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Ezra 2

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1Now these are the children of the province, who went up out of the captivity of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his city; 2who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: 3The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two. 4The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two. 5The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy-five. 6The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred twelve. 7The children of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 8The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty-five. 9The children of Zaccai, seven hundred sixty. 10The children of Bani, six hundred forty-two. 11The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-three. 12The children of Azgad, one thousand two hundred twenty-two. 13The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-six. 14The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty-six. 15The children of Adin, four hundred fifty-four. 16The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight. 17The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-three. 18The children of Jorah, one hundred twelve. 19The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty-three. 20The children of Gibbar, ninety-five. 21The children of Bethlehem, one hundred twenty-three. 22The men of Netophah, fifty-six. 23The men of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight. 24The children of Azmaveth, forty-two. 25The children of Kiriath Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three. 26The children of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty-one. 27The men of Michmas, one hundred twenty-two. 28The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty-three. 29The children of Nebo, fifty-two. 30The children of Magbish, one hundred fifty-six. 31The children of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 32The children of Harim, three hundred twenty. 33The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-five. 34The children of Jericho, three hundred forty-five. 35The children of Senaah, three thousand six hundred thirty. 36The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy-three. 37The children of Immer, one thousand fifty-two. 38The children of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven. 39The children of Harim, one thousand seventeen. 40The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy-four. 41The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred twenty-eight. 42The children of the gatekeepers: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty-nine. 43The temple servants: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, 44the children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon, 45the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub, 46the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan, 47the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah, 48the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, 49the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai, 50the children of Asnah, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephisim, 51the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 52the children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 53the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah, 54the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. 55The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda, 56the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, 57the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Ami. 58All the temple servants, and the children of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety-two. 59These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not show their fathers’ houses, and their offspring, whether they were of Israel: 60the children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty-two. 61Of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Hakkoz, and the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name. 62These sought their place among those who were registered by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they deemed disqualified and removed from the priesthood. 63The governor told them that they should not eat of the most holy things until a priest stood up to serve with Urim and with Thummim. 64The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty, 65besides their male servants and their female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven; and they had two hundred singing men and singing women. 66Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five; 67their camels, four hundred thirty-five; their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred twenty. 68Some of the heads of fathers’ households, when they came to Yahweh’s house which is in Jerusalem, offered willingly for God’s house to set it up in its place. 69They gave according to their ability into the treasury of the work sixty-one thousand darics of gold, and five thousand minas of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments. 70So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants, lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

World English Bible (public domain)

Now these were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried captive to Babylon and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town.

Ezra 2:1

Summary

Ezra chapter 2 lists the exiles who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem after the decree of King Cyrus. The chapter begins with the names and numbers of the families who made this important journey, emphasizing the significance of each individual and the collective identity of the Jewish people. This genealogical record reflects the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises to restore His people. Additionally, the chapter captures the diverse groups who returned, including priests, Levites, and temple servants, which highlights the continuity of worship and practice as they work to rebuild the community of faith. The chapter also sheds light on the sacrifices made by these returnees, including their willingness to leave behind their homes in Babylon for the sake of their heritage and faith. They bring back not only their families but also valuable resources and materials for the rebuilding of the temple, illustrating a spirit of cooperation and dedication to God’s work. The enumeration of numbers exemplifies God's provision and the importance of community in the life of Israel. The theological significance of Ezra 2 lies in its affirmation of God's covenantal faithfulness and the idea that God's people are called to remember their identity and history. The return from exile signifies a new beginning and a prophetic fulfillment, marrying both past and future hopes. This chapter serves as a reminder of God's active role in the history of His people, as well as the significance of collective memory and identity in the faith journey.

Key Themes

God's faithfulnessRestoration and returnCommunity and identityWorship and sacrifice

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Ezra 2: frequently asked questions

What is Ezra 2 about?+
Ezra chapter 2 lists the exiles who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem after the decree of King Cyrus. The chapter begins with the names and numbers of the families who made this important journey, emphasizing the significance of each individual and the collective identity of the Jewish people. This genealogical record reflects the faithfulness of God in keeping His promises to restore His people. Additionally, the chapter captures the diverse groups who returned, including priests, Levites, and temple servants, which highlights the continuity of worship and practice as they work to rebuild the community of faith. The chapter also sheds light on the sacrifices made by these returnees, including their willingness to leave behind their homes in Babylon for the sake of their heritage and faith. They bring back not only their families but also valuable resources and materials for the rebuilding of the temple, illustrating a spirit of cooperation and dedication to God’s work. The enumeration of numbers exemplifies God's provision and the importance of community in the life of Israel. The theological significance of Ezra 2 lies in its affirmation of God's covenantal faithfulness and the idea that God's people are called to remember their identity and history. The return from exile signifies a new beginning and a prophetic fulfillment, marrying both past and future hopes. This chapter serves as a reminder of God's active role in the history of His people, as well as the significance of collective memory and identity in the faith journey.
What is the key verse in Ezra 2?+
Ezra 2:1: "Now these were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried captive to Babylon and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town."
What are the main themes of Ezra 2?+
The main themes of Ezra 2 are God's faithfulness, Restoration and return, Community and identity, Worship and sacrifice.

Study Notes