Ezra 2:19
the descendants of Hashum, 223;
the descendants of Hashum
The phrase "the descendants of Hashum" refers to the lineage or family group that traces its ancestry back to an individual named Hashum. In the context of the Book of Ezra, this listing is part of a genealogical record of those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. The name "Hashum" itself is of Hebrew origin, meaning "rich" or "wealthy." This could imply that Hashum was a person of some standing or influence. The inclusion of his descendants in this list underscores the importance of family heritage and continuity in the post-exilic community. It reflects the Jewish emphasis on maintaining tribal and familial identities, which were crucial for the restoration of religious and social order in Jerusalem.

223
The number "223" indicates the count of individuals from the family of Hashum who returned to Jerusalem. This specific enumeration highlights the meticulous record-keeping and organization of the returning exiles. Each family or clan's contribution to the rebuilding effort was significant, and the precise numbers reflect the collective commitment to reestablishing the community. Historically, this attention to detail in genealogical records served not only as a means of preserving identity but also as a way to ensure the equitable distribution of land and resources among the returning families. The number itself, while seemingly mundane, represents the faithfulness of God in preserving His people through the exile and their willingness to participate in His redemptive plan for Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hashum
A family head whose descendants returned from the Babylonian exile. The name Hashum means "rich" or "wealthy" in Hebrew, indicating perhaps a family of some standing or influence.

2. The Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem and Judah, a significant moment of restoration and renewal for the Israelites.

3. The Census of the Exiles
Ezra 2 is a record of those who returned from exile, emphasizing the continuity of God's people and the fulfillment of His promises.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
The listing of names and numbers in Ezra 2, including the descendants of Hashum, underscores the value of heritage and identity in God's plan. It reminds us to honor our spiritual heritage and the faith of those who came before us.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return from exile is a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people. We can trust God to restore and renew us, even after periods of difficulty or disobedience.

Community and Belonging
The detailed records of families and individuals highlight the importance of community and belonging. As believers, we are part of a spiritual family and should seek to build and strengthen our community.

The Role of Every Individual
Each name listed, including the descendants of Hashum, played a role in the restoration of Jerusalem. This teaches us that every individual has a part to play in God's work, no matter how small it may seem.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of specific family names, like the descendants of Hashum, teach us about the importance of individual contributions to God's work?

2. How can we apply the concept of spiritual heritage in our own lives and communities today?

3. In what ways does the return from exile in Ezra reflect God's faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our personal journeys?

4. How can we foster a sense of community and belonging within our church or spiritual family, similar to the community of exiles returning to Jerusalem?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt restored or renewed by God. How does the account of the exiles' return inspire you to trust in God's restorative power?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 7:22
This verse also lists the descendants of Hashum, confirming the consistency of the records and the importance of genealogies in maintaining the identity of the Jewish people.

Ezra 8:19
This passage mentions the descendants of Hashum again, highlighting their involvement in the return and rebuilding efforts.

1 Chronicles 9:1
Chronicles the genealogies of the Israelites, underscoring the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical account.
Spiritual SignificancesW. Clarkson Ezra 2:1-67
Men Forsaking the Worldly LifeJ.S. Exell Ezra 2:1-70
A Suggestive RecordWilliam Jones.Ezra 2:2-64
Religious ServiceWilliam Jones.Ezra 2:2-64
People
Akkub, Ami, Asaph, Asnah, Ater, Baanah, Bakbuk, Barkos, Barzillai, Bazluth, Besai, Bigvai, Bilshan, Darkon, Delaiah, Gahar, Gazzam, Giddel, Habaiah, Hagab, Hagabah, Hakkoz, Hakupha, Hanan, Harhur, Harsha, Hasupha, Hatipha, Hatita, Hattil, Hezekiah, Hodaviah, Immer, Israelites, Jaalah, Jedaiah, Jeshua, Joab, Jorah, Kadmiel, Keros, Koz, Lebanah, Mehida, Mehunim, Meunim, Mizpar, Mordecai, Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah, Nekoda, Nephusim, Neziah, Padon, Pahathmoab, Parosh, Paseah, Pashur, Peruda, Phaseah, Pochereth, Reaiah, Reelaiah, Rehum, Rezin, Seraiah, Shallum, Shalmai, Shephatiah, Shobai, Siaha, Sisera, Solomon, Sophereth, Sotai, Tabbaoth, Talmon, Thamah, Tobiah, Tobijah, Uzza, Zaccai, Zattu, Zerubbabel, Ziha
Places
Ai, Anathoth, Azmaveth, Babylon, Babylonia, Beeroth, Bethel, Bethlehem, Cherub, Geba, Hadid, Immer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Kiriath-arim, Lod, Michmas, Nebo, Netophah, Ono, Ramah, Tel-harsha, Tel-melah
Topics
223, Hundred, Sons, Twenty, Twenty-three
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezra 2:1-65

     5249   census

Ezra 2:1-67

     7230   genealogies

Library
Altar and Temple
'And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 2. Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. 3. And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Apocalypse.
On the Lit. and life of John, see §§ 40 and 41 (this vol.); on the authorship of the Apoc. and the time of composition, § 37 (this vol.); § 41 (this vol.); and § 84 (this vol.) 1. Modern Critical, works of German and French scholars on the Apocalypse: Lücke (Voltständige Einleitung, etc., 2d ed., 1852; 1,074 pages of introductory matter, critical and historical; compare with it the review of Bleek in the "Studien and Kritiken" for 1854 and 1855); DeWette Com., 1848,
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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