Ezra 7 2

Ezra 7:2 kjv

The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,

Ezra 7:2 nkjv

the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,

Ezra 7:2 niv

the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,

Ezra 7:2 esv

son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub,

Ezra 7:2 nlt

son of Shallum, son of Zadok, son of Ahitub,

Ezra 7 verses

Ezra 7 2 Meaning

Ezra 7:2 presents a condensed lineage of Ezra, a key figure in the post-exilic restoration, tracing his priestly descent back through several prominent figures. This verse, along with the preceding and following ones, establishes Ezra's direct connection to the legitimate high priestly line of Aaron, validating his authority as a priest and scribe returning to Jerusalem. It emphasizes his ancestry from Hilkiah, the renowned high priest during Josiah's reign, and ultimately through Zadok, the faithful high priest who served King David.

Ezra 7 2 Context

Ezra 7 marks a new phase in the post-exilic return, focusing on the figure of Ezra. Following the initial return under Zerubbabel and Joshua to rebuild the Temple, this chapter introduces Ezra's journey to Jerusalem during the seventh year of Artaxerxes I (circa 458 BC). Verses 1-5 establish Ezra's distinguished priestly lineage, a critical aspect of his credentials. In ancient Near Eastern societies, one's genealogy determined status, roles, and legitimate authority. For Ezra, as a priest tasked with restoring the law and worship in Jerusalem, his verifiable connection to the Aaronic and Zadokite high priestly line was paramount. This established his divine right and historical legitimacy to teach God's commandments, enforce them, and oversee the Temple service. It assured the returned exiles and the Persian authorities that his mission was not self-appointed but aligned with divine order and tradition.

Ezra 7 2 Word Analysis

• the son of: This recurring phrase (Hebrew: ben) is the standard genealogical marker. In biblical genealogies, "son of" often means "descendant of," not necessarily immediate offspring. This telescoping, common in ancient Near Eastern records, aims to connect key figures in a lineage rather than provide a strict chronological list of every generation. Its presence multiple times here underscores a direct, unbroken line of succession.
• Hilkiah (חִלְקִיָּה - Ḥilqiyyāh): Meaning "My portion is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my portion." This refers to the prominent High Priest during the reign of King Josiah (2 Kgs 22:4-10; 2 Chr 34:14-21). Hilkiah was instrumental in the discovery of the "Book of the Law" (likely a form of Deuteronomy or part of the Pentateuch) in the Temple. This discovery ignited Josiah's widespread reforms and national repentance. Ezra's direct descent from Hilkiah spiritually links him to a pivotal moment of revival through obedience to God's Word, lending significant weight and legacy to Ezra's own work of bringing the Law to the people.
• Shallum (שַׁלּוּם - Shallūm): Meaning "repayment," "retribution," or "peace." Shallum appears as a common name in various biblical contexts, including other priests and kings. In this high priestly genealogy, Shallum is identified as the father of Hilkiah. While less prominent in narrative accounts, his position in the line emphasizes the continuity of this specific priestly family.
• Zadok (צָדוֹק - Ṣādōq): Meaning "righteous." Zadok was the High Priest who served King David and was unwavering in his loyalty, particularly during Absalom's rebellion and the succession of Solomon (2 Sam 15:24-29; 1 Kgs 1:39). His faithfulness led to his line (the "sons of Zadok") becoming the designated High Priests for centuries in Jerusalem (e.g., Ezek 44:15; 1 Chr 6:8, 12). Descent from Zadok established the premier legitimacy for the priestly office. Ezra's connection to Zadok's line confirms his elite status and divine sanction for his mission.
• Ahitub (אֲחִיטוּב - ʼĂḥîṭūḇ): Meaning "my brother is good" or "brother of goodness." Ahitub here is the father of Zadok, who served David. He is part of the esteemed Eleazar-Phinehas branch of Aaron's descendants, predating the disqualification of Eli's line (descendants of Ithamar). His inclusion reinforces the claim to the divinely appointed High Priestly office, tracing the lineage through the approved succession established by God for the Jerusalem priesthood.

Ezra 7 2 Bonus Section

Biblical genealogies, as seen in Ezra 7, often serve multiple purposes beyond simple historical record-keeping. They validate claims to tribal identity, land ownership, leadership roles (like priesthood or kingship), and even messianic expectations (as seen in the New Testament). The telescoping nature, where intermediate generations might be omitted, is a common literary feature, indicating that the goal is to show connection to a key ancestor rather than provide a comprehensive list. For Ezra, the purpose is clear: to emphasize his unimpeachable qualifications for interpreting and enforcing God's Law among the Jewish people after the exile. His high priestly lineage was vital for the people to accept his authority as a God-appointed leader, enabling him to initiate significant religious reforms and re-establish the covenant community upon their return to Jerusalem.

Ezra 7 2 Commentary

Ezra 7:2 is not merely a list of names; it is a foundational statement about Ezra's divinely sanctioned authority. By tracing his ancestry back through Hilkiah and Zadok, this verse underscores his legitimacy and high standing as a priest qualified to administer the Law of God. His descent from Hilkiah, the priest of Josiah's reforms who found the Book of the Law, directly links Ezra's mission of restoring the Law to a historical precedent of national revival tied to divine revelation. His lineage from Zadok confirms his right to the high priestly functions, particularly in contrast to any non-Zadokite claims, reinforcing the stability and continuity of the priestly office. This verse, therefore, establishes the theological bedrock for Ezra's subsequent actions in purifying worship and establishing the divine ordinances among the returning exiles. It highlights that true leadership in God's work often springs from a legacy of faithfulness and adherence to His revealed will, rooted in an ordained calling.