Ezra 2:11
the descendants of Bebai, 623;
the descendants of Pahath-moab
This phrase refers to a specific family lineage within the Israelite community. "Pahath-moab" is a compound name, with "Pahath" meaning "governor" or "ruler" and "Moab" referring to the region east of the Dead Sea, historically inhabited by the Moabites. The Moabites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and often had a contentious relationship with Israel. The inclusion of this family in the list of returnees highlights the diverse backgrounds of those who returned from Babylonian exile. It underscores the unity and restoration of the people of Israel, as they come together to rebuild their nation and worship in Jerusalem, despite their varied ancestries and past conflicts.

2,812
This number signifies the count of individuals from the family of Pahath-moab who returned to Jerusalem. The precision of this number reflects the meticulous record-keeping of the time, emphasizing the importance of each family and individual in the restoration process. It also illustrates the significant size of this family group, indicating their potential influence and contribution to the rebuilding efforts. Historically, such detailed genealogical records were crucial for maintaining tribal and family identities, especially after the disruption of the exile. This enumeration serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises, as each person counted is a living witness to the continuity of God's covenant with Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pahath-moab
This name means "governor of Moab" and refers to a family or clan that returned from the Babylonian exile. The name suggests a connection to Moab, a region east of the Dead Sea, indicating possible historical ties or influence.

2. Jeshua
A leader among the returning exiles, often associated with the priestly line. Jeshua played a significant role in the rebuilding of the temple and the spiritual restoration of the people.

3. Joab
Another leader or family head mentioned in the lineage of Pahath-moab. The name Joab is common in the Old Testament, often associated with leadership and military prowess.

4. The Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity, a significant moment of restoration and renewal for the nation of Israel.

5. The Census of the Exiles
The listing of names and numbers in Ezra 2 serves as a record of those who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, emphasizing the continuity of God's people and His faithfulness to His promises.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Heritage
The detailed genealogies remind us of the importance of our spiritual heritage and God's faithfulness through generations. We are encouraged to honor and continue the legacy of faith in our own families.

Role of Leadership
Leaders like Jeshua and Joab played crucial roles in guiding the people during times of transition. We are called to support and pray for our leaders as they navigate challenges and lead us in faith.

Restoration and Renewal
The return from exile symbolizes God's power to restore and renew His people. In our lives, God can bring restoration from spiritual exile and renew our hearts and communities.

Commitment to Worship
The returning exiles prioritized the rebuilding of the temple, showing their commitment to worship. We are reminded to prioritize our relationship with God and communal worship in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of specific genealogies in Ezra 2 teach us about the importance of heritage and identity in our faith journey?

2. How can we support and encourage our spiritual leaders, drawing inspiration from the roles of Jeshua and Joab in the restoration of Israel?

3. In what ways can we experience and participate in God's work of restoration and renewal in our personal lives and communities today?

4. How does the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple challenge us to prioritize worship and obedience in our daily lives?

5. What connections can we draw between the faithfulness of God to the exiles in Ezra and His faithfulness to us in our current circumstances?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 7
This chapter provides a parallel account of the returnees, including the descendants of Pahath-moab, highlighting the consistency and importance of these records in the restoration account.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles also lists genealogies and the return from exile, emphasizing the importance of heritage and God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

Ezra 3
The rebuilding of the altar and the temple foundation by the returning exiles, including those from Pahath-moab, demonstrates their commitment to restoring worship and obedience to God.
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
623, Be'bai, Hundred, Six, Sons, Twenty, Twenty-three
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

Links
Ezra 2:11 NIV
Ezra 2:11 NLT
Ezra 2:11 ESV
Ezra 2:11 NASB
Ezra 2:11 KJV

Ezra 2:11 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Ezra 2:10
Top of Page
Top of Page