What was Pokereth-Hazzebaim?

Pokereth-Hazzebaim (Hebrew: פּוֹקֶרֶת הַצְּבָיִם, Pōqereṯ haṣ-Ṣeḇāyim) is a place or family name listed among the temple servants (Nethinim) who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The name appears in Ezra 2:57 and is repeated in the parallel list in Nehemiah 7:59. It is not a personal name in the traditional sense but a designation likely identifying a particular family line or group among the temple servants—possibly with some connection to a location or symbolic meaning.

The name “Pokereth-Hazzebaim” is difficult to translate directly but is often interpreted to mean “binder of the gazelles” or “snarer of antelopes”, from pokereth (a form of “to bind” or “to trap”) and zebaim (plural of zebi, “gazelle” or “roe”). Some scholars suggest it could refer to a role or occupation, perhaps metaphorically, indicating a lowly or servile task. Others argue it was simply a clan name preserved through the exile and return.

Biblical References

• Ezra 2:57 – “The descendants of Shephatiah, Hattil, Pokereth-Hazzebaim and Ami.”

• Nehemiah 7:59 – “The descendants of Shephatiah, Hattil, Pokereth-Hazzebaim and Ami.”

These verses are found in the lists of the Nethinim, the temple servants who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. These individuals were likely assigned to assist the Levites in various temple duties.

Cross References:

• Ezra 2:43-58 – The broader list of the Nethinim and Solomon’s servants.

• Nehemiah 7:46-60 – Parallel listing of the Nethinim.

• Joshua 9:27 – The origin of temple servants as the Gibeonites, made “hewers of wood and drawers of water.”

What Happened in the Bible?

Pokereth-Hazzebaim is named among those who came back from Babylon with Zerubbabel during the first wave of returnees (Ezra 2). These individuals had been in exile for seventy years but were now part of the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple. The returnees included not just priests and Levites, but also the Nethinim, descendants of those assigned to serve in temple functions.

Their inclusion in the official record demonstrates the meticulous nature of Jewish genealogies and the care given to temple order. Although they were not Israelites by tribal descent, the Nethinim were essential to the functioning of temple worship. Their names were remembered for their humble service in God’s house.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Though obscure, Pokereth-Hazzebaim represents a faithful, humble role in God’s redemptive work. These temple servants were not priests, kings, or prophets. Yet their names were recorded among the remnant who returned to rebuild God’s house. Their service reminds Christians that every act of obedience—however small or humble—matters in God’s kingdom.

In the New Testament, the body of Christ is made up of many members, each with different gifts and callings (1 Corinthians 12). Not everyone is called to visible leadership; many are called to support roles. Like the Nethinim, believers today are called to serve with faithfulness, not for fame but for the glory of God.

How Their Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The return from exile foreshadows the greater redemption in Christ, who brings His people out of spiritual bondage and into the freedom of worship and communion with God. The temple servants, like Pokereth-Hazzebaim, played a role in the preparation of the temple—a foreshadowing of the new temple, Jesus Himself, and ultimately the church, His body.

Jesus came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45), and He elevated the lowly. He washed His disciples’ feet and taught that the greatest in the kingdom is the one who serves (John 13:12-17). The Nethinim’s quiet labor in the house of God points to the humble, servant-hearted ministry that Jesus modeled and commands His followers to imitate.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God Honors the Humble

The inclusion of temple servants in Scripture reminds us that God sees and records faithful service, no matter how lowly. As Jesus said, “The last will be first” (Matthew 20:16).

2. Restoration and Return

The return from exile prefigures the restoration promised through the Messiah. God gathers His scattered people and brings them back into His presence.

3. Worship and Order in God’s House

The structure of temple service in Ezra–Nehemiah shows the importance of order, obedience, and reverence in worship. All roles are meaningful when they are offered to God.

4. Identity and Legacy

Even those with unknown origins or humble positions, like Pokereth-Hazzebaim, have a legacy in God’s Word. Identity in God’s kingdom is not based on social status but on faithfulness and grace.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the story of the Nethinim challenge your view of what meaningful service to God looks like?

2. Are there ways you can serve God and others quietly and faithfully, like the temple servants?

3. What roles in your church or community might reflect the spirit of Pokereth-Hazzebaim?

4. How does Jesus‘ model of servanthood shape your attitude toward “behind-the-scenes” work?

5. Are you more focused on recognition, or are you willing to serve where God places you?

Conclusion:
Pokereth-Hazzebaim may be a name easily passed over in a list, but it bears witness to God’s faithfulness in remembering those who serve Him. In the great story of redemption, even the seemingly small names have their place—because God honors humble service, and through Christ, all are made significant in His kingdom.