accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel: accompanied by ZerubbabelZerubbabel was a key leader in the return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. He was a descendant of King David, which is significant for the Messianic line ( Matthew 1:12). His leadership fulfilled prophecies such as those in Haggai and Zechariah, where he is seen as a type of Christ, leading the people back to their homeland and restoring worship. Jeshua
Jeshua, also known as Joshua, was the high priest who returned with Zerubbabel. He played a crucial role in the spiritual restoration of the people. His name, meaning "The Lord saves," is the same as Jesus in Hebrew, symbolizing his role in leading the people in worship and pointing to Christ's ultimate priesthood (Hebrews 4:14). Nehemiah
This Nehemiah is not the same as the one who later rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. The name means "The Lord comforts," reflecting the hope and restoration God was bringing to His people. Nehemiah's inclusion highlights the importance of leadership in the return and rebuilding efforts. Seraiah
Seraiah was a common name in the Old Testament, often associated with priestly or noble families. His presence in the list underscores the continuity of religious leadership from the pre-exilic period to the restoration era. Reelaiah
Little is known about Reelaiah, but his inclusion signifies the collective effort of various families and leaders in the return. Each name represents a commitment to the covenant and the rebuilding of the community. Mordecai
This is not the Mordecai from the Book of Esther, but the name suggests a connection to Jewish identity and resilience. It reflects the broader narrative of God's providence and protection over His people, even in foreign lands. Bilshan
Bilshan's name, meaning "inquirer" or "searcher," may indicate a role in seeking God's will or understanding His laws. His presence in the list highlights the diverse backgrounds of those returning. Mispar
Mispar, meaning "number" or "scribe," could suggest a role in administration or record-keeping, essential for organizing the return and rebuilding efforts. It emphasizes the structured approach to restoring the nation. Bigvai
Bigvai is mentioned elsewhere as a leader of a returning group (Ezra 8:14). His name, meaning "happy" or "fortunate," reflects the joy and blessing of returning to the Promised Land. Rehum
Rehum, meaning "compassionate," may indicate a role in caring for the needs of the returning exiles. His inclusion underscores the importance of community support and compassion in rebuilding efforts. and Baanah
Baanah, meaning "in affliction," may reflect the hardships faced during the exile and the hope of restoration. His name serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in times of trouble. This is the count of the men of Israel:
The enumeration of the men of Israel signifies the importance of each individual in the covenant community. It reflects the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people and the continuity of Israel's identity. The detailed record underscores the historical reality of the return and the faithfulness of God in preserving His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZerubbabelA leader of the first group of exiles returning to Jerusalem. He was a descendant of King David and played a crucial role in rebuilding the temple. 2. JeshuaThe high priest who returned with Zerubbabel. He was instrumental in re-establishing the priestly functions in the temple. 3. NehemiahAlthough not the same Nehemiah who later rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, this individual was part of the leadership returning from exile. 4. SeraiahLikely a leader or influential figure among the returning exiles. 5. ReelaiahAnother leader among the returnees, though not much is known about him. 6. MordecaiNot to be confused with the Mordecai from the Book of Esther, this individual was part of the leadership. 7. Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, BaanahOther leaders or influential figures among the returning exiles, contributing to the restoration efforts. Teaching Points Leadership in RestorationGod raises leaders like Zerubbabel and Jeshua to guide His people in times of restoration. We should pray for and support godly leadership in our communities. Faithfulness in ExileThe returnees maintained their identity and faith during exile. We are called to remain faithful to God, even in challenging circumstances. Community and CooperationThe list of names signifies the importance of community and cooperation in God's work. Each person has a role to play in the body of Christ. Heritage and LegacyThe genealogical records remind us of the importance of spiritual heritage. We should strive to leave a legacy of faith for future generations. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesThe return from exile fulfills God's promise to restore His people. We can trust in God's faithfulness to His promises in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua inspire us to take on roles of responsibility in our faith communities today? 2. In what ways can we maintain our faith and identity in environments that are not supportive of our beliefs, similar to the exiles? 3. How can we foster a sense of community and cooperation in our church or small group, as seen in the collective effort of the returnees? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are leaving a spiritual legacy for the next generation? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness to His promises. How does this encourage you in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Haggai and Zechariah These prophets encouraged Zerubbabel and Jeshua in their efforts to rebuild the temple, emphasizing God's presence and support. 1 Chronicles 3:19Provides genealogical context for Zerubbabel, linking him to the Davidic line. Nehemiah 7Offers a parallel account of the returnees, highlighting the continuity and consistency in the records of those who returned. 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, ZihaPlaces 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-melahTopics Baanah, Ba'anah, Bigvai, Bigva'i, Bilshan, Jeshua, List, Mispar, Mizpar, Mordecai, Mor'decai, Nehemiah, Nehemi'ah, Reelaiah, Re-el-ai'ah, Rehum, Saraiah, Seraiah, Serai'ah, Zerubbabel, Zerub'babelDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 2:1-2 4215 Babylon
5590 travel 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 ScriptureThe 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 Links Ezra 2:2 NIVEzra 2:2 NLTEzra 2:2 ESVEzra 2:2 NASBEzra 2:2 KJV
Ezra 2:2 Commentaries
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