Prisoners Return to Jerusalem And Judah
January 28, 2021
Commentary
The people of Judah that were taken as prisoners to Babylonia continue to return to Jerusalem and their own towns in Judah (vv. 14-58). They are listed in their family groups and the part if Judah they came from. A total is given of how many ancestors returned from each town (vv. 21-35). Most of them are in Benjamite territory north of Jerusalem. Then a list is given of how many returned from each family of priests (vv. 36-39). Following this is a list of how many returned from Levite families (40-42). Then comes a list of temple workers whose families returned (vv. 43-54). Now we find a list of Solomon’s servants whose descendants have returned (vv. 55-57). The phrase “the descendants of the servants of Solomon” occurs only in this passage. A total of 392 descendants of Solomon’s temple workers and servants is given (v. 58). These may be the descendants of the Canaanites whom Solomon enslaved (I Kg. 9:20-2).
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt. Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honorable or profitable. The Lord will carry us through all undertakings, according to his will, with an aim to His glory, and dependence on His assistance. Those who, at the call of the gospel, renounce sin and return to the Lord, shall be guarded and guided through all perils of the way, and arrive safely at the mansions provided in the holy city of God.
Application
It is important that when my thoughts become captive to worldly things I must quickly return to God’s manual for life (the Word of God) and obey what it says, not just agree with what it says.
Ezra 2:14– 58 (NET)
14 the descendants of Bigvai: 2,056;
15 the descendants of Adin: 454;
16 the descendants of Ater (through Hezekiah): 98;
17 the descendants of Bezai: 323;
18 the descendants of Jorah: 112;
19 the descendants of Hashum: 223;
20 the descendants of Gibbar: 95.
21 The men of Bethlehem: 123;
22 the men of Netophah: 56;
23 the men of Anathoth: 128;
24 the men of the family of Azmaveth: 42;
25 the men of Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah and Beeroth: 743;
26 the men of Ramah and Geba: 621;
27 the men of Micmash: 122;
28 the men of Bethel and Ai: 223;
29 the descendants of Nebo: 52;
30 the descendants of Magbish: 156;
31 the descendants of the other Elam: 1,254;
32 the descendants of Harim: 320;
33 the men of Lod, Hadid, and Ono: 725;
34 the men of Jericho: 345;
35 the descendants of Senaah: 3,630.
36 The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah (through the family of Jeshua): 973;
37 the descendants of Immer: 1,052;
38 the descendants of Pashhur: 1,247;
39 the descendants of Harim: 1,017.
40 The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel (through the line of Hodaviah): 74.
41 The singers: the descendants of Asaph: 128.
42 The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai: 139.
43 The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, 44 the descendants of Keros, the descendants of Siaha, the descendants of Padon, 45 the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Akkub, 46 the descendants of Hagab, the descendants of Shalmai, the descendants of Hanan, 47 the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar, the descendants of Reaiah, 48 the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda, the descendants of Gazzam, 49 the descendants of Uzzah, the descendants of Paseah, the descendants of Besai, 50 the descendants of Asnah, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephussim, 51 the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur, 52 the descendants of Bazluth, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha, 53 the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah, 54 the descendants of Neziah, and the descendants of Hatipha.
55 The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Hassophereth, the descendants of Peruda, 56 the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel, 57 the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pokereth Hazzebaim, and the descendants of Ami.
58 All the temple servants and the descendants of the servants of Solomon: 392.