Ezra 2 52

Ezra 2:52 kjv

The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,

Ezra 2:52 nkjv

the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,

Ezra 2:52 niv

Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,

Ezra 2:52 esv

the sons of Bazluth, the sons of Mehida, the sons of Harsha,

Ezra 2:52 nlt

Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 52 Meaning

Ezra 2:52 meticulously records the return of three specific family lines among the Nethinim, or temple servants, namely the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, and the children of Uzza. This verse signifies their dedicated return from Babylonian exile, emphasizing their essential role in the re-establishment of temple worship and community life in Jerusalem. Their inclusion in this precise lineage record underscores God's meticulous restoration plan and the importance of all who serve His house.

Ezra 2 52 Context

Ezra chapter 2 provides a detailed registry of the individuals and families who returned from the Babylonian exile to Judah and Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This specific verse (2:52) falls within the comprehensive list that extends from verse 2 to verse 67, meticulously cataloging the number of various groups: priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, and specifically here, the Nethinim (temple servants). This enumeration highlights the meticulous care taken in re-establishing the community, emphasizing lineage and demonstrating divine fulfillment of promises for restoration. The inclusion of the Nethinim, though traditionally occupying a lower status, signifies their indispensable role in facilitating the renewed temple service and underscores the comprehensive nature of the post-exilic community. This act of return represents a profound step in re-establishing Israel's covenant identity and the worship of Yahweh in their homeland after decades of foreign captivity.

Ezra 2 52 Word analysis

• The children of (בְּנֵי - b'nei):
  • This Hebrew term signifies "sons of" or "descendants of," indicating familial and tribal lineage.
  • In the ancient Near East, identity was strongly tied to one's paternal line. These lists establish identity, pedigree, and legitimate membership within the returning covenant community.
  • It also points to a continuing family line dedicated to a particular service, passed down through generations.
• Nekoda (נְקוֹדָא - Nəqōwḏāʾ):
  • Meaning: Likely derived from a root meaning "distinguished" or "marked."
  • Significance: Listed among the Nethinim families. Importantly, another family by the name of "children of Nekoda" (Ezra 2:60; Neh 7:62) faced challenges to their priestly lineage because their genealogical records were lost, highlighting a crucial distinction; the Nethinim Nekoda family had their place definitively affirmed by their inclusion here.
  • This name reappears in Neh 7:54, reaffirming their status among the returnees.
• Gazzam (גַּזָּם - Gazzām):
  • Meaning: Potentially related to a root meaning "to shear" or "to cut off."
  • Significance: This family, also identified as Nethinim, indicates the diverse origins or historical duties of those who came to serve the temple. Like the other families here, their presence ensures a complete return of those essential for temple upkeep.
  • Also listed in Neh 7:54, reinforcing their role in the restoration.
• Uzza (עֻזָּא - ʿUzzāʾ):
  • Meaning: "Strength" or "might."
  • Significance: As a Nethinim family, their inclusion further populates the necessary roles for temple functions. While the name recalls Uzzah, who was struck down for touching the ark (2 Sam 6), there is no direct connection implied beyond the shared name, common in Hebrew.
  • The repetition in Neh 7:54 underscores the importance of this specific lineage.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• The children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza: This specific grouping of three families reinforces the detailed, itemized nature of the entire list. It showcases the rigorous process of documenting every group that made the momentous return. Each "children of" reinforces the hereditary nature of these service roles, underscoring continuity despite generations of exile. This listing signifies God's preservation of His people and the continuity of roles dedicated to Him, regardless of perceived status within the community. The focus is not on their individual deeds but on their identity as a distinct family unit within the greater returning community of Israel, playing an indispensable role in God's restored plans for His house.

Ezra 2 52 Bonus section

The Nethinim (Netinim, "given ones") were distinct from priests and Levites. Their precise origin is debated among scholars, with some connecting them to the Gibeonites cursed to perpetual servitude (Josh 9:27) or other non-Israelites appointed by David for temple duties (Ezra 8:20). Their inclusion in Ezra's list signifies a spiritual transformation and acceptance into the post-exilic community. They were essential for the dirty, laborious tasks of the temple (fetching water, cutting wood, cleaning) which allowed priests and Levites to focus on ritual and teaching. Their full integration into the returning community, even receiving tax exemptions (Ezra 7:24), indicates God's inclusivity in building His house and His appreciation for all who dedicate themselves to His service. This careful record-keeping served not only as a historical account but also as a legal document, establishing lineage and rights for the rebuilt community.

Ezra 2 52 Commentary

Ezra 2:52, while seemingly just a list of names, is profoundly significant within the larger narrative of post-exilic Israel. It testifies to God's faithful restoration of His people, including every segment of the community necessary for the rebuilding of life and worship in Judah. The meticulous listing of these Nethinim families—the children of Nekoda, Gazzam, and Uzza—underscores the divine foresight that accounted for every role, no matter how humble it appeared in the socio-religious hierarchy. These Nethinim were not priests or Levites, but servants whose practical tasks were vital for the temple's operation. Their presence demonstrates that all functions within the community of faith, from the most revered to the seemingly mundane, are invaluable to God. This comprehensive register serves as a foundational document for the re-establishment of a divinely ordered society centered on temple worship, reflecting God's promise to fully restore His covenant people to their land and purpose. It speaks to the integrity and completeness of the returning remnant, demonstrating that God overlooked none in His redemptive plan.