Ezra 2 meaning explained in AI Summary
Ezra chapter 2 details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel, about 70 years after the Babylonian captivity began.
of the chapter:
- The Returning Exiles (vv. 1-39): The chapter begins by listing the families and clans who returned with Zerubbabel, including priests, Levites, and descendants of Solomon's servants. The total number of people is meticulously recorded, totaling 42,360, excluding servants and animals.
- Census and Offerings (vv. 40-63): The chapter then describes the arrival in Jerusalem and the setting up of the altar. A census is taken to verify the lineage of the priests and Levites. Those who cannot prove their lineage are excluded from priestly service until their genealogy is confirmed.
- Rebuilding Begins (vv. 64-70): The entire community comes together to offer sacrifices and celebrate their return. They contribute gold, silver, and other valuables towards the rebuilding of the Temple. The chapter ends with the people settling in their towns and beginning the long process of rebuilding their lives and their nation.
Key Themes in Ezra 2:
- God's Faithfulness: The return of the exiles demonstrates God's faithfulness to his covenant promises. Despite their exile, God brought them back to their land as he promised.
- Restoration and Renewal: The chapter highlights the theme of restoration, both physically (returning to the land) and spiritually (rebuilding the altar and resuming sacrifices).
- Importance of Lineage: The emphasis on verifying the lineage of priests and Levites underscores the importance of religious purity and order in the restored community.
- Hope for the Future: The chapter ends on a note of hope and anticipation as the people begin the work of rebuilding. Their return marks a new beginning for the nation of Israel.
Ezra 2 is a vital chapter for understanding the historical context of the book of Ezra and the restoration of Israel after the exile. It serves as a foundation for the subsequent chapters, which detail the challenges and triumphs of rebuilding the Temple and restoring Jewish life in Jerusalem.
Ezra 2 bible study ai commentary
Ezra 2 chronicles the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people from exile. It is a foundational census, meticulously recording the remnant community that returned to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel. More than a simple list, this chapter establishes the identity, legitimacy, and holy purpose of the new congregation. It serves as a charter for the restored nation, defining who belongs to the covenant people and demonstrating their immediate and sacrificial commitment to rebuilding the house of the Lord, thereby affirming their identity through their worship and heritage.
Ezra 2 context
Following the decree of Cyrus the Great of Persia (c. 538 BC), which ended the 70-year Babylonian captivity prophesied by Jeremiah, a contingent of Jews was permitted to return to their homeland. This chapter records the "first wave" of returnees. In the ancient world, genealogical lists and censuses were vital legal documents. They established rights to property, inheritance, social standing, and, in Israel's case, participation in the religious life of the community, especially the priesthood. This list, therefore, is not merely historical documentation but a legal and theological statement defining the "true Israel" re-established in the land.
Ezra 2:1-2
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 Babylonia. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town. They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
In-depth-analysis
- "People of the province": Refers to Judah, now a province (
medinah
) within the vast Persian empire, rather than an independent kingdom. This highlights their new political reality. - "Each to his own town": Emphasizes the goal of restoring the pre-exilic tribal and clan allotments. It's a return to their specific heritage and land.
- The Leaders: A list of twelve (some names differ in the Nehemiah 7 version) civil and religious heads. This structure likely echoes the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing a national restoration.
- Zerubbabel: The civil governor, a descendant of King David (of the royal line). His name means "seed of Babylon."
- Jeshua: The high priest, from the priestly line of Aaron. He represents the religious authority. Together, they form the dual leadership crucial for the new community.
- Nehemiah / Mordecai: These are common Babylonian names and are not the same individuals famous from the books of Nehemiah and Esther.
Bible references
- Nehemiah 7:6-7: 'These were the people of the province who came up from the captivity... They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah...'. (An almost identical parallel list, underscoring its importance).
- Haggai 1:1: '...the word of the LORD came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest...'. (Confirms the identity and roles of the two main leaders).
- Zechariah 4:9: 'The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also complete it.'. (Prophetic confirmation of Zerubbabel's role in rebuilding the temple).
Cross references
Ezra 3:2 (Zerubbabel and Jeshua leading), 1 Chr 3:19 (Zerubbabel's genealogy), Ezra 5:2 (Leading the rebuilding), Matt 1:12-13 (Zerubbabel in Jesus' genealogy).
Ezra 2:3-35
The sons of Parosh, 2,172... [The list continues with clans and towns of origin] ...The sons of Bethlehem, 123... The men of Anathoth, 128...
In-depth-analysis
- This long section meticulously records the laity, or the general population of Israel.
- The people are identified in two primary ways:
- By Ancestry: "The sons of..." (e.g., Parosh, Shephatiah). This links them to their pre-exilic clan identity. Their name is their title deed.
- By Place of Origin: "The men of..." (e.g., Bethlehem, Anathoth). This links them physically to the land God had given their forefathers.
- The detailed accounting demonstrates the care taken to ensure the returnees were genuine descendants of the pre-exilic community. It was a matter of covenant identity.
Bible references
- Nehemiah 7:8-38: The parallel list of laypeople, confirming the names and general numbers, though with minor variations typical of manuscript copying.
- 1 Chronicles 9:2-3: 'Now the first to dwell in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants.'. (Mirrors the categories of people returning, showing continuity with the pre-exilic organization).
Cross references
Jer 29:10 (Promise of return), Ezra 8:1-14 (List for the second return), Num 1:1-4 (Precedent for a detailed census of Israel).
Ezra 2:36-39
The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, 973. The sons of Immer, 1,052. The sons of Pashhur, 1,247. The sons of Harim, 1,017.
In-depth-analysis
- This section lists the priestly families who returned. They are the essential personnel for re-establishing sacrificial worship and temple services.
- Only four of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by David (1 Chronicles 24) returned from Babylon. This shows that the return was partial, yet sufficient to restart the official worship.
- Pashhur, while a valid priestly name, is also associated with a priest who persecuted Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:1), a reminder of Israel's past sins.
Bible references
- 1 Chronicles 24:7-19: Provides the original list of the 24 priestly divisions organized by King David, showing the lineage these returning priests sought to prove.
- Luke 1:5: '...a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah...'. (Illustrates the continuity of these priestly divisions even into the New Testament period).
Cross references
Neh 7:39-42 (Parallel list), 1 Chr 9:10-13 (List of priests).
Ezra 2:40-58
The Levites... The singers... The gatekeepers... The temple servants (Nethinim)... The sons of Solomon's servants.
In-depth-analysis
- The Levites (v. 40): A strikingly small number (only 74) returned initially. This contrasts with the thousands of priests. Scholars suggest Levites may have been reluctant to return, perhaps due to their secondary status in the new temple organization or having established comfortable lives in Babylon. Their scarcity posed a challenge for the full restoration of temple worship.
- Singers (v. 41) and Gatekeepers (v. 42): These are specialized Levitical guilds whose roles were crucial for the order and joyful worship in the temple, as established by David.
- Nethinim (v. 43-54): The word means "given ones." They were temple servants, likely descendants of foreign captives assigned to serve the Levites (like the Gibeonites in Joshua 9). Their inclusion in this foundational list is significant, showing that covenant identity was defined by faithfulness and service to Yahweh's temple, not purely by ethnicity.
- Sons of Solomon's servants (v. 55-58): Similar to the Nethinim, these were likely descendants of foreigners pressed into royal service by Solomon. Their inclusion further broadens the definition of the restored community.
Bible references
- Joshua 9:27: 'But Joshua made them that day cutters of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD...'. (Provides the origin story for a class of temple servants like the Nethinim).
- 1 Chronicles 9:2: '...the priests, the Levites, and the temple servants (Nethinim).'. (Shows the Nethinim were an established part of the temple community before the exile).
- Ezra 8:20: '...also 220 of the temple servants, whom David and his officials had set apart to attend the Levites.'. (Further confirms the ancient origin and role of the Nethinim).
Cross references
Num 3:5-10 (Duties of Levites), 1 Chr 15:16 (Appointing singers).
Ezra 2:59-63
And these were they who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not prove their fathers' houses nor their descent, whether they were of Israel... And of the sons of the priests... these sought their registration among those enrolled in the genealogies, but it was not found there, so they were excluded from the priesthood as unclean... the governor told them that they were not to eat of the most holy things until there should be a priest to consult Urim and Thummim.
In-depth-analysis
- This section details a tragedy for certain families: they lacked the genealogical proof to be officially recognized.
- Laity (v. 59-60): Their status was left in limbo, potentially affecting their land rights and full integration.
- Priests (v. 61-62): The consequence was more severe. They were barred from priestly service ("excluded... as unclean") and from eating the priests' sacred portion of the sacrifices. Purity and legitimacy were non-negotiable for handling the holy things of God.
- Urim and Thummim (v. 63): These were objects kept in the high priest's breastplate used for discerning God's will in the Mosaic era. The fact that the governor must postpone a decision "until" a priest with Urim and Thummim arises highlights a significant loss. The means of direct divine guidance from the past were no longer available. It points to an incompleteness in the restoration and a longing for the full prophetic and priestly ministry of old.
Polemics
The need to wait for the Urim and Thummim is a tacit admission that God's presence and guidance were not felt in the same direct way as in the days of Moses or David. It creates a narrative tension, an anticipation for a future, fuller restoration where God's will would be made perfectly clear again, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ, the great High Priest.
Bible references
- Exodus 28:30: 'And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim...'. (Describes the creation and purpose of these items).
- Numbers 27:21: 'And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before the LORD.'. (Shows how they were used for guidance).
Cross references
Deut 33:8 (The Urim and Thummim as a blessing of Levi), 1 Sam 28:6 (Saul tries to inquire of the Lord, but God doesn't answer by Urim).
Ezra 2:64-67
The whole assembly together was 42,360, besides their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337, and they had 200 male and female singers. Their horses were 736, their mules 245, their camels 435, and their donkeys 6,720.
In-depth-analysis
- The Discrepancy: The total of 42,360 is significantly higher than the sum of the individual figures listed in the preceding verses (which is 29,818 in Ezra's list).
- Scholarly Explanations: This famous discrepancy could be due to: 1) The grand total including women, children, or people not listed in the main families. 2) The total counting Israelites from the northern tribes who joined the return but weren't part of the primary Judah/Benjamin list. 3) Scribal errors in copying either the total or the itemized lists over centuries. The fact that both Ezra and Nehemiah record the same totals suggests the discrepancy is ancient and was accepted.
- Servants, Singers, and Livestock: This inventory shows this was not a destitute rabble, but an organized community with economic substance, ready to work and to worship. The singers mentioned here (200) are likely professional entertainers, separate from the Levitical singers (v. 41).
Bible references
- Nehemiah 7:66-69: Reports the exact same totals (42,360 people, plus servants and animals), solidifying that this number was a key part of the official record.
Cross references
Gen 12:16 (Wealth measured in livestock), Isa 60:6-7 (Prophecy of nations bringing wealth to Zion).
Ezra 2:68-70
Some of the heads of fathers' houses, when they came to the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem, made freewill offerings for the house of God, to erect it on its site. According to their ability they gave to the treasury of the work... And the priests and the Levites and some of the people and the singers and the gatekeepers and the temple servants lived in their towns, and all Israel in their towns.
In-depth-analysis
- First Priority: Upon arriving at the ruined temple site, their very first collective act is to give offerings for its reconstruction. This demonstrates their core purpose for returning: to restore the worship of God.
- Freewill Offerings: This was not a tax or a levy. It was a voluntary, joyful act of worship.
- "According to their ability": This principle establishes grace and proportionality in giving. Everyone participates as they are able, not under compulsion.
- Settling in their Towns: The chapter ends as it began, with the people re-inhabiting their ancestral towns. The restoration of land and the restoration of worship are shown as two sides of the same coin. The people are home, and the work can begin.
Bible references
- Exodus 35:29: 'All the men and women, whose hearts made them willing to bring for all the work... the people of Israel brought a freewill offering to the LORD.'. (A direct parallel to the willing offerings for the original tabernacle).
- 1 Chronicles 29:9: 'Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD.'. (Echoes the spirit of giving for Solomon's temple).
- 2 Corinthians 8:3: 'For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord...'. (The NT apostle Paul champions the same principle of giving).
Cross references
Hag 1:4 (Rebuke for prioritizing own houses over God's house), Ezra 1:4 (Cyrus's decree authorizing offerings).
Ezra chapter 2 analysis
- The Identity of God's People: This list, seemingly dry, is theologically potent. It redefines Israel not by political power or geographic size, but by documented lineage and, crucially, a commitment to rebuilding God's house. It demonstrates that God preserves a remnant, and He knows them each by name.
- God's Book of Life: This detailed list is seen by many scholars and theologians as a physical type or shadow of the heavenly "Lamb's Book of Life." Just as one's name had to be in this register to be part of the restored community in Jerusalem, one's name must be in God's book to be part of the New Jerusalem. (See Philippians 4:3, Revelation 21:27).
- A "New Exodus" Theme: The journey from Babylon to Judah is framed as a new Exodus. The community is led by a civil leader (Zerubbabel, like Moses) and a high priest (Jeshua, like Aaron). They are counted and organized, and their first major act is to provide for the construction of a place of worship, just as Israel did at the foot of Sinai.
- The Parallel with Nehemiah 7: Nehemiah rediscovers and uses this very same list decades later (c. 445 BC) to purify the community and determine who had the right to live in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 7:5). This shows the list's lasting authority as the foundational document of the post-exilic community. Its dual use proves its importance in the life of restored Israel.
Ezra 2 summary
Ezra chapter 2 provides a detailed census of the nearly 50,000 Jewish exiles who returned to Judah from Babylon under Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The chapter meticulously lists the people by clan, town of origin, and sacred role (priests, Levites, temple servants), thereby establishing the legal and covenantal identity of the restored remnant. It also notes those with unproven lineage who were provisionally excluded. The chapter culminates with the people making freewill offerings for the temple's reconstruction, demonstrating that their chief priority was the restoration of worship, and then settling in their ancestral towns.
Ezra 2 AI Image Audio and Video









Ezra chapter 2 kjv
- 1 Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;
- 2 Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mizpar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
- 3 The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
- 4 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.
- 5 The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.
- 6 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.
- 7 The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
- 8 The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.
- 9 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.
- 10 The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.
- 11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.
- 12 The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two.
- 13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.
- 14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.
- 15 The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.
- 16 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
- 17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.
- 18 The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.
- 19 The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.
- 20 The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.
- 21 The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.
- 22 The men of Netophah, fifty and six.
- 23 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
- 24 The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.
- 25 The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.
- 26 The children of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.
- 27 The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.
- 28 The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
- 29 The children of Nebo, fifty and two.
- 30 The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.
- 31 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
- 32 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.
- 33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.
- 34 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
- 35 The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.
- 36 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.
- 37 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
- 38 The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
- 39 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
- 40 The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.
- 41 The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.
- 42 The children of the porters: 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 an hundred thirty and nine.
- 43 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
- 44 The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,
- 45 The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub,
- 46 The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,
- 47 The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,
- 48 The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,
- 49 The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,
- 50 The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,
- 51 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,
- 52 The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,
- 53 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,
- 54 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
- 55 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,
- 56 The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,
- 57 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.
- 58 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.
- 59 And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:
- 60 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.
- 61 And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:
- 62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.
- 63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.
- 64 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,
- 65 Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.
- 66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;
- 67 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
- 68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:
- 69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.
- 70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.
Ezra chapter 2 nkjv
- 1 Now these are the people of the province who came back from 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 own city.
- 2 Those who came with Zerubbabel were Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
- 3 the people of Parosh, two thousand one hundred and seventy-two;
- 4 the people of Shephatiah, three hundred and seventy-two;
- 5 the people of Arah, seven hundred and seventy-five;
- 6 the people of Pahath-Moab, of the people of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve;
- 7 the people of Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;
- 8 the people of Zattu, nine hundred and forty-five;
- 9 the people of Zaccai, seven hundred and sixty;
- 10 the people of Bani, six hundred and forty-two;
- 11 the people of Bebai, six hundred and twenty-three;
- 12 the people of Azgad, one thousand two hundred and twenty-two;
- 13 the people of Adonikam, six hundred and sixty-six;
- 14 the people of Bigvai, two thousand and fifty-six;
- 15 the people of Adin, four hundred and fifty-four;
- 16 the people of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety-eight;
- 17 the people of Bezai, three hundred and twenty-three;
- 18 the people of Jorah, one hundred and twelve;
- 19 the people of Hashum, two hundred and twenty-three;
- 20 the people of Gibbar, ninety-five;
- 21 the people of Bethlehem, one hundred and twenty-three;
- 22 the men of Netophah, fifty-six;
- 23 the men of Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight;
- 24 the people of Azmaveth, forty-two;
- 25 the people of Kirjath Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three;
- 26 the people of Ramah and Geba, six hundred and twenty-one;
- 27 the men of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two;
- 28 the men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred and twenty-three;
- 29 the people of Nebo, fifty-two;
- 30 the people of Magbish, one hundred and fifty-six;
- 31 the people of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;
- 32 the people of Harim, three hundred and twenty;
- 33 the people of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred and twenty-five;
- 34 the people of Jericho, three hundred and forty-five;
- 35 the people of Senaah, three thousand six hundred and thirty.
- 36 The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred and seventy-three;
- 37 the sons of Immer, one thousand and fifty-two;
- 38 the sons of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred and forty-seven;
- 39 the sons of Harim, one thousand and seventeen.
- 40 The Levites: the sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah, seventy-four.
- 41 The singers: the sons of Asaph, one hundred and twenty-eight.
- 42 The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, and the sons of Shobai, one hundred and thirty-nine in all.
- 43 The Nethinim: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
- 44 the sons of Keros, the sons of Siaha, the sons of Padon,
- 45 the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Akkub,
- 46 the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shalmai, the sons of Hanan,
- 47 the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, the sons of Reaiah,
- 48 the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, the sons of Gazzam,
- 49 the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,
- 50 the sons of Asnah, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephusim,
- 51 the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,
- 52 the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,
- 53 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Tamah,
- 54 the sons of Neziah, and the sons of Hatipha.
- 55 The sons of Solomon's servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Peruda,
- 56 the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
- 57 the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth of Zebaim, and the sons of Ami.
- 58 All the Nethinim and the children of Solomon's servants were three hundred and ninety-two.
- 59 And these were the ones who came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not identify their father's house or their genealogy, whether they were of Israel:
- 60 the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, and the sons of Nekoda, six hundred and fifty-two;
- 61 and of the sons of the priests: the sons of Habaiah, the sons of Koz, and the sons of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called by their name.
- 62 These sought their listing among those who were registered by genealogy, but they were not found; therefore they were excluded from the priesthood as defiled.
- 63 And the governor said to them that they should not eat of the most holy things till a priest could consult with the Urim and Thummim.
- 64 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty,
- 65 besides their male and female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven; and they had two hundred men and women singers.
- 66 Their horses were seven hundred and thirty-six, their mules two hundred and forty-five,
- 67 their camels four hundred and thirty-five, and their donkeys six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
- 68 Some of the heads of the fathers' houses, when they came to the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God, to erect it in its place:
- 69 According to their ability, they gave to the treasury for the work sixty-one thousand gold drachmas, five thousand minas of silver, and one hundred priestly garments.
- 70 So the priests and the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.
Ezra chapter 2 niv
- 1 Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive to Babylon (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to their own town,
- 2 in company with Zerubbabel, Joshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum and Baanah): The list of the men of the people of Israel:
- 3 the descendants of Parosh ? 2,172
- 4 of Shephatiah ? 372
- 5 of Arah ? 775
- 6 of Pahath-Moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab) ? 2,812
- 7 of Elam ? 1,254
- 8 of Zattu ? 945
- 9 of Zakkai ? 760
- 10 of Bani ? 642
- 11 of Bebai ? 623
- 12 of Azgad ? 1,222
- 13 of Adonikam ? 666
- 14 of Bigvai ? 2,056
- 15 of Adin ? 454
- 16 of Ater (through Hezekiah) ? 98
- 17 of Bezai ? 323
- 18 of Jorah ? 112
- 19 of Hashum ? 223
- 20 of Gibbar ? 95
- 21 the men of Bethlehem ? 123
- 22 of Netophah ? 56
- 23 of Anathoth ? 128
- 24 of Azmaveth ? 42
- 25 of Kiriath Jearim,Kephirah and Beeroth ? 743
- 26 of Ramah and Geba ? 621
- 27 of Mikmash ? 122
- 28 of Bethel and Ai ? 223
- 29 of Nebo ? 52
- 30 of Magbish ? 156
- 31 of the other Elam ? 1,254
- 32 of Harim ? 320
- 33 of Lod, Hadid and Ono ? 725
- 34 of Jericho ? 345
- 35 of Senaah ? 3,630
- 36 The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah (through the family of Jeshua) ? 973
- 37 of Immer ? 1,052
- 38 of Pashhur ? 1,247
- 39 of Harim ? 1,017
- 40 The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel (of the line of Hodaviah) ? 74
- 41 The musicians: the descendants of Asaph ? 128
- 42 The gatekeepers of the temple: the descendants of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita and Shobai ? 139
- 43 The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth,
- 44 Keros, Siaha, Padon,
- 45 Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub,
- 46 Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan,
- 47 Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah,
- 48 Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam,
- 49 Uzza, Paseah, Besai,
- 50 Asnah, Meunim, Nephusim,
- 51 Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,
- 52 Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,
- 53 Barkos, Sisera, Temah,
- 54 Neziah and Hatipha
- 55 The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, Hassophereth, Peruda,
- 56 Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,
- 57 Shephatiah, Hattil, Pokereth-Hazzebaim and Ami
- 58 The temple servants and the descendants of the servants of Solomon ? 392
- 59 The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended from Israel:
- 60 The descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah and Nekoda ? 652
- 61 And from among the priests: The descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by that name).
- 62 These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.
- 63 The governor ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there was a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim.
- 64 The whole company numbered 42,360,
- 65 besides their 7,337 male and female slaves; and they also had 200 male and female singers.
- 66 They had 736 horses, 245 mules,
- 67 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys.
- 68 When they arrived at the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its site.
- 69 According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver and 100 priestly garments.
- 70 The priests, the Levites, the musicians, the gatekeepers and the temple servants settled in their own towns, along with some of the other people, and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns.
Ezra chapter 2 esv
- 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 Babylonia. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town.
- 2 They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
- 3 the sons of Parosh, 2,172.
- 4 The sons of Shephatiah, 372.
- 5 The sons of Arah, 775.
- 6 The sons of Pahath-moab, namely the sons of Jeshua and Joab, 2,812.
- 7 The sons of Elam, 1,254.
- 8 The sons of Zattu, 945.
- 9 The sons of Zaccai, 760.
- 10 The sons of Bani, 642.
- 11 The sons of Bebai, 623.
- 12 The sons of Azgad, 1,222.
- 13 The sons of Adonikam, 666.
- 14 The sons of Bigvai, 2,056.
- 15 The sons of Adin, 454.
- 16 The sons of Ater, namely of Hezekiah, 98.
- 17 The sons of Bezai, 323.
- 18 The sons of Jorah, 112.
- 19 The sons of Hashum, 223.
- 20 The sons of Gibbar, 95.
- 21 The sons of Bethlehem, 123.
- 22 The men of Netophah, 56.
- 23 The men of Anathoth, 128.
- 24 The sons of Azmaveth, 42.
- 25 The sons of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743.
- 26 The sons of Ramah and Geba, 621.
- 27 The men of Michmas, 122.
- 28 The men of Bethel and Ai, 223.
- 29 The sons of Nebo, 52.
- 30 The sons of Magbish, 156.
- 31 The sons of the other Elam, 1,254.
- 32 The sons of Harim, 320.
- 33 The sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 725.
- 34 The sons of Jericho, 345.
- 35 The sons of Senaah, 3,630.
- 36 The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, 973.
- 37 The sons of Immer, 1,052.
- 38 The sons of Pashhur, 1,247.
- 39 The sons of Harim, 1,017.
- 40 The Levites: the sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah, 74.
- 41 The singers: the sons of Asaph, 128.
- 42 The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, and the sons of Shobai, in all 139.
- 43 The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth,
- 44 the sons of Keros, the sons of Siaha, the sons of Padon,
- 45 the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Akkub,
- 46 the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shamlai, the sons of Hanan,
- 47 the sons of Giddel, the sons of Gahar, the sons of Reaiah,
- 48 the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, the sons of Gazzam,
- 49 the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Besai,
- 50 the sons of Asnah, the sons of Meunim, the sons of Nephisim,
- 51 the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,
- 52 the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,
- 53 the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah,
- 54 the sons of Neziah, and the sons of Hatipha.
- 55 The sons of Solomon's servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda,
- 56 the sons of Jaalah, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
- 57 the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the sons of Ami.
- 58 All the temple servants and the sons of Solomon's servants were 392.
- 59 The following were those who came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, though they could not prove their fathers' houses or their descent, whether they belonged to Israel:
- 60 the sons of Delaiah, the sons of Tobiah, and the sons of Nekoda, 652.
- 61 Also, of the sons of the priests: the sons of Habaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, and the sons of Barzillai (who had taken a wife from the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called by their name).
- 62 These sought their registration among those enrolled in the genealogies, but they were not found there, and so they were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.
- 63 The governor told them that they were not to partake of the most holy food, until there should be a priest to consult Urim and Thummim.
- 64 The whole assembly together was 42,360,
- 65 besides their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337, and they had 200 male and female singers.
- 66 Their horses were 736, their mules were 245,
- 67 their camels were 435, and their donkeys were 6,720.
- 68 Some of the heads of families, when they came to the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem, made freewill offerings for the house of God, to erect it on its site.
- 69 According to their ability they gave to the treasury of the work 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 priests' garments.
- 70 Now the priests, the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants lived in their towns, and all the rest of Israel in their towns.
Ezra chapter 2 nlt
- 1 Here is the list of the Jewish exiles of the provinces who returned from their captivity. King Nebuchadnezzar had deported them to Babylon, but now they returned to Jerusalem and the other towns in Judah where they originally lived.
- 2 Their leaders were Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. This is the number of the men of Israel who returned from exile:
- 3 The family of Parosh ? 2,172
- 4 The family of Shephatiah ? 372
- 5 The family of Arah ? 775
- 6 The family of Pahath-moab (descendants of Jeshua and Joab) ? 2,812
- 7 The family of Elam ? 1,254
- 8 The family of Zattu ? 945
- 9 The family of Zaccai ? 760
- 10 The family of Bani ? 642
- 11 The family of Bebai ? 623
- 12 The family of Azgad ? 1,222
- 13 The family of Adonikam ? 666
- 14 The family of Bigvai ? 2,056
- 15 The family of Adin ? 454
- 16 The family of Ater (descendants of Hezekiah) ? 98
- 17 The family of Bezai ? 323
- 18 The family of Jorah ? 112
- 19 The family of Hashum ? 223
- 20 The family of Gibbar ? 95
- 21 The people of Bethlehem ? 123
- 22 The people of Netophah ? 56
- 23 The people of Anathoth ? 128
- 24 The people of Beth-azmaveth ? 42
- 25 The people of Kiriath-jearim, Kephirah, and Beeroth ? 743
- 26 The people of Ramah and Geba ? 621
- 27 The people of Micmash ? 122
- 28 The people of Bethel and Ai ? 223
- 29 The citizens of Nebo ? 52
- 30 The citizens of Magbish ? 156
- 31 The citizens of West Elam ? 1,254
- 32 The citizens of Harim ? 320
- 33 The citizens of Lod, Hadid, and Ono ? 725
- 34 The citizens of Jericho ? 345
- 35 The citizens of Senaah ? 3,630
- 36 These are the priests who returned from exile: The family of Jedaiah (through the line of Jeshua) ? 973
- 37 The family of Immer ? 1,052
- 38 The family of Pashhur ? 1,247
- 39 The family of Harim ? 1,017
- 40 These are the Levites who returned from exile: The families of Jeshua and Kadmiel (descendants of Hodaviah) ? 74
- 41 The singers of the family of Asaph ? 128
- 42 The gatekeepers of the families of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, and Shobai ? 139
- 43 The descendants of the following Temple servants returned from exile: Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth,
- 44 Keros, Siaha, Padon,
- 45 Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub,
- 46 Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan,
- 47 Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah,
- 48 Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam,
- 49 Uzza, Paseah, Besai,
- 50 Asnah, Meunim, Nephusim,
- 51 Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,
- 52 Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,
- 53 Barkos, Sisera, Temah,
- 54 Neziah, and Hatipha.
- 55 The descendants of these servants of King Solomon returned from exile: Sotai, Hassophereth, Peruda,
- 56 Jaalah, Darkon, Giddel,
- 57 Shephatiah, Hattil, Pokereth-hazzebaim, and Ami.
- 58 In all, the Temple servants and the descendants of Solomon's servants numbered 392.
- 59 Another group returned at this time from the towns of Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Kerub, Addan, and Immer. However, they could not prove that they or their families were descendants of Israel.
- 60 This group included the families of Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda ? a total of 652 people.
- 61 Three families of priests ? Hobaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai ? also returned. (This Barzillai had married a woman who was a descendant of Barzillai of Gilead, and he had taken her family name.)
- 62 They searched for their names in the genealogical records, but they were not found, so they were disqualified from serving as priests.
- 63 The governor told them not to eat the priests' share of food from the sacrifices until a priest could consult the LORD about the matter by using the Urim and Thummim ? the sacred lots.
- 64 So a total of 42,360 people returned to Judah,
- 65 in addition to 7,337 servants and 200 singers, both men and women.
- 66 They took with them 736 horses, 245 mules,
- 67 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys.
- 68 When they arrived at the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem, some of the family leaders made voluntary offerings toward the rebuilding of God's Temple on its original site,
- 69 and each leader gave as much as he could. The total of their gifts came to 61,000 gold coins, 6,250 pounds of silver, and 100 robes for the priests.
- 70 So the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, the Temple servants, and some of the common people settled in villages near Jerusalem. The rest of the people returned to their own towns throughout Israel.
- Bible Book of Ezra
- 1 The Proclamation of Cyrus
- 2 The Exiles Return
- 3 Rebuilding the Altar
- 4 Adversaries Oppose the Rebuilding
- 5 Rebuilding Begins Anew
- 6 The Decree of Darius
- 7 Ezra Sent to Teach the People
- 8 Genealogy of Those Who Returned with Ezra
- 9 Ezra Prays About Intermarriage
- 10 The People Confess Their Sin