Bible Dictionary
Shalmai
Shalmai was the head of a family of temple servants, or Nethinim, who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. He is called Shamlai or Salmai in related lists.
Definition
Shalmai was the head or ancestor of a family of Nethinim, the temple servants who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. The name appears in related forms as Shamlai and Salmai.
Biblical Usage
The children of Shalmai are listed among the Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel in the postexilic lists of Ezra and Nehemiah.
Historical Background
Shalmai is the form used in Ezra, while Nehemiah has Salmai and the supplied material also identifies the name with Shamlai. The return is dated to about 536 B.C.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(my thanks). The children of Shalmai were among the Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:46; Nehemiah 7:48) In Nehemiah SALMAI. (B.C. 536.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>shal'-mi, shal'-ma-i: the King James Version form in Ezr 2:46 for "Shamlai"; Ne 7:48 "Salmai" (which see).</p>