The Hebrew word Parʻôsh, represented by H6551, is the name of an Israelite. The name appears 6 times across 6 unique verses, primarily in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It refers to the head of a prominent family clan during the period of Israel's return from exile.
In the biblical narrative, H6551 identifies a significant family line involved in the restoration of Jerusalem. The "children of Parosh" are listed among the first to return from Babylon, numbering two thousand one hundred and seventy-two people (Ezra 2:3, Nehemiah 7:8). The family's commitment to rebuilding is shown when Pedaiah the son of Parosh helps repair the city wall Nehemiah 3:25. A leader named Parosh is also listed among the chiefs of the people who sealed the covenant Nehemiah 10:14. A descendant named Zechariah is mentioned among the sons of Pharosh (a variant spelling) who returned with Ezra Ezra 8:3. However, the "sons of Parosh" are also included among those who had taken foreign wives, demonstrating the challenges the community faced Ezra 10:25.
Several related words provide context for the clan of Parosh and its role in the biblical record:
- H1121 bên (a son): This word is fundamental to identifying the lineage of Parosh, appearing in phrases like "The children of Parosh" Ezra 2:3 and "the sons of Parosh" Ezra 10:25. It establishes Parosh as the builder of a significant family name.
- H505 ʼeleph (a thousand): This numeral is used to describe the large size of the Parosh clan that returned from exile, highlighting their prominence within the community (Ezra 2:3, Nehemiah 7:8).
- H3967 mêʼâh (a hundred): This term is used to give a precise count of the family members, both in the larger census (Ezra 2:3, Nehemiah 7:8) and in a smaller, detailed genealogy Ezra 8:3.
- H8147 shᵉnayim (two): This number completes the specific count of the "children of Parosh" who returned, emphasizing the detailed record-keeping of the restoration community (Ezra 2:3, Nehemiah 7:8).
The narrative function of H6551 is tied to the key themes of the post-exilic era.
- Covenant Restoration: The large number of Parosh's descendants returning to Judah represents the theme of a faithful remnant being restored to the promised land after exile (Ezra 2:3, Nehemiah 7:8).
- Community Responsibility: The family is shown to be an active participant in the life of the restored community. This is seen in their contribution to rebuilding Jerusalem's defenses Nehemiah 3:25 and their inclusion in the sealing of the covenant Nehemiah 10:14.
- The Need for Purity: The inclusion of sons of Parosh among those who had to put away foreign wives illustrates the serious internal struggles for religious and social purity that defined the era Ezra 10:25.
In summary, H6551 is more than a personal name; it represents a major Israelite family clan central to the story of Israel's return from Babylon. Through the records in Ezra and Nehemiah, the family of Parosh exemplifies the themes of divine restoration, the importance of community participation in God's work, and the ongoing struggle for covenant faithfulness.
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