Bible Dictionary
Bilgah
Bilgah was the head of the fifteenth priestly course for temple service. The name was also borne by a priest who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel.
Definition
Bilgah is associated with two priests. One Bilgah was head of the fifteenth priestly course for temple service; another was a priest who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel.
Biblical Usage
Bilgah appears in the organization of the priestly courses and in the postexilic list of priests returning with Zerubbabel. The name is explained in the supplied material as “cheerful” or “first-born.”
Historical Background
The priestly courses provided an organized order for temple service. A separate Bilgah belonged to the community restored after the Babylonian captivity.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Cheerful. (1.) The head of the fifteenth sacerdotal course for the temple service (1 Chr. 24:14). (2.) A priest who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel (Neh. 12:5, 18).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(first-born).