Ezra 2 46

Ezra 2:46 kjv

The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,

Ezra 2:46 nkjv

the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shalmai, the sons of Hanan,

Ezra 2:46 niv

Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan,

Ezra 2:46 esv

the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shamlai, the sons of Hanan,

Ezra 2:46 nlt

Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan,

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 46 Meaning

Ezra 2:46 specifically lists three families belonging to the Nethinim, a group of temple servants, who returned from the Babylonian exile under the leadership of Zerubbabel. These names are Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth, denoting specific family lines among those dedicated to the sacred service of the Lord's house. The verse is part of a comprehensive roster intended to validate the identity and right of the returning exiles to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple.

Ezra 2 46 Context

Ezra chapter 2 meticulously catalogs the families and individuals who returned from Babylonian captivity to Judah under Zerubbabel. This enumeration served a crucial purpose: to authenticate their Israelite heritage and thus their right to inhabit the land and resume their traditional roles in society and temple service. The list includes priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and other specialized temple servants like the Nethinim, down to the children of Solomon's servants. Verse 46 specifically highlights some families from the Nethinim. This detailed registration was vital for establishing social order, verifying land claims, and re-establishing the proper functions within the re-formed Jewish community, especially concerning the impending rebuilding of the temple and restoration of its services.

Ezra 2 46 Word analysis

• The children of: This phrase, frequently used in biblical genealogies and population lists, denotes family lineage and groups based on descent. It highlights the patriarchal and tribal structure of ancient Israelite society and emphasizes the identity passed down through generations.
• Nethinim: (Hebrew: נְתִינִים, nethinim - plural, from the root נתן nathan, meaning "to give" or "to place") These were "given ones" or "devoted ones" assigned to assist the Levites in the more menial tasks of the Temple service, such as gathering wood and drawing water (see Josh 9:27, if connected to the Gibeonites). Their exact origin is debated by scholars; some were possibly descendants of the Gibeonites whom Joshua dedicated to perpetual service, others may have been foreign captives assigned by David (Ezra 8:20) or even voluntary offerings by returning exiles. Their inclusion in this census highlights their distinct yet indispensable role within the Temple hierarchy and the broader community of returning exiles.
• Ziha (Hebrew: צִיחָא, Tziḥa): A specific family name among the Nethinim. The root of this name can be linked to "dryness" or "scorching" but likely has no specific theological meaning here, merely functioning as a proper noun to identify a lineage. Its presence, along with the other names, underscores the meticulousness of the returnees' census.
• Hasupha (Hebrew: חֲסוּפָא, Ḥasufa): Another distinct family name of the Nethinim. Its root suggests "naked" or "uncovered." Like Ziha, its primary significance here is as a marker of a particular Nethinim family line that participated in the return.
• Tabbaoth (Hebrew: טַבָּאוֹת, Ṭabba’oth): The third family name mentioned in this verse for the Nethinim. This name may relate to "rings" or "impressions." Similar to the preceding names, it serves to specify a returning family of Nethinim, affirming their presence and right to their assigned duties.
• The children of Nethinim: This group name specifically identifies individuals belonging to the "Nethinim" class by their family units. It reinforces that even this specific class of dedicated servants, whose origins might have been diverse or foreign, maintained recognized family structures that were crucial for the meticulous census of those returning to re-establish the Israelite nation and its Temple worship. This collective identification further legitimized their role within the religious and social framework.

Ezra 2 46 Bonus section

The highly detailed genealogical lists found in Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7, of which Ezra 2:46 is a small part, serve as a testament to the profound value placed on heritage and legitimacy in ancient Israelite society. The meticulous accounting was not merely for historical record; it was critical for establishing identity, proving lineage, claiming ancestral land, and verifying entitlement to priestly and Levitical service. For the Nethinim, it confirmed their recognized, albeit lower, status and their right to participate in the restoration efforts. The fact that even this class of servants, some of whom likely had non-Israelite ancestry, was included in such precise detail signifies the communal restoration was truly comprehensive, integrating all dedicated individuals who sought to serve the Lord. This chapter thus offers a vital snapshot of an exiled people carefully rebuilding their national and spiritual identity according to divinely ordained structures, affirming that all those whom God draws for service are counted and cared for within His covenant community.

Ezra 2 46 Commentary

Ezra 2:46, though seemingly just a dry list of names, is significant in several ways. It forms an integral part of a larger historical record emphasizing the organized and precise nature of the post-exilic return. The listing of the Nethinim, particularly specific families like Ziha, Hasupha, and Tabbaoth, underscores their accepted and established place within the restored community of Israel. These were not priests or Levites in the direct line of Aaron, but "given ones" whose vital support roles enabled the higher echelons of Temple worship to function properly.

This meticulous record validates the identity and purpose of every group that returned, confirming their right to their allocated roles and lands. It also subtly highlights the inclusivity of God's household; even those not of pure Israelite priestly or Levitical descent were indispensable for the proper functioning of the sanctuary. The Nethinim, whether descendants of the Gibeonites or other foreign captives dedicated to service, served God's house diligently, demonstrating that dedication and service are valued, regardless of social standing or origin. Their inclusion in the sacred registry illustrates God's plan for a well-ordered community, where every part contributes to the whole for His glory and the successful restoration of His worship. This verse reminds us that all roles, however humble, contribute to the greater work of the Lord.