Ezra 2:34
the men of Jericho, 345;
the men of Jericho
The phrase "the men of Jericho" refers to the descendants of those who originally inhabited the ancient city of Jericho. Jericho holds significant historical and theological importance in the Bible. It was the first city conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 6). The Hebrew root for Jericho, "Yeriho," is often associated with the word for "fragrance" or "moon," reflecting its lush environment and possibly its ancient lunar worship. The mention of Jericho here in Ezra signifies the restoration of a community that had a storied past, symbolizing God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their heritage. The men of Jericho, though few in number, represent the continuity of God's promises and the resilience of His people.

345
The number "345" indicates the count of the men from Jericho who returned from the Babylonian exile. Numerically, this figure may seem small, yet it is significant in the context of the remnant theology prevalent in the post-exilic period. The return of even a small group underscores the theme of restoration and hope. In biblical numerology, numbers often carry symbolic meaning. While 345 does not have a specific symbolic interpretation, the presence of a precise count highlights the meticulous record-keeping and the importance of each individual in God's redemptive plan. This enumeration serves as a reminder that God values each person and that every member of the community plays a vital role in the rebuilding of the nation and the re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Men of Jericho
This refers to the descendants or inhabitants of the ancient city of Jericho who returned from the Babylonian exile. Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and holds significant historical and biblical importance.

2. Return from Exile
The context of this verse is the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah, as decreed by King Cyrus of Persia. This was a pivotal moment in Jewish history, marking the restoration of the Jewish community in their homeland.

3. Ezra
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Ezra is the scribe and priest who played a crucial role in the spiritual and social restoration of the Jewish people during this period.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Restoration
The return of the men of Jericho is a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people. We can trust God to restore and rebuild areas of our lives that have been broken or lost.

Community and Identity
The mention of specific groups, like the men of Jericho, emphasizes the importance of community and identity in God's plan. We should value and contribute to our faith communities.

Historical Continuity
The return of the exiles connects the past with the present, reminding us that God's work in history is ongoing. We are part of a larger account that God is writing.

Obedience and Participation
The men of Jericho's return and later participation in rebuilding efforts show the importance of obedience and active participation in God's work. We are called to be active participants in God's mission today.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the return of the men of Jericho teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises?

2. How can we apply the concept of community and identity from this passage to our own faith communities today?

3. In what ways does the historical continuity of God's work, as seen in the return from exile, encourage us in our personal spiritual journeys?

4. How can we actively participate in the restoration and rebuilding of our communities, both spiritually and physically, as the men of Jericho did?

5. What other biblical accounts or passages remind you of God's faithfulness in restoring His people, and how can these accounts inspire your faith today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 6
The fall of Jericho under Joshua's leadership is a foundational account that highlights God's power and faithfulness. The return of the men of Jericho in Ezra 2:34 can be seen as a continuation of God's faithfulness to His people.

Nehemiah 3:2
This verse mentions the men of Jericho helping to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, showing their continued commitment to the restoration of their community.

Isaiah 43:5-7
These verses speak of God's promise to gather His people from the east and west, which is fulfilled in 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
345, Forty-five, Hundred, Jericho, 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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