A Leader in the Great Return from Babylon
The grand narrative of the Bible is filled with figures whose names, though only briefly mentioned, signify pivotal moments in the history of God’s covenant people. Among the lists of those who faithfully returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity, a man named Bilshan stands as a testament to the collective effort of the faithful to restore the foundations of their faith and nation.
The Role of Leadership in Restoration
Bilshan is one of the twelve prominent men listed in Scripture who accompanied Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Joshua the high priest) on the monumental journey back to the promised land. This first wave of returnees, following the decree of Cyrus the Persian king, marked the end of the seventy-year prophecy of judgment and the beginning of restoration.
The two main references to Bilshan place him firmly within this administrative and spiritual leadership council:
“Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:” (Ezra 2:2, KJV)
“Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this;” (Nehemiah 7:7, KJV)
The minor variations in the names listed between Ezra and Nehemiah—likely due to scribal differences, alternative spellings, or the passage of time—do not diminish Bilshan’s crucial inclusion. His appearance in both registers confirms his established rank and importance among the leaders who bore the heavy responsibility of organizing the migration and the resettlement of approximately 50,000 people.
The Meaning and Significance of His Name
While the Scriptures do not provide a personal biography of Bilshan, his name itself offers potential insight into his character or background. The name Bilshan is of uncertain Hebrew or Babylonian etymology, but some biblical lexicons suggest it may mean “son of the tongue” or “eloquent,” pointing perhaps to a role as an orator or an articulate leader essential for coordinating such a complex undertaking.
Alternatively, the name’s connection to the Babylonian god Bel has led some scholars to interpret it as being associated with the phrase “Bel is king” or “His Lord,” a linguistic reflection of the seventy-year exile and the cultural influence absorbed by the captives in Babylon. Regardless of the precise meaning, the name marks him as an individual who, despite his background or name’s origin, committed himself to the work of the Lord.
Bilshan and the Defence of the Truth
Bilshan’s role, while seemingly obscure, highlights a profound truth relevant to the central focus of “Defence of the Truth,” your forthcoming book. The restoration of the covenant community was not accomplished solely by the high-profile figures like Zerubbabel, who oversaw the building of the Second Temple, or Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls. It required the faithful obedience and administrative skill of men like Bilshan.
His presence in these key lists serves as a historical document, authenticating the returning families and their inheritance. It underscores the principle that the Lord’s redemptive plan relies on corporate faithfulness—the combined efforts of all who serve, whether in the spotlight or in the crucial organizational roles of administration and leadership.
The hope of the Lord’s Return, a central theme of TheLordsReturn.com, echoes this post-exilic spirit. Just as Bilshan helped lead the people back to the physical city, modern-day believers are called to participate in the spiritual restoration and preparation for the glorious return of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Every faithful contribution, no matter how small or specialized, is indispensable to the final chapter of God’s redemptive work.