The Hebrew word ʼÂṭêr, represented by H333, is a proper name meaning maimed. It appears 5 times in 5 unique verses. The name is used to identify three Israelites who were heads of families returning from the Babylonian exile or who participated in the renewal of the covenant.
The name H333 appears exclusively in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It first identifies the progenitor of a family of temple porters H7778. The descendants, or "children of Ater," are listed in the census of those who returned from captivity (Ezra 2:42; Nehemiah 7:45). Another lineage is identified as "The children of Ater of Hezekiah" H3169, whose family numbered ninety-eight people (Ezra 2:16; Nehemiah 7:21). Finally, an individual named Ater is listed among the leaders who sealed the covenant with God, alongside Hizkijah H2396 and Azzur H5809 Nehemiah 10:17.
Several related words clarify the context and identity of those named Ater:
- H1121 bên (son): This word is consistently used in the phrase "the children of Ater," establishing the identity of the returning exiles through their lineage and family head (Ezra 2:16; Ezra 2:42).
- H7778 shôwʻêr (porter): This term defines the specific role held by the descendants of one Ater, identifying them as a family of temple doorkeepers who returned to serve in Jerusalem (Ezra 2:42; Nehemiah 7:45).
- H3169 Yᵉchizqîyâh (Hezekiah): Used to distinguish a specific lineage, "Ater of Hezekiah," indicating an association with a prominent person or place bearing that name Ezra 2:16. A variant of this name, Hizkijah H2396, appears alongside Ater in other passages (Nehemiah 7:21; Nehemiah 10:17).
While a proper name, the context of H333 points to significant themes in Israel's history:
- Community Restoration: The name Ater is found within census lists crucial to the rebuilding of the nation after the Babylonian exile. The descendants of Ater were part of the foundational community that returned to Judah to restore society and temple worship (Ezra 2:16; Ezra 2:42).
- Hereditary Roles: The identification of a family as "the children of Ater" from the line of porters H7778 underscores the importance of lineage in determining roles and responsibilities within the religious life of the community Ezra 2:42.
- Covenantal Commitment: An individual named Ater is listed among the chiefs of the people who sealed a binding agreement to follow God's Law. This signifies a personal and corporate commitment to renewing the covenant relationship with God during a pivotal moment of national dedication Nehemiah 10:17.
In summary, ʼÂṭêr H333 is the proper name of several Israelites who were significant figures in the post-exilic community. The name is tied to specific families, including a line of temple porters H7778 and another associated with Hezekiah H3169. Through its appearances in census lists and covenant documents, the name Ater is embedded in the historical narrative of Israel's restoration, highlighting themes of lineage, service, and renewed faithfulness to God.
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