Ezra 2:14
the descendants of Bigvai, 2,056;
the descendants of Bigvai
The phrase "the descendants of Bigvai" refers to a specific family lineage that returned from the Babylonian exile. The name "Bigvai" is of Persian origin, suggesting that this family may have had significant interactions or status during the Persian period. Historically, Bigvai is also mentioned in Ezra 8:14, where he is noted as one of the leaders who returned with Ezra. This highlights the importance of family and lineage in the post-exilic community, emphasizing the continuity of God's people despite the disruption of exile. Theologically, it underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises to restore them to their land.

2,056
The number "2,056" represents the count of individuals from the family of Bigvai who returned to Jerusalem. This specific enumeration reflects the meticulous record-keeping of the returning exiles, which was crucial for re-establishing the community and its tribal and familial structures. In a broader scriptural context, numbers in the Bible often signify completeness or divine order. The precise recording of these numbers serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their homeland. It also illustrates the collective effort and unity required to rebuild the nation, as each family contributed to the restoration of Israel's identity and religious life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bigvai
Bigvai is a name mentioned in the context of the return of the exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. The descendants of Bigvai were part of the group that returned to rebuild the temple and restore the community in Jerusalem. The name Bigvai appears in other parts of Ezra and Nehemiah, indicating a family or clan of some significance during the post-exilic period.

2. Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity, a significant moment in Jewish history. It represents a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land after a period of judgment and exile.

3. Rebuilding of the Temple
The returnees, including the descendants of Bigvai, were part of the effort to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. This was a central focus of the return, symbolizing the restoration of worship and the covenant relationship with God.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Small Details
The mention of specific families and numbers, like the descendants of Bigvai, underscores the importance of each individual's role in God's plan. God values every person and their contribution to His work.

God's Sovereignty and Promise
The return from exile is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Despite the challenges and the long period of waiting, God orchestrated the return at the right time.

Community and Cooperation
The rebuilding of the temple required the collective effort of many families and individuals. This teaches the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving God's purposes.

Legacy and Influence
The descendants of Bigvai remind us of the impact one family can have over generations. Our faithfulness today can influence future generations in their walk with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of specific families, like the descendants of Bigvai, in the list of returnees teach us about God's view of individuals and families in His plan?

2. How does the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises? Can you think of other biblical examples where God fulfilled His promises?

3. In what ways can we contribute to the "rebuilding" efforts in our own communities or churches today, similar to the descendants of Bigvai?

4. How does understanding the historical context of the return from exile enhance our appreciation of God's sovereignty and timing?

5. Reflect on your own family or community. How can you ensure that your legacy is one of faithfulness and commitment to God's purposes, similar to the descendants of Bigvai?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 8
Bigvai is mentioned again in Ezra 8, where a group led by him returns to Jerusalem with Ezra. This connection highlights the ongoing commitment of Bigvai's descendants to the restoration efforts.

Nehemiah 7
The list of returnees in Nehemiah 7 mirrors that of Ezra 2, reinforcing the importance of these families in the rebuilding process and the continuity of God's plan for His people.

Isaiah 44:28
This verse speaks of Cyrus, who allowed the Jews to return and rebuild Jerusalem. It connects to the broader theme of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in orchestrating the return from exile.
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
2, 56, Bigva'i, Fifty, Fifty-six, Six, Sons, Thousand
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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