Ezra 2 51

Ezra 2:51 kjv

The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,

Ezra 2:51 nkjv

the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,

Ezra 2:51 niv

Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,

Ezra 2:51 esv

the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Harhur,

Ezra 2:51 nlt

Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 51 Meaning

Ezra 2:51 continues the detailed register of the post-exilic community returning to Jerusalem from Babylon with Zerubbabel. Specifically, it lists three family groups identified as "children of Solomon's servants": the children of Nekoda, Gazzam, and Uzza. These individuals, though not direct descendants of Israel, held vital support roles related to the Temple and were recognized as part of the re-established covenant community due to their historical dedication to the worship of the God of Israel. Their inclusion underscores the inclusive nature of God's redemptive work, bringing together various peoples for His purpose in rebuilding the holy city and its sanctuary.

Ezra 2 51 Context

Ezra chapter 2 is primarily a comprehensive census, a vital register of the Jewish community that returned from Babylonian exile to Judah and Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, approximately 538 BC. This chapter systematically lists families by their heads, along with priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and importantly for this verse, the Nethinim and the children of Solomon's servants. This meticulously compiled list served crucial administrative and religious purposes: establishing lineage for priestly and Levitical service, confirming rights to inherited land, determining who comprised the legitimate "assembly of the province," and accounting for all returning exiles to facilitate the rebuilding efforts. Verse 51 specifically lists three more family lines among the "children of Solomon's servants," demonstrating the diversity of roles and backgrounds contributing to the restored Israelite community, even those not directly descended from the twelve tribes of Israel but who had historical ties to the Temple and its service. This emphasis on lineage underscored identity, purity, and continuity for the post-exilic nation.

Ezra 2 51 Word analysis

• the children of (בְּנֵי b'nēi): This plural construct form signifies descendants or members of a family or clan. Its repeated use here emphasizes the established family lines returning from exile, highlighting the importance of collective identity and continuity in the post-exilic community.
• Nekoda (נְקוֹדָא Nekodah): A proper noun, this family name possibly derives from a root meaning "marked" or "distinguished." The family of Nekoda is notably mentioned in lists of both Nethinim and the children of Solomon's servants (here and Neh 7:51), suggesting either two distinct families sharing the same name or an overlapping status within temple service.
• Gazzam (גַּזָּם Gazzam): This proper noun, a family name, likely comes from a root meaning "to shear" or "to cut." This association may imply their ancestors' historical occupation, perhaps related to preparing materials or offerings for the Temple, highlighting their specific practical contribution.
• Uzza (עֻזָּא 'Uzzah): A proper noun meaning "strength" from its root. While a famously unfortunate figure named Uzza touched the Ark of the Covenant (2 Sam 6:6-7), this family bearing the same name is almost certainly unrelated. Its inclusion in this list demonstrates the commonality of the name and the acceptance of this specific family unit among the returning servants dedicated to God's house.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza": The reiteration of "the children of" before each family name stresses the lineage and collective identity of these groups. As "children of Solomon's servants," their ancestors were likely non-Israelites conscripted by King Solomon for labor on the Temple and royal buildings (1 Kgs 9:20-21). Their return alongside ethnic Israelites indicates their enduring, generational loyalty to the worship of Yahweh and the Temple. Their inclusion in this precise register is vital; it validates their belonging to the restored community, emphasizing that faithfulness and historical dedication to God's sanctuary can integrate diverse peoples into His covenant plan. Their skilled labor and service were undoubtedly essential for the immense task of rebuilding and sustaining the sacred rituals, demonstrating that God's work utilizes varied contributions.

Ezra 2 51 Bonus section

The category of "children of Solomon's servants" represents distinct families from the Nethinim, though both groups performed supporting roles in Temple service. Their specific designation highlights their historical origin directly linked to King Solomon's decree to conscript non-Israelites for construction and maintenance (1 Kgs 9:20-21). This long-standing connection indicates an extraordinary commitment; these families, despite generations of exile, maintained their identity and desire to return to Judah for Temple service. This also illustrates a practical reality of the ancient Near East, where labor was essential for grand projects, and non-Israelites were often integrated into such roles. Their presence ensures the continuation of practical Temple support roles that Israelites did not traditionally fill, emphasizing the community's reliance on various forms of service and skills to achieve divine mandates for restoration.

Ezra 2 51 Commentary

Ezra 2:51, within the meticulously detailed census of the returned exiles, records three specific family groups among "the children of Solomon's servants." These individuals were not descended from the traditional tribes of Israel but represented lineages historically bound to the service of the Temple, primarily through the conscription initiated by King Solomon. Their inclusion in this foundational census underscores a significant theological point: the restored community of Israel was not exclusively defined by ethnic purity but also by steadfast commitment and service to the God of Israel. Even after generations in exile, these families maintained their identity and their historical association with the sanctuary, proving invaluable for the rebuilding effort. Their presence exemplifies God's expansive grace, bringing together diverse elements for His redemptive purposes and affirming that genuine devotion and dedicated service to Him qualify one for a place within His people, a principle transcending mere bloodlines.