1 Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;
2 Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mizpar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
3 The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
4 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.
5 The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.
6 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.
7 The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
8 The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.
9 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.
10 The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.
11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.
12 The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two.
13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.
14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.
15 The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.
16 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.
18 The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.
19 The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.
20 The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.
21 The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.
22 The men of Netophah, fifty and six.
23 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
24 The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.
25 The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.
26 The children of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.
27 The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.
28 The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
29 The children of Nebo, fifty and two.
30 The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.
31 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
32 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.
33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.
34 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
35 The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.
36 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.
37 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
38 The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
39 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
40 The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.
41 The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.
42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.
43 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
44 The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,
45 The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub,
46 The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,
47 The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,
48 The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,
49 The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,
50 The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,
51 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,
52 The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,
53 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,
54 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
55 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,
56 The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,
57 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.
58 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.
59 And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:
60 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.
61 And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:
62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.
63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.
64 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,
65 Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.
66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;
67 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:
69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.
70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.
The second chapter of the book of Ezra in the KJV Holy Bible continues the story of the return of the Israelites from exile in Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. This chapter lists the names and numbers of the families who returned to Jerusalem and their contributions to the rebuilding of the temple. It also mentions the priests and Levites who were part of the return and their roles in the temple service. The main themes of this chapter include the restoration of the people of Israel, the importance of community and unity, and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling his promises.
The first verse of this chapter sets the scene by stating "Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city." This verse reminds us that this is a continuation of the story of the Israelites who were taken into captivity by the Babylonians and are now returning to their homeland. It also emphasizes the theme of restoration, as the exiles are returning to their city and their land.
The rest of the chapter is a detailed list of the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem, along with the number of people in each family. This list is significant because it shows the fulfillment of God's promise to restore his people, as he had promised in the book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). It also highlights the importance of each individual in the community, as they all have a role to play in the restoration of Israel.
One of the main themes of this chapter is the importance of community and unity in the restoration of Israel. The families listed in this chapter were not just individuals returning to their homeland, but a community coming together to rebuild their city and their temple. This is emphasized by the fact that each family is listed by name and their contributions to the rebuilding are recorded.
Furthermore, we see that the people of Israel were not alone in their efforts. In verse 2, we are told that "the priests, the Levites, and some of the people" returned to Jerusalem. This shows that the priests and Levites, who were responsible for the spiritual well-being of the people, were also part of the return. This highlights the importance of both physical and spiritual restoration in the rebuilding of Israel.
The unity and community among the people of Israel is also evident in their contributions to the rebuilding of the temple. In verse 68, it is mentioned that "they gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments." This shows that everyone, regardless of their social status or wealth, contributed to the rebuilding according to their ability. This unity and communal effort were crucial in the successful completion of the temple.
Another significant theme in this chapter is the faithfulness of God in fulfilling his promises. As mentioned earlier, the return of the exiles to Jerusalem was a fulfillment of God's promise to restore his people after their period of exile. This is a reminder that God is faithful to his word and will fulfill his promises in his perfect timing.
Moreover, the fact that the temple was being rebuilt is a testament to God's faithfulness. The temple was not just a physical structure, but it represented the presence of God among his people. The fact that the temple was being rebuilt after it had been destroyed by the Babylonians is a sign of God's faithfulness and his desire to dwell among his people once again.
In addition, the contributions of the people towards the rebuilding of the temple also show their faith in God's promise of restoration. They were willing to give of their resources and time because they believed that God would fulfill his promise and restore their land and their temple. This faith in God's promises is a crucial aspect of the rebuilding of Israel and is a significant theme in this chapter.
The second chapter of the book of Ezra holds several meanings and lessons for us today. One of the main lessons is the importance of community and unity in achieving a common goal. The people of Israel came together as a community to rebuild their temple, and this unity was essential in the successful completion of the project. This serves as a reminder for us today to put aside our differences and work together towards a common goal.
Moreover, the chapter also highlights the importance of faith in God's promises. The people of Israel trusted in God's promise of restoration, and their faith was reflected in their actions and contributions towards the rebuilding of the temple. Today, we can learn from their example and have faith in God's promises, knowing that he is faithful and will fulfill his promises in his perfect timing.
Furthermore, the chapter also emphasizes the faithfulness of God. Just as he was faithful to his promise of restoration for the people of Israel, he is faithful to us today. We can trust in his faithfulness and rely on him to fulfill his promises in our lives.
In conclusion, the second chapter of the book of Ezra in the KJV Holy Bible is a significant chapter that highlights the restoration of the people of Israel, the importance of community and unity, and the faithfulness of God. It serves as a reminder for us today to have faith in God's promises, work together in unity towards a common goal, and trust in God's faithfulness in our lives.
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