Ezra 2 10

Ezra 2:10 kjv

The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.

Ezra 2:10 nkjv

the people of Bani, six hundred and forty-two;

Ezra 2:10 niv

of Bani ? 642

Ezra 2:10 esv

The sons of Bani, 642.

Ezra 2:10 nlt

The family of Bani ? 642

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 10 Meaning

Ezra 2:10 records that six hundred forty-two individuals, identified as the descendants of Bani, were among the families who returned from the Babylonian exile to Judah and Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. It lists one of the numerous family groups participating in the foundational re-establishment of the post-exilic community of Israel.

Ezra 2 10 Context

Ezra chapter 2 functions as a meticulous census, documenting the specific families and their numerical strength that constituted the initial wave of Jewish exiles returning to Judah from Babylon following King Cyrus's decree in 538 BC. This chapter immediately follows Cyrus's declaration in Ezra 1, which allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. The historical and cultural context underscores the importance of legitimate lineage for the re-establishment of the Israelite community, especially regarding claims to inherited land, tribal identity, and qualifications for sacred service like the priesthood. The precise listing in Ezra 2 served to authenticate the identity of these returnees as the true heirs of the covenant, providing a verifiable record for the foundation of the second Temple period community and demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His prophetic promises of restoration after seventy years of captivity.

Ezra 2 10 Word analysis

• The: This English definite article reflects the specific and identifiable nature of the group in the original Hebrew, where "children of" implies a specific belonging.
• children: (Hebrew: bənê, בְּנֵי). Literally "sons of." This term extends beyond just male offspring to encompass all descendants and members of a lineage or clan. It signifies a collective identity tied to a founding patriarch, emphasizing their inherited status and continuity as a family unit within the nation.
• of Bani: (Hebrew: Bānî, בָנִי). The personal name of the family's patriarch. "Bani" might be connected to the Hebrew root meaning "to build" or "son/builder." It identifies a prominent and identifiable clan. Its inclusion highlights the careful familial record-keeping among the returning exiles and the maintenance of identity during their time in captivity. The name Bani appears in other post-exilic contexts, confirming its significance among the community.
• six hundred forty and two: (Hebrew: šēš mē’ôt ’arbā‘îm ûšənāyim, שֵׁשׁ מֵאוֹת אַרְבָּעִים וּשְׁנָיִם). This precise number (642) is indicative of meticulous record-keeping. The exactness demonstrates an ordered and verifiable return, not a disorganized flight. Such precise numerical details confirm the legitimacy and scale of the returned remnant, signifying God's preserved portion of His people, fulfilling His promise to gather them with clear and counted evidence.

Ezra 2 10 Bonus section

• The striking similarity between the list in Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7 indicates a shared and authoritative source document used by both accounts. This consistency validates the historical accuracy and crucial importance of these records for the returning community, underscoring their communal memory and divine oversight.
• The Bani family's substantial size (642 members) suggests its considerable strength and possibly its continued prominence within the Jewish community during and after the Babylonian exile. Maintaining such a large, cohesive family identity for seventy years attests to resilience and dedication to their heritage.
• The meticulous accounting of returning families was essential for various practical purposes: ensuring equitable land distribution among legitimate inheritors, identifying individuals qualified for specific religious roles (especially priesthood and Levitical duties which required strict genealogical proof), and contributing to communal levies for the Temple's reconstruction. This established both legal and religious order in the nascent community.
• These detailed lists reflect the biblical concept of the "remnant," a faithful portion of God's people preserved through judgment. The fact that only specific individuals and families are enumerated emphasizes God's active role in preserving and guiding this select group, who would form the spiritual and physical core of the restored nation, signifying a fresh start under His continued covenant grace.

Ezra 2 10 Commentary

Ezra 2:10, a single line within an extensive list, serves a crucial purpose in affirming the accurate and legitimate re-establishment of the community of Israel post-exile. The mention of "The children of Bani" and their exact numerical count (642) reflects the profound significance placed on lineage and verifiable identity in God's redemptive plan. This was not merely an administrative detail but a theological statement: the returning group was a genuine and identifiable continuation of the covenant people. The specificity of the numbers highlights God's sovereignty over the historical events, preserving His people through exile and bringing them back in an orderly fashion. It underscores that divine promises of restoration are met with tangible, precise fulfillment, and it establishes a foundation for the rebuilding of both the physical Temple and the spiritual life of the nation. The accuracy provided in such lists serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness in keeping His covenant and reconstituting His people, proving their identity and right to inhabit the land and serve Him.