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Topic:
Persons Of The Bible -- Zacchaeus
The name " Zacchaeus" is derived from the Greek form of the
Hebrew name זַכָּי (Zakkai) which
meant "pure".
Zacchaeus was a chief tax-gather (publicanus) at Jericho (Luke
19:1-10). Zacchaeus was a Jew, as may be inferred from his name and from
the fact that the Saviour speaks of him expressly as "a son of
Abraham." The term which designates his office -"the chief among
the publicans" -is unusual, but describes him, no doubt, as the
superintendent of customs or tribute in the district of Jericho, where he
lived.
The collection of customs at Jericho, which at this time produced and
exported a considerable quantity of balsam, was undoubtedly an important
post, and would account for Zacchaeus being a rich man. Being short of
stature, he hastened on before the multitude who were thronging about
Christ as he passed through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem, and climbed
up a sycamore tree that he might be able to see him. When our Lord reached
the spot he looked up to the publican among the branches, and addressing
him by name, told him to make haste and come down, as he intended that day
to abide at his house. This led to the remarkable interview recorded by
the evangelist, and to the striking parable of the ten pounds (Luke
19:12-27). At Er-riha (Jericho) there is a large, venerable looking square
tower, which goes by the traditional name of the House of Zacchaeus.
Derived from Easton's and Smith's Bible Dictionaries
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These words were posted at one of Shepherd's Care Ministries Sites
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