Ezra 2 33

Ezra 2:33 kjv

The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.

Ezra 2:33 nkjv

the people of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred and twenty-five;

Ezra 2:33 niv

of Lod, Hadid and Ono ? 725

Ezra 2:33 esv

The sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 725.

Ezra 2:33 nlt

The citizens of Lod, Hadid, and Ono ? 725

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 33 Meaning

Ezra 2:33 records the return of a specific group of exiles from Babylon to Judah, identified as the "children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono," numbering seven hundred twenty-five individuals. This verse is part of a comprehensive list detailing the families and groups who responded to the decree of Cyrus to return to their ancestral land, emphasizing the precise nature of the post-exilic census and the varied origins of those comprising the returning remnant of Israel. It signifies their commitment to rebuilding their nation and the temple.

Ezra 2 33 Context

Ezra 2:33 is nestled within a comprehensive register in Ezra chapter 2 (paralleled in Nehemiah chapter 7) that lists the precise numbers and origins of the Jewish exiles who returned to Judah from Babylon following Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BC. This specific verse pinpoints a group of 725 individuals associated with the towns of Lod, Hadid, and Ono.

The broader chapter, Ezra 2, serves as a crucial document for the post-exilic community. It meticulously identifies those who journeyed back under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, providing verifiable lineages for families, priests, and Levites. This detailed enumeration was essential for several reasons: establishing land claims in Judah, ensuring proper identification for eligibility in temple service (especially priestly roles), contributing to communal identity, and managing resources for the rebuilding efforts.

Historically, this return marked a pivotal moment in the life of Israel. After generations of Babylonian captivity, God stirred the heart of a Gentile king, Cyrus, to allow His people to return and reconstruct the temple in Jerusalem. The returning remnant faced a land in ruins, challenges from hostile neighboring peoples, and the immense task of re-establishing their society and religious life according to Mosaic Law. The precise record-keeping, as seen in this verse, was fundamental for establishing order, legitimate governance, and covenant identity for this foundational community that would later pave the way for the coming Messiah.

Ezra 2 33 Word analysis

• The children of: Hebrew "bene" (בְּנֵי). This term generally signifies "sons of," but in context with towns, it denotes "inhabitants of" or "descendants from." It highlights their ancestral connection to these specific towns, indicating their geographical origin and shared heritage. This reinforces a communal, lineage-based identity crucial for re-establishing Israel's societal and religious fabric.

• Lod: (לֹד - Lōḏ). An ancient town in the fertile plain of Sharon, located in the traditional territory of Ephraim. Historically, it was significant due to its position on trade routes. Its inclusion suggests its original inhabitants or those with family ties to it were eager to reclaim their former land. In New Testament times, Lod became known as Lydda (Acts 9:32), showcasing its historical continuity and enduring presence in the biblical narrative.

• Hadid: (חָדִיד - Ḥāḏîḏ). A town in the plain of Sharon, frequently mentioned alongside Lod and Ono. Its presence in the list points to the collective return of regional communities. It is further attested in Nehemiah 11:34 as a re-settled place after the exile, signifying the broad scope of the Jewish restoration efforts beyond Jerusalem.

• and Ono: (וְאוֹנוֹ - wə'Ônô). Another key town located in the plain of Sharon, in close proximity to Lod and Hadid. The "plain of Ono" is notable in Nehemiah 6:2, where Sanballat and Geshem sought to ensnare Nehemiah, underscoring its historical and strategic importance even during the reconstruction period. The grouping of these three towns, consistently appearing together in lists, underscores a strong regional demographic cluster of returnees.

• seven hundred twenty-five: A precise numerical figure. This level of detail in the census reflects meticulous record-keeping essential for the organized resettlement. Such exact numbers were vital for legitimate land apportionment, administration, taxation, and, crucially, for confirming proper lineage, especially for those eligible for priestly and Levitical service (compare Ezra 2:61-63). It signifies the real and quantifiable impact of God's hand in gathering His people.

• Words-group analysis:

  • The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono: This phrase functions as a designation of origin, specifying that 725 individuals identified with or hailed from these particular pre-exilic towns. It underlines the importance of place, heritage, and regional identity in defining the returning community. The communal identification with specific towns rather than scattered individual families underscores an organized and unified effort in responding to God's call to return, aiming to reclaim their ancestral heritage as a cohesive unit.

Ezra 2 33 Bonus section

The textual variations between Ezra 2:33 (725 individuals) and its parallel in Nehemiah 7:37 (721 individuals) for "the men of Lod, Hadid, and Ono" are often discussed by biblical scholars. These slight discrepancies in numbers, found throughout the lists in Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7, are not generally considered contradictions invalidating the historical accuracy but rather indicative of:

• Different registration periods: The lists might represent census data taken at slightly different times, with minor changes in population (e.g., deaths, births, late arrivals, or departures).
• Varying methods of calculation or transcription: In an age of manual copying, minor scribal variations or different counting methods were common.
• Focus on specific categories: One list might count all residents, while another only counts adult males, leading to numerical differences for the same named group.

Despite these minor numerical differences, the overall integrity and message of the lists remain consistent: a substantial, organized body of Jewish exiles legitimately returned from Babylon to re-establish their presence in Judah. This underscores the providential historical reality of the return and God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to the land He promised.

Ezra 2 33 Commentary

Ezra 2:33, a seemingly minor entry in a long enumeration, provides a vivid snapshot of God's detailed work of restoration following the Babylonian exile. It's more than a mere numerical fact; it's a testament to the sovereign hand of God and the responsive faith of a remnant. The careful recording of names and origins, even down to precise numbers from specific towns like Lod, Hadid, and Ono, underscores the meticulousness of God's providential care for His people. This level of detail ensures the legitimacy of the returned exiles, crucial for their claims to the land, their participation in the temple worship, and the re-establishment of the Mosaic covenant society. These precise figures laid the foundation for future generations to trace their heritage and witness God's faithfulness. The return of these groups, town by town, family by family, signifies a deep-seated spiritual and communal aspiration to obey the divine decree and reclaim the promised land, rebuilding what was lost in faithful obedience. This methodical re-gathering reflects divine order being restored out of the chaos of exile, culminating in the rebuilding of God’s dwelling place and His community.