We know nothing about the man. His town, however, was well-known in the years of Israel’s pre-exilic history (Joshua 9:3; Joshua 10:1–2; Joshua 21:17; 2 Samuel 2:12–13; 1 Kings 3:4–5). It was located some 8 kilometres north of Jerusalem. Presumably the Babylonians did not destroy this city when they ravaged the land (Jeremiah 41:12, Jeremiah 41:16). According to the list of those exiles who repatriated with Zerubbabel, ninety-five Israelites with roots in Gibeon returned (Nehemiah 7:25). This would include Melatiah’s family. Presumably he is the leader (or foreman) of the men of Gibeon
mentioned later in this verse.
7 And next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, the seat of the governor of the province Beyond the River.