Context and Background:

Ezra 2:25 is part of a larger passage that details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem under the decree of King Cyrus of Persia. This chapter lists the families and individuals who made the journey back to their ancestral homeland to rebuild the temple and restore the community. The book of Ezra is a historical account that emphasizes the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises to His people, as well as the importance of religious and cultural restoration.

Verse Text:

Ezra 2:25 : "the men of Kiriath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743;"

Analysis:

1. Geographical Significance:
· Kiriath-arim (also known as Kiriath-jearim): This town is historically significant as it was one of the locations where the Ark of the Covenant was kept before being moved to Jerusalem by King David (1 Samuel 7:1-2). It is situated in the territory of Judah, near the border with Benjamin.
· Chephirah: A city in the territory of Benjamin, Chephirah was one of the four cities of the Gibeonites who made a treaty with Joshua (Joshua 9:17).
· Beeroth: Also located in the territory of Benjamin, Beeroth is mentioned in the context of the Gibeonite cities. It is noted in the biblical narrative for its association with the murder of Ish-bosheth, Saul's son (2 Samuel 4:2).

2. Numerical Detail:
· The verse records that 743 men from these three towns returned from exile. This specific enumeration underscores the meticulous record-keeping and the importance of each family and individual in the restoration process. It reflects the communal effort and shared responsibility in rebuilding the nation.

3. Theological Implications:
· The return of the exiles is a testament to God's covenant faithfulness. Despite the judgment of exile due to Israel's disobedience, God remains committed to His promises, allowing His people to return and rebuild.
· The inclusion of these towns highlights the unity and diversity within the returning community. It signifies the gathering of God's people from various regions, emphasizing the collective identity of Israel as God's chosen people.

4. Historical and Cultural Context:
· The return from exile marks a pivotal moment in Jewish history, as it signifies a renewal of religious practices and cultural identity. The rebuilding of the temple and the reestablishment of Jerusalem as a center of worship are central themes in the post-exilic period.
· The detailed genealogical records serve not only as a historical account but also as a means of validating claims to land and heritage, which were crucial for the reorganization of the community.

Conclusion:

Ezra 2:25, while seemingly a simple list of names and numbers, is rich with historical, theological, and cultural significance. It reflects the broader narrative of redemption and restoration that is central to the biblical story. The verse serves as a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people and the importance of community and heritage in the life of faith.743 (1 Occurrence)

Ezra 2:25
The children of Kiriath Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three.
(See NAS NIV)

743 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 743 (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:25 The children of Kiriath
Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/743.htm - 6k

736 (2 Occurrences)

/num/736.htm - 6k

745 (1 Occurrence)

/num/745.htm - 6k

Nahum (3 Occurrences)
... dwelt there. Nahum, Book of. Nahum prophesied, according to some, in the
beginning of the reign of Ahaz (BC 743). Others, however ...
/n/nahum.htm - 21k

Jotham (26 Occurrences)
... of the kingdom in his father's stead (2 Chronicles 26:21, 23; 27:1). After his father's
death he became sole monarch, and reigned for sixteen years (BC 759-743...
/j/jotham.htm - 25k

Micah (54 Occurrences)
... BC 759-698), then he ministered for about fifty-nine years; but if we reckon from
the death of Jotham to the accession of Hezekiah (BC 743-726), his ministry ...
/m/micah.htm - 38k

Ahaz (42 Occurrences)
... is stated to have been 25 years of age when he began to reign 16 years after (2
Kings 18:2). If the accession of Ahaz be placed as early as 743 BC, his ...
/a/ahaz.htm - 43k

Armenia (2 Occurrences)
... But in his son's reign Tiglath-pileser IV (748-727 BC: Pul) crushed the Armenians
to the dust in a great battle near Commagene in 743. ...
/a/armenia.htm - 21k

Amos (12 Occurrences)
... years before the earthquake." Both these monarchs had long reigns, that of Uzziah
extending from 779 to 740 BC and that of Jeroboam II from 783 to 743 BC If we ...
/a/amos.htm - 44k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus