Overview
Reaiah (also spelled Raiah) was the head of a family whose descendants returned from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel's leadership. His family is listed among the people of Israel who came back to rebuild the temple and restore the Jewish nation after seventy years of captivity.
Key Scriptures
"The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, six hundred and fifty-two." (Ezra 2:47, NASB)
"The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai, the children of Asnah, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephusim, the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, the children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah, the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha..." (Nehemiah 7:50, NASB)
Application
Reaiah's family reminds us that God faithfully preserves His people through exile and restores them to fulfill His purposes in rebuilding His kingdom.