Chelal
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Chelal in the Bible?
Chelal was a member of the tribe of Benjamin who married a foreign woman during the post-exilic period, as recorded in Ezra 10:30.
SIGNIFICANCE
This record illustrates the specific challenges faced by the returned exiles in maintaining religious purity, highlighting the tension between social integration and adherence to Mosaic law regarding intermarriage.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Chelal reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Chelal in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Chelal clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezra 10:30
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Chelal." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/chelal/