Overview
Hatita is mentioned as the head of a family of gatekeepers whose descendants returned from captivity in Babylon to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel's leadership around 538 BC. The gatekeepers served an important role in temple worship, maintaining access and security for God's house.
Key Scriptures
"The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty-nine." (Ezra 2:42, NASB)
"So the priests and the Levites purified themselves, as well as the people, the gates, and the wall." (Nehemiah 12:30, NIV)
Application
Reflect on how God preserves and restores His people through exile, and consider how you can faithfully serve your local church community as the gatekeepers served the temple.