Verse:
Ezra 2:38 · "the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247;"

Context and Background:
Ezra 2:38 is part of a larger passage that lists the exiles who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylonian captivity under the decree of King Cyrus of Persia. This chapter is significant as it documents the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, marking a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The list serves as a genealogical record, emphasizing the continuity of the Israelite community and their covenantal relationship with God.

The Descendants of Pashhur:
The mention of "the descendants of Pashhur" refers to one of the priestly families that returned to Jerusalem. Pashhur is a name associated with a priestly lineage, and the number 1,247 indicates the size of this family group. This enumeration underscores the importance of the priestly class in the restoration efforts, as they were responsible for re-establishing the Temple worship and maintaining the religious practices central to Jewish identity.

Significance in the Restoration Era:
The return of the descendants of Pashhur, along with other priestly families, highlights the emphasis on restoring proper worship and religious order in post-exilic Jerusalem. The priests played a crucial role in guiding the spiritual renewal of the people, ensuring adherence to the Law of Moses, and facilitating the sacrificial system that was central to Israelite worship.

Theological Implications:
The inclusion of the descendants of Pashhur in the list of returnees reflects the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises. Despite the exile, which was a consequence of Israel's disobedience, God's covenant with His people remained intact. The return and rebuilding efforts symbolize hope, renewal, and the enduring nature of God's covenantal love.

Historical and Cultural Insights:
The return from exile was not merely a physical relocation but a spiritual reawakening. The detailed genealogical records in Ezra 2 serve to legitimize the claims of the returning exiles to their ancestral lands and roles. It also reflects the importance of maintaining tribal and familial identities within the broader narrative of Israel's history.

Conclusion:
Ezra 2:38, while seemingly a simple record of numbers, is a testament to the resilience and faith of the Jewish people. It underscores the centrality of the priesthood in the life of Israel and the community's commitment to restoring their relationship with God. The descendants of Pashhur, along with other families, played a vital role in the re-establishment of the religious and social structures that defined the post-exilic Jewish community.1247 (2 Occurrences)

Ezra 2:38
The children of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven.
(See NAS NIV)

Nehemiah 7:41
The children of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven.
(See NAS NIV)

1247 (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 1247 (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:38 The children of Pashhur,
one thousand two hundred forty-seven. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/1247.htm - 6k

1254 (4 Occurrences)

/num/1254.htm - 7k

1222 (1 Occurrence)

/num/1222.htm - 6k

Phassurus
... exile with Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:25)="Pashhur" of Ezra 2:38 Nehemiah 7:41; according
to Ezra and Nehemiah and Revised Version numbering, 1,247; according to ...
/p/phassurus.htm - 6k

Tiberias (3 Occurrences)
... It fell to the Moslems in 637. It changed hands several times as between the Crusaders
and the Saracens. It was finally taken by the Moslems in 1247. ...
/t/tiberias.htm - 15k

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