Ezra 2 45

Ezra 2:45 kjv

The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub,

Ezra 2:45 nkjv

the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Akkub,

Ezra 2:45 niv

Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub,

Ezra 2:45 esv

the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, the sons of Akkub,

Ezra 2:45 nlt

Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub,

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 45 Meaning

This verse lists three groups of individuals, "the children of Hatita, the children of Gaihar, the children of Reaiah," who were part of the non-priestly Temple servants returning to Judah from Babylonian exile. These individuals, often identified with the "Nethinim" mentioned previously in the chapter, held dedicated roles in the service and upkeep of the house of God. Their inclusion in this precise genealogy underscores their vital contribution to the restored community and their consecrated service to the sanctuary, affirming that all roles were essential for the re-establishment of sacred worship.

Ezra 2 45 Context

Ezra chapter 2 provides a meticulous register of the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem and Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel. This detailed census serves multiple purposes: to authenticate the returnees' Israelite lineage, to validate their claims to ancestral lands and priestly service, and to signify the initial fulfillment of God's prophetic promises of restoration. The chapter organizes the returning community by family groups, professional classes (including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers), and specialized temple servants such as the Nethinim and the sons of Solomon's servants. Verse 45 specifically identifies three more groups within the Nethinim. This precise record-keeping underscores that all segments of the community, from priests to humble temple workers, were crucial for the re-establishment of proper worship and the rebuilding of the Temple. Historically, this event, around 538 BC, marks the significant beginning of the Second Temple period and the earnest effort to renew covenant faithfulness.

Ezra 2 45 Word analysis

• the children of Hatita:

  • children (בְּנֵי - b'ney): This term indicates descendants or a specific clan originating from a named patriarch. It emphasizes the continuation of a family line, crucial for identifying legal lineage and establishing community roles within ancient Israel.
  • Hatita (חַטִיטָא - Khaṭîṭāʾ): A proper name for the head of a family or ancestral group. Its meaning is possibly related to "exploration" or "removing of burdens." The listing of this name affirms the identity and legitimate standing of this particular family unit among those designated for temple service.

• the children of Gaihar:

  • children (בְּנֵי - b'ney): Again, denotes a family or clan. This repetition reinforces the genealogical structure of the registry, which was vital for social and religious order.
  • Gaihar (גֵּחַר - Gêaḥar): A proper name, potentially meaning "cavern" or "hidden." This identifies another specific family unit, distinct from Hatita's, dedicated to the work of the Temple. Their precise inclusion highlights the meticulous nature of the post-exilic record, emphasizing their inherited service.

• the children of Reaiah:

  • children (בְּנֵי - b'ney): Conveys the sense of family, descendants, or a collective group identified by this ancestral name.
  • Reaiah (רְאָיָה - Reʾāyâ): A proper name, likely meaning "Yahweh has seen" or "Yah has revealed." This name identifies yet another family lineage participating in Temple service. Names invoking God subtly point to His oversight and sovereignty in orchestrating the return and the re-establishment of His people's worship.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "the children of...": The consistent phrase "בְּנֵי" (b'ney) before each name emphasizes the strong family identity and the intergenerational nature of these temple servant roles. In the ancient Israelite context, lineage was foundational for land rights, priestly succession, and, as seen here, specific functions within sacred service. This detailed ancestral listing validates their positions and contributions within the reconstituted community and underlines that their service was a continuous, inherited dedication.

Ezra 2 45 Bonus section

The Nethinim (Hebrew: נְתִינִים - Nethinim, "the given ones") constituted a class of hereditary Temple servants distinct from priests and Levites. Their exact origin is debated, but many scholars believe they were largely descendants of non-Israelites who had been dedicated to temple service in earlier periods, such as the Gibeonites (Josh 9:27) or prisoners of war. However, by the post-exilic period, they were fully integrated and vital for the daily operation of the sanctuary. The fact that their names and family lines are meticulously recorded in Ezra 2 alongside priests and Levites indicates their recognized and indispensable role in the post-exilic community's effort to restore pure worship. Their dedication reflects a holistic commitment to the worship of God, emphasizing that diverse contributions—whether public leadership or quiet maintenance—are all essential for the spiritual health and communal integrity of God's people.

Ezra 2 45 Commentary

Ezra 2:45 is a succinct entry within the extensive roster of returnees from Babylonian exile, identifying three more family groups among the Temple servants known as the Nethinim: the children of Hatita, Gaihar, and Reaiah. Far from being mere administrative data, this verse reflects a profound aspect of Israel's restoration. It demonstrates God's careful remembrance of all those dedicated to His house, irrespective of the nature of their service. These individuals performed crucial but often humble tasks essential for the daily functioning and cleanliness of the Temple, enabling the priests and Levites to perform their more public liturgical duties. The precise recording of their family lines signifies their legitimacy and essential contribution to the spiritual and physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, highlighting that every part of God's people is indispensable for His purposes, and all faithful service is valued in His sight.