of family heads in representing their clans and making a corporate commitment to live according to God's laws Nehemiah 10:14.
- Community Purity: The record of the "sons of Zattu" participating in the separation from foreign wives shows the practical application of this renewed commitment, emphasizing the importance of religious and social purity for the restoration of the nation Ezra 10:27.
In summary, H2240 Zattûwʼ is not a term with broad theological meaning but the proper name of an Israelite progenitor. The scriptural references to him and his descendants are concentrated in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Through these accounts, the story of Zattu's family provides a window into the core concerns of the returning exiles: re-establishing community identity, renewing their covenant with God, and purifying the nation.
TRV