Ezra 2 23

Ezra 2:23 kjv

The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.

Ezra 2:23 nkjv

the men of Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight;

Ezra 2:23 niv

of Anathoth ? 128

Ezra 2:23 esv

The men of Anathoth, 128.

Ezra 2:23 nlt

The people of Anathoth ? 128

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 23 Meaning

Ezra 2:23 specifies the number of descendants associated with the town or clan of Anathoth who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel, totaling 128 individuals. This entry is part of a detailed census providing a foundational roster that validates the identity, lineage, and ancestral roots of those participating in the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Judah.

Ezra 2 23 Context

Ezra chapter 2 functions as a critical census, meticulously detailing the families, their numbers, and professions (priests, Levites, temple servants) who returned to Judah following King Cyrus's decree in 538 BC. This chapter precedes the re-establishment of altar worship and the commencement of the Second Temple's rebuilding in chapter 3. The precise enumeration, including verses like 2:23, highlights the paramount importance of identity, ancestral heritage, and tribal affiliation for the fledgling community in Jerusalem. These records were vital for legitimate claims to land ownership, proper allocation of resources, determination of eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, and the general socio-economic organization of the returning exiles under Persian rule. The chapter sets the stage for the practical rebuilding of the Jewish commonwealth, emphasizing the divine orchestration of the return and the meticulous nature of the post-exilic administration.

Ezra 2 23 Word analysis

• The children of (בְּנֵי, bəney): This common Hebrew construct translates literally as "sons of" but broadly signifies descendants, members of a clan, or inhabitants associated with a specific place or ancestral figure. In this context, it underscores collective identity and continuity through lineage, crucial for establishing one's legal, social, and religious standing in ancient Israelite society and for demonstrating the survival of distinct family lines post-exile.
• Anathoth (עֲנָתוֹת, Anathot): This significant proper noun refers to a town located in the territory of Benjamin, specifically identified as a priestly city—one of the cities assigned to the Kohathite priests, the sons of Aaron (Josh 21:18, 1 Chr 6:60). It holds additional prominence as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 1:1, 11:21). Its inclusion here signifies the return of not just common people but also those connected to historical religious roles and sacred geography, further authenticating the continuity of the Israelite religious structure.
• one hundred twenty-eight (מֵאָה וְעֶשְׂרִים וּשְׁמֹנָה, me'ah v'esrim u-shmonah): This precise numerical detail is characteristic of the entire list in Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7. Such specific counts were vital for practical purposes: reorganizing the community, allocating land and resources, and potentially for military or labor conscription. The exactness demonstrates diligent record-keeping by the leaders (Zerubbabel, Jeshua), affirming the tangible reality of the promised return and the careful restoration of the remnant of Israel.
• "The children of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight": This specific entry underscores the methodical way God restored His people. Despite decades of exile, distinct family and communal units maintained their identity and returned, indicating divine preservation. The exact count for each locality highlights God's faithfulness in bringing back a particular number of His covenant people. This detail also serves as a polemic against the notion that the exile completely erased Israel's identity; instead, it shows the enduring nature of their communal distinctiveness, carefully documented for future generations.

Ezra 2 23 Bonus section

The consistent attention to specific numbers and family origins throughout Ezra 2 underscores the profound theological conviction that the restoration of Israel was not a haphazard event but a carefully managed divine undertaking. This detailed record highlights the importance of "being counted" in God's eyes, an ancient principle evident from censuses in Numbers. The post-exilic community relied heavily on such records to assert their ethnic purity, maintain ritual eligibility (especially for priests), and prevent land encroachment. Furthermore, the very existence of such an organized return with precise demographic data strongly supported the legal claims of the Jewish returnees in the face of skepticism or opposition from those who had settled in Judah during the exile.

Ezra 2 23 Commentary

Ezra 2:23 is not an isolated piece of trivia but a meticulous detail within a divinely inspired register. This census confirms God's covenant faithfulness in preserving a remnant and fulfilling His promise of restoration. The presence of Anathoth, a historically significant priestly city and Jeremiah's home, indicates the return of key segments of Israelite society necessary for re-establishing both civil and religious life. These lists legitimized land claims and defined qualifications for crucial roles in the rebuilt Temple. Each enumerated family, even down to a modest count like 128, represents God's intimate knowledge and sovereign care over His people. The accuracy of such records demonstrates the profound importance of historical continuity and identity for Israel, laying the groundwork for the Messianic lineage, showcasing that God works in specific, measurable ways to achieve His redemptive purposes.