Ezra 2 7

Ezra 2:7 kjv

The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

Ezra 2:7 nkjv

the people of Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four;

Ezra 2:7 niv

of Elam ? 1,254

Ezra 2:7 esv

The sons of Elam, 1,254.

Ezra 2:7 nlt

The family of Elam ? 1,254

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 7 Meaning

Ezra 2:7 records that 1,254 individuals from the family of Elam returned from the Babylonian exile to Judah. This verse is part of a meticulous list documenting the Jewish people who journeyed back to their homeland under the decree of King Cyrus, marking the initial phase of post-exilic restoration and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its Temple.

Ezra 2 7 Context

Ezra chapter 2 meticulously lists the individuals and families who returned from the Babylonian exile to Judah following the decree of King Cyrus in 538 BC. This first wave of returnees, numbering nearly 50,000 in total, established the foundational community for the re-establishment of Jewish life in the land of Israel. Verse 7 specifically notes the contribution from "the children of Elam," indicating their lineage and the exact number of individuals belonging to that family. These lists were critical for organizational purposes: proving legitimate Jewish ancestry, re-claiming tribal inheritances, determining who could serve as priests and Levites, and collectively contributing to the rebuilding efforts, particularly of the Second Temple. The numerical detail underscores the administrative precision of the return, the preservation of family identities, and the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people.

Ezra 2 7 Word analysis

• The children of Elam: (Hebrew: בְּנֵי־עֵילָם֙ Bənê-‘Êlām).
  • בְּנֵי (Bənê): A construct form of 'בָּנִים' (bānîm), meaning "sons of," or more broadly, "children of" or "descendants of." This indicates a patriarchal lineage, referring to a family group descended from a common ancestor named Elam.
  • עֵילָם֙ (‘Êlām): This refers to the patriarch of a specific family group, not necessarily the ancient Elamite civilization, though there's a connection. In the Old Testament, "Elam" can refer to a geographical region (east of Babylonia) and one of the sons of Shem (Gen 10:22). This specific reference in Ezra denotes a family head whose descendants are accounted for in the return. The survival and return of these families underscore the preservation of Israel's tribal and family structures despite a long period of exile and assimilation pressures. This is a subtle polemic against the idea that God had completely abandoned His people or that they were irretrievably lost among the nations.
• one thousand two hundred fifty-four: (Hebrew: אֶ֖לֶף וּמָאתַ֣יִם חֲמִשִּׁ֑ים וְאַרְבָּעָֽה ’elef u-ma'tayim ḥamishîm w-’arbā‘āh).
  • This precise numerical figure is characteristic of the administrative records found throughout the Bible, particularly in historical books like Ezra, Nehemiah, and Numbers. The exactness demonstrates a deliberate census and meticulous record-keeping by the leadership, guided by divine providence.
  • The mention of a specific number for each family unit underscores the identity and integrity of each group. This precision was crucial for re-establishing land claims, tribal inheritances, and verifying eligibility for Temple service. It highlights the divine oversight that ensured a specific, identifiable remnant would return, fulfilling prophetic promises of restoration (e.g., Jer 29:10-14).
• Word-group Analysis:
  • "The children of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four": This phrase functions as a declarative statement, providing statistical data. It is not merely a record but an assertion of the living out of divine prophecy. The emphasis on "children of Elam" rather than simply "Elamites" clarifies this group's identity as part of the covenant community of Israel. It affirms that the covenant lineage was preserved and meticulously tracked by the community itself, which points to God's guiding hand. This detail, though seemingly dry, represents the concrete fulfillment of prophecies regarding the ingathering of God's scattered people, each family contributing to the mosaic of the returning nation.

Ezra 2 7 Bonus section

The inclusion of detailed genealogical lists in Ezra and Nehemiah also serves as a polemic against the anonymity and dissolution that characterized life in exile for many other displaced peoples. Unlike other communities that lost their identity when absorbed into the Persian Empire, the meticulous record-keeping of the returning Jews showcased their unique commitment to their heritage and their God-given identity. This preservation of identity and lineage was crucial not just for land claims but also for the theological purpose of preserving the messianic line. Furthermore, the very existence of these administrative lists highlights the principle of accountability within the returned community. Each individual's lineage and numerical contribution mattered for the collective spiritual and national reconstruction project. This echoes the biblical theme that God is not indifferent to individuals, but knows His people by name and number (Ps 147:4, Isa 40:26).

Ezra 2 7 Commentary

Ezra 2:7, though a seemingly mundane numerical entry, holds significant theological weight. It affirms the precision of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises even after prolonged disobedience and exile. The meticulous counting of each family and their members emphasizes divine intentionality in restoring a specific, identifiable community back to the land. This precision speaks to the orderliness of God and the seriousness with which the post-exilic community undertook the task of rebuilding—not just structures, but a national and spiritual identity. It also serves as a testament to the perseverance of the people, who, despite generations in exile, maintained their lineage and responded to the call to return. These records were foundational for ensuring the correct priests, Levites, and Temple servants were recognized, upholding purity of worship, and ultimately, ensuring the line from which the Messiah would come was preserved (as seen in later New Testament genealogies like Matthew 1 and Luke 3). It underscores that every person, every family, plays a role in God's larger narrative of salvation.