Amashai was the son of Azareel and a priestly descendant appointed in the time of Nehemiah. He was assigned to reside in Jerusalem and perform the work of the temple.
Amashai appears in the postexilic record of Jerusalem’s inhabitants and temple servants. His appointment reflects the restoration of organized priestly service after the return from exile.
He belonged to the priestly community of Nehemiah’s time and was appointed to live in Jerusalem.