Ezra 2:3
the descendants of Parosh, 2,172;
the descendants of Parosh
The phrase "the descendants of Parosh" refers to one of the family groups that returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. The name "Parosh" means "flea" in Hebrew, which might seem insignificant, yet it highlights the humble beginnings of many who were part of the restoration of Israel. This family is mentioned first among the lay families, indicating their prominence or perhaps their eagerness to return and rebuild. Historically, the return from exile was a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people, and each family played a crucial role in this divine plan. The mention of specific families underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in Jewish culture, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people.

2,172
The number "2,172" represents the members of the Parosh family who returned. This precise number reflects the meticulous record-keeping of the time, which was essential for maintaining tribal and family identities. In a broader sense, it signifies the faithfulness of God in preserving His people through the exile and bringing them back to their homeland. Each individual counted in this number was part of the fulfillment of prophecy and the re-establishment of Israel. The large size of this group also suggests the strength and commitment of the Parosh family to the task of rebuilding their nation, both physically and spiritually. This enumeration serves as a reminder of the collective effort required in the work of God and the importance of each person's contribution to the community of faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Parosh
Parosh is the name of a family or clan that returned from the Babylonian exile. The name means "flea" in Hebrew, which may indicate humility or insignificance in the eyes of the world, yet they are significant in God's plan.

2. The Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem and Judah, as decreed by King Cyrus of Persia. It is a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land.

3. The Census
The listing of the descendants of Parosh is part of a larger census recorded in Ezra 2, which details the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem. This census underscores the importance of community and identity among God's people.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Small Things
The descendants of Parosh, though seemingly insignificant, are recorded in Scripture. This teaches us that God values faithfulness, regardless of our status or size.

The Importance of Community
The detailed census in Ezra 2 emphasizes the importance of community and belonging. As believers, we are part of a spiritual family and should value our place within it.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The return from exile is a testament to God's faithfulness. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in our lives, even when circumstances seem bleak.

Identity in Christ
Just as the Israelites had a clear identity as God's people, we too have an identity in Christ. Understanding who we are in Him is crucial for living out our faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of the descendants of Parosh in the biblical record teach us about God's view of significance and faithfulness?

2. How does the return from exile in Ezra 2 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our personal walk with God?

3. In what ways can we foster a sense of community and belonging within our local church, similar to the community of returnees in Ezra 2?

4. How can understanding our identity in Christ help us navigate challenges and uncertainties in life?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in fulfilling a promise. How can this testimony encourage others in your faith community?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 7
This chapter also lists the descendants of Parosh among those who returned, highlighting the continuity and faithfulness of God's people across different periods.

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 return from exile.

Jeremiah 29:10-14
God's promise to bring His people back after 70 years of exile is fulfilled in the return described 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
2, 172, Parosh, Seventy, Seventy-two, 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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