Ezra 2 6

Ezra 2:6 kjv

The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.

Ezra 2:6 nkjv

the people of Pahath-Moab, of the people of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve;

Ezra 2:6 niv

of Pahath-Moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab) ? 2,812

Ezra 2:6 esv

The sons of Pahath-moab, namely the sons of Jeshua and Joab, 2,812.

Ezra 2:6 nlt

The family of Pahath-moab (descendants of Jeshua and Joab) ? 2,812

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 6 Meaning

Ezra 2:6 lists the family group known as "the children of Pahathmoab," including specific descendants from "the children of Jeshua and Joab," as having returned from Babylonian exile, numbering two thousand eight hundred and twelve individuals. This verse contributes to the meticulous census of the post-exilic community, detailing the various families and their precise numbers that participated in the initial return to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, signifying the preservation and restoration of Israelite identity and lineage.

Ezra 2 6 Context

Ezra chapter 2 meticulously lists the various families, cities, and occupational groups that returned from Babylonian captivity to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This chapter serves as a vital record, establishing the identity and numbers of the returning remnant—the core group who would rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. Verse 6 specifically enumerates the descendants of a significant family, Pahathmoab, emphasizing the meticulousness with which the returnees were documented. This careful enumeration highlights the fulfillment of God's prophecies regarding the restoration of His people, underscoring His faithfulness and setting the stage for the re-establishment of the community in the land. Historically, this return marks the beginning of the Second Temple period, after seven decades of exile, demonstrating a divine re-gathering.

Ezra 2 6 Word analysis

• The children of Pahathmoab:
  • בְּנֵי (b'ney): Literally "sons of," commonly translated as "children of" or "descendants of." In genealogical contexts, it refers to members of a lineage or clan, extending beyond direct offspring to encompass broader family units. It emphasizes the foundational identity tied to a paternal ancestor.
  • פַחַת־מוֹאָב֙ (Pahath-Mo'av): This is a proper noun, an ancestral or family name. While "Pahath" can mean "governor" or "chief," in this context, it functions as part of the family's identity, tracing their roots back to this prominent forefather. The family of Pahathmoab was a significant and numerous clan among the returning exiles, indicating their leadership and participation in the rebuilding efforts, as seen in Nehemiah.
• of the children of Jeshua and Joab:
  • בְּנֵי־יֵשׁ֙וּעַ וְיוֹאָ֔ב (b'ney Yeshua v'Yo'av): "Children of Jeshua and Joab." These are likely prominent sub-lineages or individuals within the larger Pahathmoab family, whose descendants were counted as part of this specific group. The conjunction "and" (וְ) indicates that the 2,812 figure encompasses individuals from both Jeshua's and Joab's descendants, all aggregated under the broader Pahathmoab clan. This further highlights the detailed level of the census, ensuring accuracy and recognizing specific contributing lines within larger families.
• two thousand eight hundred and twelve:
  • שְׁמֹונֶה֩ מֵאֹ֨ות וּשְׁתֵּ֧ים עֶשְׂרֵה מֵאֹֽות וּשְׁנַ֣יִם אֲלָפִ֑ים (shmoneh me'ot u-shtaym esreh me'ot u-shnayim alafim): The numerical count (2,812) is precise. This specificity underlines the careful and accurate record-keeping of the returning community. These numbers were not arbitrary but served practical purposes: establishing land claims, verifying identity for religious roles (especially priestly lines), and allocating resources for rebuilding efforts. Each number represents real people who chose to return and rebuild.
• The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab: This phrase groups multiple distinct family branches under one primary clan, reflecting the patriarchal and hierarchical structure of Israelite society and emphasizing the importance of family ties for maintaining national and religious identity.

Ezra 2 6 Bonus section

The almost identical nature of the lists in Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7, particularly the minor difference in the total for "Pahathmoab" (2,812 in Ezra vs. 2,818 in Nehemiah), suggests careful but not absolutely identical record-keeping across potentially different periods or purposes of compilation, yet confirming the consistent importance of these lists. This family, "Pahathmoab," later had leaders who actively participated in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls (Neh 3:11, Neh 10:14), illustrating the direct continuity between the census and the actual work of restoration.

Ezra 2 6 Commentary

Ezra 2:6 is more than a mere numerical entry; it is a testament to God's covenant faithfulness and the enduring identity of His people. The precise listing of families, such as "Pahathmoab" with their sub-branches "Jeshua and Joab," underscores the miraculous preservation of a remnant after decades of exile. It shows God not abandoning His promise to Abraham, that his descendants would be numerous. For the returning exiles, these meticulously kept records were crucial for re-establishing community order, verifying lineage for temple service, and securing land claims, demonstrating the practical application of their covenant identity. Each number represented a living person who contributed to the physical and spiritual rebuilding of Israel, validating their heritage and participating in God's redemptive plan for His people.