The Hebrew word ʻAttay, represented by H6262, is a proper name used to identify three distinct Israelites in the Old Testament. It appears 4 times in 4 unique verses. The name's primary function is to mark individuals within genealogical records and lists of significant figures.
The name ʻAttay appears in several different contexts, identifying men from various lineages and roles. In the first instance, ʻAttay is the son of Sheshan's daughter and an Egyptian servant named Jarha 1 Chronicles 2:35. This same ʻAttay is recorded as the father of Nathan 1 Chronicles 2:36, continuing a specific family line within the tribe of Judah. A second ʻAttay is mentioned as a son of Maachah, the daughter of Absalom 2 Chronicles 11:20, placing him within a royal lineage alongside his brothers Abijah, Ziza, and Shelomith. A third individual named ʻAttay is listed as "the sixth" in a numeric list of men, followed by Eliel as "the seventh" 1 Chronicles 12:11.
Several related words provide context for the individuals named ʻAttay:
- H8348 Shêshân: An Israelite who had no sons and gave his daughter to his servant, Jarha, resulting in the birth of the first Attai 1 Chronicles 2:35.
- H3398 Yarchâʻ: The father of the first Attai, identified as an Egyptian servant of Sheshan 1 Chronicles 2:35.
- H4601 Maʻăkâh: The mother of the second Attai and daughter of Absalom, placing this Attai in David's lineage 2 Chronicles 11:20.
- H447 ʼĔlîyʼêl: A name meaning "God of (his) God," listed as "the seventh" immediately after the third Attai, suggesting they were part of the same company of notable men 1 Chronicles 12:11.
The significance of H6262 is found not in the name's meaning but in the roles these individuals play in the biblical narrative.
- Genealogical Integrity: The name is preserved in the detailed genealogies of Israel, demonstrating the importance of tracking lineage and heritage. The record of one Attai's lineage shows the inclusion of an Egyptian servant, Jarha, into the family of Sheshan 1 Chronicles 2:34-35.
- Connection to Royalty: One Attai is a direct descendant of David through his grandmother Maachah, the daughter of Absalom 2 Chronicles 11:20, linking the name to Israel's royal history.
- Service and Valor: Another Attai is listed as "the sixth" in a group of men, implying a position of honor or a role as a key supporter or warrior within Israel 1 Chronicles 12:11.
In summary, H6262 ʻAttay is a name that, while rare, marks the place of three different men within the grand narrative of Israel. Though the scriptural details about them are brief, their presence in genealogies and lists of notable figures solidifies their role in the history of God's people. The name connects to the themes of family lineage, royal succession, and the assembly of key figures for a greater purpose.
TRV