Ezra 2:47
the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar, the descendants of Reaiah,
the descendants of Giddel
The name "Giddel" means "very great" or "fortunate." The descendants of Giddel were among the Nethinim, a group of temple servants assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple. This role highlights the importance of supporting roles in worship and service to God, emphasizing that every task, no matter how seemingly small, contributes to the greater purpose of glorifying God. The Nethinim were likely non-Israelites who had been integrated into the community, reflecting the inclusivity of God's people and foreshadowing the New Testament teaching that the gospel is for all nations (Matthew 28:19).

the descendants of Gahar
The name "Gahar" is less clear in meaning, but the inclusion of these descendants in the list of returnees from Babylonian exile underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving His people. The return from exile was a fulfillment of God's promise to restore Israel after a period of judgment (Jeremiah 29:10-14). The descendants of Gahar, like other Nethinim, played a crucial role in the reestablishment of temple worship, which was central to the identity and spiritual life of Israel. This reflects the theme of restoration and renewal found throughout Scripture, culminating in the ultimate restoration through Christ.

the descendants of Reaiah
Reaiah, meaning "seen by the Lord," suggests a divine acknowledgment and care for these individuals. The presence of Reaiah's descendants among the returnees highlights the personal nature of God's relationship with His people. Each name in the genealogical records serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in remembering and fulfilling His covenant promises. This personal attention is mirrored in the New Testament, where believers are assured that God knows them by name (John 10:3) and that they are part of a spiritual family with a heavenly inheritance (Ephesians 1:11-14).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Giddel
A family or clan listed among the Nethinim, who were temple servants. The name "Giddel" may mean "great" or "fortunate" in Hebrew.

2. Gahar
Another family or clan of the Nethinim. The name "Gahar" is less clear in meaning but is part of the group dedicated to serving in the temple.

3. Reaiah
Also listed among the Nethinim, Reaiah's name means "Yahweh has seen" in Hebrew. This reflects a common theme of divine oversight and care.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Service
The Nethinim, including the descendants of Giddel, Gahar, and Reaiah, were dedicated to serving in the temple. This highlights the importance of faithfulness in whatever role God assigns us.

God's Sovereignty in Restoration
The return of these families from exile demonstrates God's sovereign plan to restore His people and His worship. It reminds us that God is always working to bring about His purposes.

Identity and Purpose
Each name listed carries a meaning that reflects identity and purpose. As believers, understanding our identity in Christ can guide our purpose and service.

Community and Continuity
The listing of these families underscores the importance of community and continuity in faith. We are part of a larger account that God is writing through His people.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the role of the Nethinim teach us about serving in the church today, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

2. How does the return of these families from exile illustrate God's faithfulness, and what other biblical examples can you find that demonstrate this attribute of God?

3. In what ways can understanding the meaning of biblical names enhance our study of Scripture and our understanding of God's character?

4. How does the concept of community and continuity in Ezra 2 encourage us to engage with our local church community?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt God was restoring something in your life. How does the account of the exiles returning to Jerusalem encourage you in your personal journey of faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 7
This chapter parallels Ezra 2, listing the same groups returning from exile. It emphasizes the continuity and faithfulness of God's people in restoring worship.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles the genealogies and duties of those who returned, highlighting the importance of temple service and worship.

Joshua 9
The origin of the Nethinim can be traced back to the Gibeonites, who became temple servants as part of a covenant with Israel.
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
Gahar, Giddel, Reaiah, Re-ai'ah, Sons
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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