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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Bilshan</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/b/bilshan.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/ezra/2-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/b/bilshan.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Bilshan</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/b/billows.htm" title="Billows">◄</a> Bilshan <a href="/topical/b/bilshan,_mispar,_bigvai,_rehum,_baanah.htm" title="Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#hit" title="Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary">Hitchcock's</a> • <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Bilshan is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. His name appears in the genealogical records that list those who returned to Judah following the decree of Cyrus the Great, which allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>Bilshan is mentioned in the Book of Ezra and the Book of Nehemiah, both of which provide accounts of the return from exile and the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. In <a href="/ezra/2-2.htm">Ezra 2:2</a>, Bilshan is listed among the leaders who accompanied Zerubbabel and Jeshua in the first wave of returnees: <br><br>"These came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah." (<a href="/ezra/2-2.htm">Ezra 2:2</a>)<br><br>Similarly, <a href="/nehemiah/7-7.htm">Nehemiah 7:7</a> provides a parallel account of the same group of leaders:<br><br>"They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah." (<a href="/nehemiah/7-7.htm">Nehemiah 7:7</a>)<br><br><b>Historical and Cultural Context:</b><br><br>The return from Babylonian exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking the end of a period of punishment and the beginning of restoration. The leaders listed, including Bilshan, played crucial roles in organizing and leading the people back to their ancestral land. This return was not only a physical journey but also a spiritual renewal, as the exiles sought to reestablish their covenant relationship with God and restore proper worship in the rebuilt Temple.<br><br><b>Name and Meaning:</b><br><br>The name "Bilshan" is of uncertain etymology, but it is believed to be of Babylonian origin, reflecting the influence of the Babylonian captivity on the Jewish people. Names during this period often carried significant meaning, sometimes reflecting the circumstances of the individual's life or the hopes of their parents.<br><br><b>Role and Significance:</b><br><br>While Bilshan himself is not detailed extensively in the biblical narrative, his inclusion in the list of leaders underscores his importance in the community of returnees. Leaders like Bilshan were instrumental in the logistical and spiritual efforts required to reestablish Jewish society in Jerusalem. They were responsible for organizing the people, distributing resources, and ensuring adherence to the Law of Moses as they rebuilt their lives and their faith.<br><br><b>Theological Implications:</b><br><br>Bilshan's role in the return from exile highlights themes of redemption and restoration that are central to the biblical narrative. The return to Jerusalem symbolizes God's faithfulness to His promises and His willingness to restore His people after a period of judgment. The leaders, including Bilshan, serve as examples of faithfulness and obedience, guiding the people in a time of transition and renewal.<br><br>In summary, Bilshan is a minor yet significant figure in the post-exilic period of Jewish history, representing the collective efforts of the Jewish leaders to restore their community and faith in the land of their ancestors. His mention in the genealogical records serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of those who returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.<a name="hit" id="hit"></a><div class="vheading2">Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Bilshan</span><p>in the tongue<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Bilshan</span><p>(<i>eloquent</i>), one of Zerubbabel's companions on his expedition from Babylon. (<a href="/ezra/2-2.htm">Ezra 2:2</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/7-7.htm">Nehemiah 7:7</a>) (B.C. 536).<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>Son of the tongue; i.e., "eloquent", a man of some note who returned from the Captivity with Zerubbabel (<a href="/ezra/2-2.htm">Ezra 2:2</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/7-7.htm">Nehemiah 7:7</a>). <a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">BILSHAN</span><p>bil'-shan (bilshan): An Israelite who returned with Zerubbabel (<a href="/ezra/2-2.htm">Ezra 2:2</a> = <a href="/nehemiah/7-7.htm">Nehemiah 7:7</a>). The name may be explained as the "inquirer" (new Hebrew and Aramaic), balash, the ("b" being an abbreviation of ben, as in bidhqar, and bimhal. Bilshan would then be a compound of ben, and lashon. J. Halevy (Revue etudes juives, X, 3)) translates the name "pere de la langue," 'abh lashon. In 1 Esdras 5:8, he is called "Beelsarus," which is akin to the form "Belshar" = "Belshar-uccur" or "O Bel, protect king." Bilshan points to "Belsun," "his lord." The rabbis take Bilshan as a surname to the preceding<br><br>Mordecai. H. J. Wolf<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/1114.htm"><span class="l">1114. <b>Bilshan</b> -- perhaps "inquirer," an Israelite</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1113, 1114. <b>Bilshan</b>. 1115 . perhaps "inquirer," an Israelite. Transliteration:<br> <b>Bilshan</b> Phonetic Spelling: (bil-shawn') Short Definition: <b>Bilshan</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1114.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/b/bilshan.htm"><span class="l"><b>Bilshan</b> (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>BILSHAN</b>. bil'-shan (<b>bilshan</b>): An <b>...</b> and bimhal.<br><b>Bilshan</b> would then be a compound of ben, and lashon. J. Halevy <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bilshan.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/z/zerub'babel.htm"><span class="l">Zerub'babel (23 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> RSV). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah,<br> Mordecai, <b>Bilshan</b>, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/z/zerub'babel.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nehemi'ah.htm"><span class="l">Nehemi'ah (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Nehemi'ah (8 Occurrences). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah,<br> Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, <b>Bilshan</b>, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nehemi'ah.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/mor'decai.htm"><span class="l">Mor'decai (51 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Mor'decai (51 Occurrences). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah,<br> Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, <b>Bilshan</b>, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/mor'decai.htm - 20k</font><p><a href="/topical/m/mordecai.htm"><span class="l">Mordecai (52 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Mordecai (52 Occurrences). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah,<br> Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, <b>Bilshan</b>, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/m/mordecai.htm - 28k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/bigva'i.htm"><span class="l">Bigva'i (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Bigva'i (6 Occurrences). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah,<br> Reelaiah, Mordecai, <b>Bilshan</b>, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bigva'i.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/bigvai.htm"><span class="l">Bigvai (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Bigvai (4 Occurrences). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah,<br> Reelaiah, Mordecai, <b>Bilshan</b>, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bigvai.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/ba'anah.htm"><span class="l">Ba'anah (9 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> RSV). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah,<br> Mordecai, <b>Bilshan</b>, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/ba'anah.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/baanah.htm"><span class="l">Baanah (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> NIV). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah,<br> Mordecai, <b>Bilshan</b>, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/baanah.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/list.htm"><span class="l">List (17 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (See RSV NIV). Ezra 2:2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah,<br> Reelaiah, Mordecai, <b>Bilshan</b>, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/list.htm - 14k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Bilshan (2 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezra/2-2.htm">Ezra 2:2</a></span><br />who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, <span class="boldtext">Bilshan</span>, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/nehemiah/7-7.htm">Nehemiah 7:7</a></span><br />who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, <span class="boldtext">Bilshan</span>, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/bilshan.htm">Bilshan</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/bilshan--a_jew_of_the_captivity.htm">Bilshan: A Jew of the Captivity</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zerub'babel.htm">Zerub'babel (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nehemi'ah.htm">Nehemi'ah (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mor'decai.htm">Mor'decai (51 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mordecai.htm">Mordecai (52 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bigva'i.htm">Bigva'i (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bigvai.htm">Bigvai (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/ba'anah.htm">Ba'anah (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/baanah.htm">Baanah (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/list.htm">List (17 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jeshua.htm">Jeshua (30 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zerubbabel.htm">Zerubbabel (25 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/billows.htm">Billows (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nahamani.htm">Nahamani (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/naham'ani.htm">Naham'ani (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/n/nehum.htm">Nehum (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rehum.htm">Rehum (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/raamiah.htm">Raamiah (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/reelaiah.htm">Reelaiah (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/raami'ah.htm">Raami'ah (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/re-el-ai'ah.htm">Re-el-ai'ah (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mis'pereth.htm">Mis'pereth (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mispereth.htm">Mispereth (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mispar.htm">Mispar (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mizpar.htm">Mizpar (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bimhal.htm">Bimhal (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/beelsarus.htm">Beelsarus</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/serai'ah.htm">Serai'ah (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/saraiah.htm">Saraiah (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/seraiah.htm">Seraiah (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/azari'ah.htm">Azari'ah (46 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/azariah.htm">Azariah (47 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/b/billows.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Billows"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Billows" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/b/bilshan,_mispar,_bigvai,_rehum,_baanah.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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