Ezra 2:24
the descendants of Azmaveth, 42;
the men of Azmaveth
The phrase "the men of Azmaveth" refers to the descendants or inhabitants of a place named Azmaveth. In Hebrew, Azmaveth means "strong as death" or "death is strong," which can be seen as a reflection of the resilience and enduring spirit of its people. Azmaveth is mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as in Nehemiah 7:28, indicating its significance during the post-exilic period. Historically, Azmaveth was a town in the territory of Benjamin, and its mention here highlights the return of its people from Babylonian exile. This return signifies a restoration of identity and heritage, as the people of Azmaveth reclaim their place in the Promised Land, fulfilling God's promise of restoration and hope.

42
The number "42" represents the count of the men from Azmaveth who returned from exile. Numerically, 42 is not a large number, yet it holds significance in the context of the remnant returning to Jerusalem. Each individual counted in this number is a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people through the Babylonian captivity. The small number also emphasizes the humble beginnings of the restoration process, reminding us that God often works through remnants and small beginnings to accomplish His greater purposes. This encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about His plans, even when circumstances seem insignificant or challenging.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Azmaveth
A place or possibly a person from which a group of returnees to Jerusalem originated. The name Azmaveth means "strong as death" in Hebrew, indicating a place or person of significance or strength. It is one of the towns or families listed in the genealogical record of those returning from the Babylonian exile.

2. The Returnees
The 42 men mentioned in this verse are part of the larger group of Israelites returning to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylonian captivity. This return was a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land.

3. The Exile
The Babylonian exile was a significant event in Jewish history where the Israelites were taken captive by the Babylonians. The return from exile marks a period of restoration and rebuilding for the Jewish people.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Small Numbers
The mention of 42 men from Azmaveth reminds us that God values faithfulness, regardless of the size of the group. Even small numbers can have a significant impact in God's plan.

The Importance of Heritage
The genealogical records in Ezra highlight the importance of knowing one's heritage and identity in God's account. This can encourage believers to understand their spiritual heritage and identity in Christ.

God's Faithfulness to Restore
The return from exile is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust in God's promises for restoration and renewal in their own lives.

Community and Belonging
The returnees from Azmaveth were part of a larger community working towards a common goal. This emphasizes the importance of community and belonging in the body of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. What significance does the small number of returnees from Azmaveth have in the larger account of Israel's restoration?

2. How does understanding our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ impact our daily walk with God?

3. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in restoring areas of our lives that have been broken or lost?

4. How can we contribute to the community of believers, even if we feel like our contributions are small?

5. What lessons can we learn from the returnees' commitment to rebuilding their community and worship practices after the exile?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 7:28
This verse also lists the men of Azmaveth among those who returned, providing a parallel account to Ezra's list and emphasizing the importance of these genealogical records in the restoration of Israel.

1 Chronicles 12:3
Azmaveth is mentioned as one of David's mighty warriors, suggesting a possible connection or lineage that highlights the valor and strength associated with the name.

Isaiah 11:11-12
This prophecy speaks of the Lord gathering the remnant of His people from various lands, including Babylon, which connects to the theme of return and restoration found in Ezra.
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
42, Az'maveth, Forty, Forty-two, 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

Links
Ezra 2:24 NIV
Ezra 2:24 NLT
Ezra 2:24 ESV
Ezra 2:24 NASB
Ezra 2:24 KJV

Ezra 2:24 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Ezra 2:23
Top of Page
Top of Page