The Hebrew word Pᵉrûwdâʼ, represented by H6514, is a proper name meaning dispersion. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The name, which can also be rendered as Perida, identifies one of the heads of a family listed among "Solomon's servants."
In the biblical narrative, H6514 is used exclusively within genealogical lists that document the families returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Both occurrences are identical in context, listing the descendants of those who had served King Solomon centuries earlier. Peruda is named as the progenitor of a family group, appearing alongside the children of Sotai and Sophereth (Ezra 2:55; Nehemiah 7:57). This placement highlights the importance of tracking lineage as the community of Israel was re-established.
Several related words provide the context for understanding Peruda's identity:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word precedes the name in both instances, as "the children of Peruda." It establishes Peruda as the founder of a family line whose descendants were part of the restoration community Ezra 2:55.
- H8010 Shᵉlômôh (Solomon): Peruda's family is identified as descendants of the servants of Solomon, linking their heritage to the era of Israel's united kingdom and the building of the first temple Nehemiah 7:57.
- H5650 ʻebed (a servant): This term defines the ancestral role of Peruda's family line, designating them as "Solomon's servants," a group with specific functions and a recognized heritage within the nation Ezra 2:55.
While a minor name, the context of H6514 carries significant weight.
- Genealogical Preservation: The meticulous recording of Peruda's descendants underscores the importance of every family in the national identity of post-exilic Israel. It affirms that even the lineage of servants was remembered and valued by God.
- Theme of Gathering: The name itself means "dispersion," which stands in stark contrast to its context. Listing a family named "Dispersion" among those who have been gathered back to the land of Israel provides a subtle testimony to God's faithfulness in reversing the exile.
- Faithful Heritage: The association with Solomon's H8010 servants H5650 signifies a legacy of service to Israel's leadership and, by extension, to God. The return of these descendants demonstrates a continuity of that heritage.
In summary, H6514 is more than just a name in a genealogical record. It represents the profound theme of restoration that defines the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The name Peruda, meaning "dispersion," ironically belongs to a family that was part of God's great gathering of His people from exile, illustrating that every lineage, including that of servants, was integral to the rebuilding of the nation.
TRV