The Hebrew proper name Çᵉnûwʼâh, represented by H5574, is used for two Israelites and appears 2 times in 2 unique verses. The base definition is pointed, and the name is found in scripture as both Senuah and Hasenuah, the latter of which includes the definite article.
The two appearances of H5574 place individuals within significant biblical records. In 1 Chronicles 9:7, the name appears as Hasenuah, identifying the ancestor of Sallu, a descendant of Benjamin who settled in Jerusalem. In Nehemiah 11:9, a man named Judah, the son H1121 of Senuah, is listed as being second H4932 over the city H5892 of Jerusalem, highlighting a position of civic leadership after the return from exile.
Several related words help clarify the context in which H5574 is found:
- H1121 bên (a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense): This word is essential for establishing the lineage of the individuals connected to Senuah. It defines the generational links that were crucial for tribal identity and inheritance, as seen in the command to teach God's works to "thy sons, and thy sons' sons" Deuteronomy 4:9.
- H1144 Binyâmîyn (son of (the) right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; Benjamin): This name connects Hasenuah to one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The identity of the tribe of Benjamin was central to land allotments and military musters 1 Samuel 9:16.
- H4932 mishneh (a second (in order, rank, age, quality or location)): This term specifies the rank held by Judah, the son of Senuah. It denotes a position of significant authority, second only to the chief overseer. Jonathan expressed a similar concept when he affirmed to David, "I shall be next unto thee" 1 Samuel 23:17.
While a proper name, the contexts of H5574 carry theological weight related to God's faithfulness to Israel.
- Covenantal Identity: The appearance of Hasenuah in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles is part of the scriptural effort to preserve the identity of the tribes of Israel, particularly the tribe of Benjamin 1 Chronicles 9:7. These records affirm God's continued recognition of His people through their lineage.
- Restoration and Order: The mention of Senuah's son as a leader in Jerusalem is significant in the narrative of Nehemiah. It demonstrates the re-establishment of civic and religious order in the holy city after the exile, a key theme of God's restorative work among His people Nehemiah 11:9.
In summary, H5574 is a proper name, Senuah, whose importance is derived entirely from its biblical context. It serves to anchor specific individuals within the historical and tribal records of Israel. Through its association with the tribe of Benjamin and the leadership of post-exilic Jerusalem, the name is part of the larger biblical narrative of lineage, community, and divine restoration.
TRV