Ezra 8 2

Ezra 8:2 kjv

Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.

Ezra 8:2 nkjv

of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom; of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel; of the sons of David, Hattush;

Ezra 8:2 niv

of the descendants of Phinehas, Gershom; of the descendants of Ithamar, Daniel; of the descendants of David, Hattush

Ezra 8:2 esv

Of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom. Of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel. Of the sons of David, Hattush.

Ezra 8:2 nlt

From the family of Phinehas: Gershom.
From the family of Ithamar: Daniel.
From the family of David: Hattush,

Ezra 8 verses

Ezra 8 2 Meaning

Ezra 8:2 provides a crucial genealogical record, listing key leaders from prominent Jewish lineages who joined Ezra on the second major return from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. It specifically identifies representatives from the priestly lines of Phinehas and Ithamar, and a representative from the royal line of David, thereby validating their authority and ensuring the legitimate re-establishment of religious worship and community governance in the restored Judah. This careful enumeration underscored the importance of continuity, heritage, and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises through chosen leadership.

Ezra 8 2 Context

Ezra chapter 8 records the second major return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, led by Ezra, approximately 80 years after the initial return under Zerubbabel. This specific verse (8:2) begins a detailed list (Ezra 8:2-14) of the family heads who accompanied Ezra. The chapter highlights Ezra's careful organization, his deep commitment to the Law, and his prayerful dependence on God. The inclusion of specific family lineages, especially from the priestly and royal houses, was critical. It established the legitimacy of the returning community in the eyes of God and others, ensuring proper religious and civic order. The careful enumeration emphasized God's faithfulness in bringing His people back and His providence in reconstituting them with their appointed leadership, ensuring the continued worship according to the Law and upholding the hope of a restored Davidic kingdom.

Ezra 8 2 Word analysis

• Of the sons of: This phrase emphasizes lineage and hereditary succession. It highlights the importance of family descent in ancient Israel, especially for roles related to priesthood and kingship. This signifies legitimate claim and connection to historical covenants and promises from God.
• Phinehas (Heb. Pinchas): A grandson of Aaron (Exod 6:25), renowned for his zealous action against idolatry (Num 25:6-13), for which he was granted an "everlasting priesthood." His lineage, particularly through Zadok, would hold the most prominent position among the priests. The mention signifies a return to orthodox worship and rightful priestly authority, rooted in a divinely sanctioned covenant.
• Gershom: The head of one of the priestly families of the sons of Phinehas returning with Ezra. The name can mean "stranger there," perhaps an ironic reminder of their former exile and now their return to their homeland. His presence signals the continuity and restoration of the pure Aaronic priesthood.
• Ithamar (Heb. Itamar): The youngest son of Aaron (Exod 6:23). While his priestly line (including Eli and Abiathar) faced a period of decline and removal from high priestly office (1 Sam 2; 1 Ki 2), a remnant still played a vital role. His inclusion underscores the desire for a comprehensive restoration of the Aaronic priesthood, encompassing all its legitimate branches.
• Daniel (Heb. Daniyyel): Meaning "God is my judge." This individual is identified as the head of a family from the priestly line of Ithamar. His name could subtly reinforce the post-exilic community's reliance on divine judgment and justice in their re-establishment.
• David (Heb. Dawid): The most significant king of Israel, from whose line the Messiah was promised (2 Sam 7). Even though the monarchy had fallen, the inclusion of a descendant of David indicates the continued importance of the royal lineage and sustained the hope for the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant and the future coming of a King.
• Hattush (Heb. Ḥaṭṭūš): The head of a family from the royal lineage of David. His presence among the returning exiles affirmed the continuity of the Davidic line, vital for the community's national identity and messianic expectations. The royal house, though no longer holding political power, remained central to the divine plan.

Ezra 8 2 Bonus section

The small number of individuals representing such foundational lineages (only one family head each for Phinehas, Ithamar, and David's lines, contrasted with longer lists later) might suggest the devastation caused by the exile, or perhaps Ezra was specifically listing only the most direct and recognized leadership from these vital houses to emphasize continuity. This selective list of initial leaders points to God's providence in preserving distinct identity groups crucial for Israel's future, ensuring the continuity of priesthood and kingship in accordance with His covenant promises, albeit in a reduced form. It laid the groundwork for future generations, underscoring that divine order was paramount in re-establishing the nation, even as the community itself was still quite small.

Ezra 8 2 Commentary

Ezra 8:2 meticulously lists the heads of prominent families who embarked on the return journey with Ezra. This genealogical detail served multiple crucial purposes for the newly reconstituting nation. It confirmed legitimacy for roles of leadership, particularly in religious services, by tracing lineage to the venerable figures of Phinehas and Ithamar—both sons of Aaron, ensuring the authenticity of the priesthood. The inclusion of Hattush, from the house of David, symbolically kept alive the promise of an enduring kingdom and future messianic hope. This record underscored the Lord's hand in ordering their return, validating the restoration of the covenant community not just physically, but also spiritually and governmentally through the right leaders. Such details allowed for proper land distribution, legal rights, and especially the precise identification of those qualified to perform sacred temple duties, avoiding illegitimacy.