Ezra 2 Rebuilding the Altar and Temple

1 The List of the Exiles Who Returned
Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive to Babylon (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town,

2 in company with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum and Baanah):
The list of the men of the people of Israel:

3 the descendants of Parosh
2,172

4 of Shephatiah 372

5 of Arah 775

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

7 of Elam
1,254

8 of Zattu 945

9 of Zaccai 760

10 of Bani 642

11 of Bebai 623

12 of Azgad
1,222

13 of Adonikam 666

14 of Bigvai
2,056

15 of Adin 454

16 of Ater (through Hezekiah) 98

17 of Bezai 323

18 of Jorah 112

19 of Hashum 223

20 of Gibbar 95

21 the men of Bethlehem 123

22 of Netophah 56

23 of Anathoth 128

24 of Azmaveth 42

25 of Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah and Beeroth 743

26 of Ramah and Geba 621

27 of Micmash 122

28 of Bethel and Ai 223

29 of Nebo 52

30 of Magbish 156

31 of the other Elam
1,254

32 of Harim 320

33 of Lod, Hadid and Ono 725

34 of Jericho 345

35 of Senaah
3,630

36 The priests:
the descendants of Jedaiah (through the family of Jeshua) 973

37 of Immer
1,052

38 of Pashhur
1,247

39 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 of the temple:
the descendants of
Shallum, Ater, Talmon,
Akkub, Hatita and Shobai 139

43 The temple servants:
the descendants of
Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth,

44 Keros, Siaha, Padon,

45 Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub,

46 Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan,

47 Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah,

48 Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam,

49 Uzza, Paseah, Besai,

50 Asnah, Meunim, Nephusim,

51 Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,

52 Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,

53 Barkos, Sisera, Temah,

54 Neziah and Hatipha

55 The descendants of the servants of Solomon:
the descendants of
Sotai, Hassophereth, Peruda,

56 Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,

57 Shephatiah, Hattil,
Pokereth-Hazzebaim and Ami

58 The temple servants and the descendants of the servants of Solomon 392

59 The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended from Israel:

60 The descendants of
Delaiah, Tobiah and Nekoda 652

61 And from among the priests:
The descendants of
Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by that name).

62 These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.

63 The governor ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there was a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim.

64 The whole company numbered 42,360,

65 besides their 7,337 menservants and maidservants; and they also had 200 men and women singers.

66 They had 736 horses, 245 mules,

67 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys.

68 When they arrived at the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its site.

69 According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 drachmas of gold, 5,000 minas of silver and 100 priestly garments.

70 The priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers and the temple servants settled in their own towns, along with some of the other people, and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns.

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Analysis of Ezra Chapter 2

Ezra Chapter 2 is a significant section of the Book of Ezra, which tracks the return of the Israelites from Babylonian exile and the initial steps they took towards rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple. This chapter specifically enumerates the list of exiles who returned from Babylon to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The detailed recording not only serves as a testament to the historical reality of the return but also places emphasis on the continuity of the community and the restoration of the religious and social structure.

Overview of the Chapter

Ezra Chapter 2 can be divided into several key sections for a better understanding:

Verses 1-2: Introduction and the leaders of the return.
Verses 3-35: The list of the people by family groups or clans.
Verses 36-39: The priests.
Verses 40-54: The Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants.
Verses 55-58: The descendants of Solomon’s servants.
Verses 59-63: The people who could not prove their Israelite descent.
Verses 64-67: The total number of returnees and their assets.
Verses 68-70: Contributions towards the rebuilding of the Temple and settlement in their towns.

Detailed Analysis

Verses 1-2: Introduction and Leaders of the Return

This section introduces the chapter by summarizing the context – the return of the exiles under the decree of Cyrus, King of Persia. It highlights the key leaders: Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The prominence given to these names indicates their significant roles in the religious and civic life of the returning community.

“Now these are the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried captive to Babylonia. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town. They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah.” (Ezra 2:1-2, ESV)

The mention of these leaders underscores the importance of leadership in the rebuilding process, reflecting a hierarchy that was necessary for organizing the community’s endeavors and ensuring compliance with the decrees of Cyrus.

Verses 3-35: The List of the People by Family Groups or Clans

This extensive section lists the families and their numbers who returned to Jerusalem and Judah. The detailed accounting shows the importance of family heritage and tribal identity in maintaining the religious and social fabric of Israel.

“The number of the men of the people of Israel: the sons of Parosh, 2,172. The sons of Shephatiah, 372… the sons of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 725. The sons of Jericho, 345.” (Ezra 2:3-9, ESV)

Such enumerations emphasize the collective effort and unity in the return. It also serves as a genealogical record to verify the Israelite heritage of individuals, important for maintaining the purity of the community and its religious practices.

Verses 36-39: The Priests

This section lists four families of priests who returned, highlighting the essential role of the priesthood in the restoration of worship and religious rituals in the temple.

“The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, 973. The sons of Immer, 1,052. The sons of Pashhur, 1,247. The sons of Harim, 1,017.” (Ezra 2:36-39, ESV)

The priests’ inclusion underscores the foundational aspect of religious restoration, as the priesthood was central to Jewish worship and sacrificial systems. This continuity assures that the religious practices will mimic those before the exile.

Verses 40-54: The Levites, Singers, Gatekeepers, and Temple Servants

The inclusion of Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants signifies the comprehensive effort to reinstate all aspects of temple worship. Levites were responsible for various temple duties, singers for leading worship in song, gatekeepers for security and order, and temple servants for assisting in the overall function.

“The Levites: the sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the sons of Hodaviah, 74… The singers: the sons of Asaph, 128. The sons of the gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater…” (Ezra 2:40-42, ESV)

This detailed listing underpins the holistic preparation for a fully functional temple, signifying that every role, however minor it may seem, is crucial for the proper religious life of the community.

Verses 55-58: The Descendants of Solomon’s Servants

This group of people includes the descendants of servants who were likely incorporated into the temple service through Solomon’s establishment of temple operations.

“The sons of Solomon’s servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda, 372.” (Ezra 2:55, ESV)

The mention of these descendants reflects the enduring legacy of Solomon’s reign and his foundational contributions to the temple’s structure and function. Their inclusion also underscores the intergenerational commitment to service in the temple.

Verses 59-63: People Who Could Not Prove Their Ancestry

Some families could not trace their genealogy back to Israel, including some claiming priesthood. This is significantly noted because serving in specific temple roles required verifiable lineage.

“These sought their registration among those enrolled in the genealogies, but they were not found there, and so they were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. The governor told them that they were not to partake of the most holy food, until there should be a priest to consult Urim and Thummim.” (Ezra 2:62-63, ESV)

This section reveals the importance of verifiable lineage in preserving the purity and integrity of priestly duties and overall community identity. It reflects a careful adherence to religious laws and traditions that dictated service and participation in temple practices.

Verses 64-67: The Total Number of Returnees and Their Assets

The cumulative total of returnees is given along with a detailed list of their possessions, including animals, which highlights the scale and preparation for the community’s resettlement.

“The whole assembly together was 42,360, besides their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337, and they had 200 male and female singers. Their horses were 736, their mules 245, their camels 435, and their donkeys 6,720.” (Ezra 2:64-67, ESV)

This information delivers a comprehensive view of the communal and individual wealth, indicating preparedness for both physical reconstruction and economic stability in their new milieu.

Verses 68-70: Contributions for Rebuilding the Temple and Settlement

The chapter concludes with the mention of contributions made by leading families towards the rebuilding of the temple, demonstrating their commitment and investment in restoring worship.

“Some of the heads of families, when they came to the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, made freewill offerings for the house of God, to erect it on its site. According to their ability they gave to the treasury of the work 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 priests’ garments.” (Ezra 2:68-69, ESV)

The voluntary nature of these offerings showcases the communal spirit and dedication to the collective religious and social cause. It sets a precedent for the community’s generosity and prioritization of their religious heritage.

Finally, verse 70 speaks of the people settling in their respective towns, indicating the reconstitution of community life across the land.

In conclusion, Ezra Chapter 2 provides a thorough and detailed account of the returning exiles that reveals not just the numbers but also the structure, heritage, and dedication of the people. It establishes the foundation for the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple, emphasizing the importance of leadership, heritage, communal effort, and religious fidelity. This chapter serves as a significant record of continuity, resilience, and devotion that underscores the Israelites’ unwavering commitment to their identity and divine mandate.

Understanding the Key Messages in Ezra 2: Insights and Explanation

Chapter 2 of Ezra describes the detailed list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. It highlights the importance of maintaining a genealogical record and the significance of rebuilding the altar and temple. This chapter lays the foundation for restoring the spiritual life of the people of Israel.

Notes

This chapter provides important historical and genealogical information, serving as a record of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem and their dedication to rebuilding the temple.