Ezra 2 25

Ezra 2:25 kjv

The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.

Ezra 2:25 nkjv

the people of Kirjath Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three;

Ezra 2:25 niv

of Kiriath Jearim,Kephirah and Beeroth ? 743

Ezra 2:25 esv

The sons of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743.

Ezra 2:25 nlt

The people of Kiriath-jearim, Kephirah, and Beeroth ? 743

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 25 Meaning

Ezra 2:25 lists "The children of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight." This verse is an entry in a vital register enumerating families and their numbers among those who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. It records the specific number of individuals from or associated with Anathoth, signifying the tangible and ordered re-establishment of the exiled community as a fulfillment of God's promises.

Ezra 2 25 Context

Ezra Chapter 2 provides a meticulous register of the first group of Israelites who returned from Babylonian captivity to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, following Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BC. This comprehensive list details various family lines, towns, and groups, along with the precise number of individuals from each, including their servants and animals. The purpose of this register was multifaceted: to establish the legitimate Jewish identity and lineage of the returnees, to clarify their rights to ancestral lands, to assign responsibilities (especially for temple service), and most profoundly, to mark the concrete fulfillment of God's prophetic promises for restoration after 70 years of exile. Each entry, such as Ezra 2:25, validates the divine hand in bringing His scattered people back to their homeland to rebuild the temple and re-establish their covenant relationship with Him.

Ezra 2 25 Word analysis

• The children of: The Hebrew phrase is בְּנֵי (benê), meaning "sons of," or more broadly "descendants of," or "inhabitants of." In the context of these genealogies, it often refers to a clan, a family unit, or even individuals who originated from or were associated with a particular place or individual. This emphasizes the preservation of distinct family lines and their identity, crucial for land inheritance and social order in ancient Israel.
• Anathoth: The Hebrew name is ענתות (‘Anatot). Anathoth was a significant city located in the tribal territory of Benjamin, northeastern of Jerusalem. It held specific importance as one of the Levitical cities given to the sons of Aaron (Josh 21:18). Most notably, Anathoth was the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 1:1), who frequently spoke of Judah's impending exile and future restoration. The return of its "children" from captivity signifies God's faithfulness even to places associated with judgment, turning the prophecies of return into reality.
• one hundred twenty-eight: The Hebrew reads מֵאָה וְעֶשְׂרִים וּשְׁמוֹנָה (mê’âh wĕ‘eśrîm ûšmônâh). This is a precise numerical count, highlighting the careful and deliberate nature of the census. The specificity of the numbers underscores the tangible reality of the return, showing it was not merely symbolic but involved actual people, fulfilling divine prophecy. This meticulous record-keeping authenticated the claims of the returnees to their heritage and role in the rebuilding.

• The children of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight: This entire phrase, typical of the entries in Ezra 2, symbolizes the re-establishment of the community and the continuity of God's covenant with Israel despite the period of exile. It speaks to the divine orchestration of history, where a dispersed people are regathered and identified by their traditional origins, thus ensuring the restoration of the social, religious, and legal foundations of the post-exilic community. The specific count from Anathoth reinforces the fulfillment of prophecies and the meticulous way God's plan unfolds for individual communities.

Ezra 2 25 Bonus section

The seemingly dry genealogies and lists of numbers in Ezra, including this verse, were critically important for the returning community for several reasons beyond mere historical record. They served as legal documents to validate claims to ancestral land, which had been left vacant during the exile. Furthermore, these lists authenticated lineage, particularly for those who would serve in the priesthood or as Levites, ensuring their ritual purity and adherence to God's law regarding service. Any discrepancy in lineage could disqualify individuals from positions of authority or privilege. The inclusion of a group from Anathoth highlights God's sovereignty over the destiny of even those places and families whose historical narratives might be intertwined with prophetic judgment, showcasing that His ultimate plan is always redemptive and restorative. These detailed records provided the bedrock for a re-ordered and covenant-bound society.

Ezra 2 25 Commentary

Ezra 2:25 is a snapshot within a larger detailed roster that underscores God's meticulous faithfulness in restoring His people from Babylonian exile. The inclusion of "the children of Anathoth" serves as a profound reminder, linking the period of judgment, particularly through the prophet Jeremiah from that very city, with the era of restoration. The precise number, "one hundred twenty-eight," is not incidental; it validates the genuine, tangible return of identifiable family units, allowing for the reconstitution of tribal territories and religious duties. This census demonstrates the providential care over God's covenant people, ensuring their re-establishment on the land and their crucial role in rebuilding the temple and the nation, setting the stage for future divine plans.