Telharsa is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity. It is referenced in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the efforts of the Israelites to rebuild Jerusalem and restore their community after the Babylonian exile.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:59 : "The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel." This verse is part of a list of individuals and families who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylon. The mention of Telharsa, along with Tel-melah and other locations, indicates that it was one of the places from which the exiles originated. However, the people from these locations were unable to provide genealogical records to confirm their Israelite heritage.

2. Nehemiah 7:61 : "The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel." This passage mirrors the account in Ezra, reiterating the challenge faced by some returnees in establishing their lineage. The repetition of this list in Nehemiah underscores the importance of genealogical records in the post-exilic community, as these records were crucial for determining one's place and role within the restored Israelite society.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The exact location of Telharsa is not definitively known, and it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible outside of these genealogical lists. The name Telharsa, like Tel-melah, suggests a settlement or mound, as "Tel" is a term used in the ancient Near East to denote a mound or hill, often the site of an ancient city. The lack of additional historical or archaeological evidence makes it difficult to pinpoint its precise location or significance beyond its mention in the context of the return from exile.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Telharsa in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah highlights the broader theme of restoration and identity that permeates these texts. The return from Babylonian exile was not merely a physical journey but also a spiritual and communal restoration. The inability of some returnees to prove their lineage reflects the challenges faced by the post-exilic community in re-establishing their identity as the people of God. This concern for genealogical purity and the reconstitution of the community according to the covenant underscores the importance of faithfulness to God's laws and the continuity of the Israelite heritage.

In summary, while Telharsa itself remains an obscure location, its mention in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in the restoration of Israel after the exile. The emphasis on genealogical records in these passages reflects the community's desire to maintain a distinct identity as God's chosen people, committed to the covenant and the rebuilding of their nation.Telharsa

suspension of the plow

Telharsa (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Telharsa (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:59 And these were
they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan ...
/t/telharsa.htm - 6k

Tel-harsa (1 Occurrence)
Tel-harsa. Telharsa, Tel-harsa. Telharsha . Multi-Version Concordance Tel-harsa
(1 Occurrence). ... Telharsa, Tel-harsa. Telharsha . Reference Bible.
/t/tel-harsa.htm - 6k

Telmelah (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:59 And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan,
and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed ...
/t/telmelah.htm - 7k

Tel-haresha (1 Occurrence)
Tel-haresha. Telharesha, Tel-haresha. Telharsa . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(WBS). Telharesha, Tel-haresha. Telharsa . Reference Bible.
/t/tel-haresha.htm - 7k

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