Ezra 2:16
the descendants of Ater (through Hezekiah), 98;
the descendants of Ater
The phrase "the descendants of Ater" refers to a specific family lineage within the Israelite community. The name "Ater" in Hebrew means "left-handed" or "bound," which may indicate a unique characteristic or historical significance of this family. In the context of the return from Babylonian exile, the mention of Ater's descendants highlights the importance of family heritage and continuity in the restoration of Israel. This lineage is part of the broader narrative of God's faithfulness in preserving His people through generations, despite the challenges of exile and dispersion.

(through Hezekiah)
The parenthetical note "(through Hezekiah)" suggests a connection to a notable figure, possibly King Hezekiah of Judah, known for his faithfulness and reforms. This connection may imply a noble or respected heritage, underscoring the significance of this family in the post-exilic community. Historically, Hezekiah was a king who sought to restore proper worship and reliance on God, which aligns with the themes of renewal and restoration in the book of Ezra. The mention of Hezekiah serves as a reminder of the legacy of faith and leadership that continues to influence the returning exiles.

98
The specific number "98" indicates the count of individuals from the family of Ater who returned to Jerusalem. This precise enumeration reflects the careful record-keeping and organization of the returning exiles, emphasizing the importance of each family and individual in the rebuilding of the nation. The number also signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their land, as each person represents a part of the larger community being restored. In a spiritual sense, this count reminds believers of the value God places on each person and the role they play in His divine plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ater
Ater is a family name mentioned in the genealogical records of those returning from the Babylonian exile. The name "Ater" means "left-handed" or "maimed" in Hebrew, indicating perhaps a physical characteristic or a notable ancestor.

2. Hezekiah
This is likely a reference to a descendant of King Hezekiah, a righteous king of Judah known for his reforms and trust in God. The connection to Hezekiah may indicate a noble lineage or a family that maintained faithfulness to God during the exile.

3. The Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem, as decreed by King Cyrus of Persia. It was a significant moment of restoration and rebuilding for the Jewish community.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness Across Generations
The mention of Ater through Hezekiah highlights the importance of maintaining faithfulness to God across generations. Families today can strive to pass down a legacy of faith and trust in God.

The Significance of Heritage
Understanding one's spiritual heritage can provide encouragement and a sense of identity. Believers are encouraged to explore their spiritual lineage and draw strength from the faith of those who have gone before.

Restoration and New Beginnings
The return from exile symbolizes God's ability to restore and renew. In our lives, God offers new beginnings and opportunities for restoration, no matter our past circumstances.

The Role of Community in God's Plan
The collective return of families and individuals underscores the importance of community in God's redemptive plan. Believers are called to participate actively in their faith communities, supporting and encouraging one another.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the mention of Ater through Hezekiah in Ezra 2:16 inspire you to consider your own spiritual heritage and legacy?

2. In what ways can the faithfulness of King Hezekiah serve as a model for your personal walk with God today?

3. How does the return from exile in Ezra 2 reflect God's faithfulness and ability to restore? Can you identify areas in your life where you need God's restoration?

4. What role does community play in your spiritual journey, and how can you contribute to the strengthening of your faith community?

5. How can understanding the historical and genealogical context of biblical passages enhance your study and application of Scripture in daily life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Kings 18-20
These chapters provide the historical background of King Hezekiah, highlighting his faithfulness and reforms in Judah. This connection underscores the importance of maintaining faithfulness to God, as seen in the lineage of Ater through Hezekiah.

Nehemiah 7:21
This verse parallels Ezra 2:16, listing the same family among those who returned. It emphasizes the continuity and importance of genealogical records in preserving the identity and heritage of the Jewish people.

Isaiah 37:14-20
This passage recounts Hezekiah's prayer for deliverance from the Assyrians, demonstrating his reliance on God. It serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and trust in God's deliverance.
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
98, Eight, Family, Hezekiah, Hezeki'ah, Namely, Ninety, Ninety-eight, Sons
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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