Ezra 2 41

Ezra 2:41 kjv

The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.

Ezra 2:41 nkjv

The singers: the sons of Asaph, one hundred and twenty-eight.

Ezra 2:41 niv

The musicians: the descendants of Asaph ? 128

Ezra 2:41 esv

The singers: the sons of Asaph, 128.

Ezra 2:41 nlt

The singers of the family of Asaph ? 128

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 41 Meaning

Ezra 2:41 identifies "The singers" who returned from Babylonian exile, specifying them as "the sons of Asaph" and numbering 128 individuals. This verse is part of a detailed roster of various groups and families that made the journey back to Jerusalem to re-establish their community and rebuild the Temple, highlighting the comprehensive and orderly restoration of every aspect of national and religious life, particularly public worship.

Ezra 2 41 Context

Ezra chapter 2 meticulously lists the various groups and families who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel after the decree of Cyrus the Persian king, around 538 BC. This chapter acts as a census, detailing the number of priests, Levites, temple servants, gatekeepers, and, notably, the singers, emphasizing the orderly restoration of the community following the seventy years of Babylonian exile. The inclusion of "the singers" in this specific registry underscores their vital role in the re-establishment of authentic and structured Temple worship, which was foundational to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God. The returnees, including these singers, were committed to rebuilding not only the physical temple but also the spiritual fabric of their nation.

Ezra 2 41 Word analysis

• The singers (הַמְשֹׁרְרִים, ha-m'shor'rim):

  • Derived from the Hebrew root שׁיר (shir), meaning "to sing, to chant."
  • Significance: This term refers to a specialized, professional class within the Israelite community, dedicated to leading the musical aspects of Temple worship. They were skilled musicians and vocalists, typically Levites, whose sacred duty was to provide music for the sacrificial rites, festivals, and communal gatherings. Their specific mention here indicates that organized musical worship, a cornerstone of Temple liturgy, was a priority for re-establishment, ensuring a return to God's ordained system of praise.

• the sons of Asaph (בְּנֵי אָסָף, b'nei Asaph):

  • Asaph (אָסָף): A prominent Levite appointed by King David as one of the chief musical directors, alongside Heman and Jeduthun (1 Chr 25:1-8). He was also a seer and prophet, and a significant number of Psalms (e.g., Ps 50, 73-83) are attributed to him or his musical guild.
  • Significance: "Sons of Asaph" denotes not merely direct lineage but, more broadly, the guild or tradition of Temple musicians who continued Asaph's musical heritage and liturgical role. Their return from exile symbolized the re-ignition of the rich, divinely inspired musical worship established by King David. Their presence ensured the continuation of this professional and spiritually gifted musical leadership essential for Temple service.

• 128 (מֵאָה עֶשְׂרִים וּשְׁמוֹנָה, me'ah 'esrim u-shmonah):

  • Significance: The precise number signifies the meticulous record-keeping during the return, which was vital for the restoration of order, identity, and the proper assignment of roles within the new community. While relatively small compared to the total population, these 128 individuals represent the core leadership for Temple music. This specific detail highlights the careful planning and divine provision in gathering all necessary components for the rebuilding of God's dwelling place and the reinstatement of its services.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "The singers: the sons of Asaph": This phrase underscores the continuity of an established, dedicated, and hereditary (or guild-based) office in the worship life of Israel. It demonstrates the meticulous care taken to re-establish not just physical structures, but also the specialized human resources required for ordered worship, emphasizing the high value God places on well-prepared and fervent praise. The reference to "Asaph" also connects this generation of returnees to a glorious past of inspired psalmody and prophetic song, reinforcing their identity and calling.

Ezra 2 41 Bonus section

• The census in Ezra 2 serves as a theological statement, affirming God's faithfulness in fulfilling His prophetic promises to restore His people to the land and allowing them to resume Temple worship. Each listed group, including the singers, represents a divine provision for this grand restoration.
• The enduring legacy of "the sons of Asaph" beyond the exilic period demonstrates the importance of training, discipleship, and passing down spiritual traditions through generations. Their role transcended mere entertainment; it was a sacred, prophetic, and priestly function (in terms of leading worship, not offering sacrifices).
• The detailed numerical listing, though sometimes varying slightly with Nehemiah's corresponding record, signifies accountability and legitimacy. It asserts the divine order for their community's re-formation, contrasting it with the chaos of exile.
• The prioritization of bringing back Temple musicians highlights the holistic nature of biblical worship, where all senses and human capacities (physical building, priestly service, musical expression) are employed to glorify God.

Ezra 2 41 Commentary

Ezra 2:41 records a significant, though often overlooked, detail of the post-exilic return: the presence of 128 "singers" from the revered lineage/guild of Asaph. Their inclusion in this precise genealogical record underscores the profound importance of musical worship in the re-establishment of the community and the Temple. These were not casual participants but dedicated professionals, instrumental in bringing joy, beauty, and reverence to Israel's communal praise of God. Their return was not just about rebuilding bricks and mortar but revitalizing the spiritual heartbeat of the nation, through which expressions of gratitude, lament, and adoration flowed. The re-emergence of the "sons of Asaph" meant that the melodies and psalms of David's era would once again echo through Jerusalem, testifying to God's enduring covenant faithfulness and stirring the hearts of His people towards Him. This emphasis highlights that ordered, skilled, and heartfelt worship is central to the life of God's people.

• Examples:
  • The careful recording of their numbers reflects the valuing of every specific contribution to God's work.
  • Their role indicates that a flourishing community prioritizes both the physical restoration of worship places and the spiritual filling of those spaces with authentic praise.
  • This group enabled the people to emotionally and spiritually connect with God through music after years of silence and exile.