or סְנֻאָה from the same as סְנָאָה; pointed; (used with the article as a proper name) Senuah, the name of two Israelites; Hasenuah (including the art), Senuah.
Transliteration:Çᵉnûwʼâh
Pronunciation:sen-oo-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H5574}}`, *Çᵉnûwʼâh* (or *Çᵉnûʼâh*), is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates a derivation from the same root as `{{H5573}}`, *Çᵉnâʼâh*, which signifies "thornbush" or "pointed." Thus, the name itself carries the potential connotation of "pointed" or "thorny." As a proper name, its semantic range is primarily referential, serving to identify specific individuals within the biblical narrative. The definition also notes its usage with the definite article, "Hasenuah," which simply means "the Senuah," indicating a particular instance of the name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Senuah/Hasenuah appears in two distinct but related contexts within the post-exilic biblical records, both referring to individuals from the tribe of Benjamin:
1. **Senuah (Nehemiah 11:9):** "Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer, and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city." [[Nehemiah 11:9]] Here, Senuah is identified as the father of Judah, a Benjamite who held a significant position as "second over the city" of Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian exile. This verse is part of the detailed roster of those who settled in Jerusalem and other towns, highlighting the re-establishment of the community and its leadership. The mention of Senuah serves to establish the lineage of Judah, emphasizing the continuity of tribal identity and the re-ordering of society.
2. **Hasenuah (1 Chronicles 9:7):** "And these are the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hasenuah." [[1 Chronicles 9:7]] In this instance, the name appears with the definite article, "Hasenuah," and is again situated within a genealogical list of Benjamites dwelling in Jerusalem. Hasenuah is identified as the father of Hodaviah. This chapter in Chronicles provides a comprehensive account of the genealogies of Israel and Judah, particularly focusing on those who returned from exile and repopulated the land. The inclusion of Hasenuah underscores the meticulous record-keeping concerning the tribes and families, essential for maintaining tribal lands, priestly courses, and the overall structure of the restored community.
While the exact relationship between the Senuah of Nehemiah and the Hasenuah of Chronicles is not explicitly stated, it is highly probable that they refer to the same ancestral line or even the same individual, given the shared tribal affiliation (Benjamin) and the post-exilic context of both records. The definite article in Chronicles might simply serve to distinguish this particular Senuah within the genealogical record.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical connection for `{{H5574}}` is its stated derivation from the same root as `{{H5573}}`, *Çᵉnâʼâh*, meaning "thornbush." This suggests a conceptual link to something sharp, pointed, or perhaps even prickly. While the name itself is a proper noun and does not carry the full semantic weight of its root, the underlying imagery could subtly evoke qualities of resilience, sharpness, or perhaps even difficulty, though this remains interpretive.
Beyond its direct etymological link, Senuah/Hasenuah is related to broader biblical concepts through its context:
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The name's appearance in detailed lists in Nehemiah and Chronicles connects it to the vital importance of preserving tribal and family records in ancient Israel, especially after the exile, for purposes of identity, inheritance, and religious order.
* **The Tribe of Benjamin:** Both occurrences firmly place Senuah within the tribe of Benjamin, one of the smaller but historically significant tribes, known for its fierce warriors (e.g., Judges 20) and for producing Israel's first king, Saul.
* **Post-Exilic Restoration:** The context of both citations places Senuah within the period of the return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This connects the name to themes of divine faithfulness, the re-establishment of the covenant community, and the physical and spiritual restoration of Israel.
### Theological Significance
As a proper name, `{{H5574}}` does not carry direct theological doctrine in itself. Its significance lies primarily in its context within the biblical narrative of restoration and the meticulous preservation of Israel's identity.
1. **Divine Faithfulness in Preservation:** The inclusion of names like Senuah in the post-exilic registers attests to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. Despite the seventy years of exile, a remnant was preserved and returned, fulfilling prophetic promises. The careful listing of individuals and families demonstrates God's attention to each person within His grand redemptive plan.
2. **The Importance of Lineage and Community:** The detailed genealogies in Chronicles and Nehemiah underscore the biblical emphasis on lineage, not merely for historical record, but for maintaining the integrity of the covenant community. Each name, including Senuah, represents a thread in the tapestry of God's chosen people, essential for the continuity of the priesthood, the tribal land allocations, and ultimately, the lineage leading to the Messiah. The re-establishment of Jerusalem's inhabitants, with individuals like Judah son of Senuah in positions of authority, signifies the divine ordering of the restored community.
3. **Human Participation in God's Plan:** While God is the primary actor in the restoration, these lists also highlight the human agents who participated in the rebuilding of the nation. Senuah, through his son Judah, represents a family contributing to the re-establishment of civic order and community life in Jerusalem, demonstrating the collaborative nature of God's work with His people.
### Summary
`{{H5574}}`, *Çᵉnûwʼâh*, is a Hebrew proper name meaning "pointed" or "thorny," derived from the root for "thornbush" (`{{H5573}}`). It identifies two individuals (or possibly one individual and his lineage) from the tribe of Benjamin in the post-exilic period. Senuah is mentioned in [[Nehemiah 11:9]] as the father of Judah, a leader in restored Jerusalem, and "Hasenuah" appears in [[1 Chronicles 9:7]] within a Benjamite genealogy. While the name itself does not convey direct theological teachings, its presence in these meticulous records profoundly underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people, the vital importance of lineage and tribal identity in the re-establishment of Israel, and the human participation in the divine plan of restoration after the Babylonian exile. The inclusion of such names reflects the meticulous care with which God oversees the history and identity of His chosen nation.
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