Ezra 2:54
the descendants of Neziah, and the descendants of Hatipha.
the descendants of Neziah
The phrase "the descendants of Neziah" refers to a specific family lineage among the returning exiles. The name "Neziah" is of Hebrew origin, and while not much is known about this particular family, their inclusion in the list signifies the importance of every family in the restoration of Israel. The Hebrew root of Neziah may suggest meanings related to "victory" or "conquest," which can be inspirationally interpreted as a reminder of God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land. Historically, the return from Babylonian exile was a monumental event, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating God's sovereignty and mercy. Each family, including Neziah's, played a role in the re-establishment of the Jewish community and worship in Jerusalem.

the descendants of Hatipha
Similarly, "the descendants of Hatipha" identifies another family group among the exiles. The name "Hatipha" is also of Hebrew origin, and like Neziah, specific details about this family are sparse. However, the mention of Hatipha underscores the comprehensive nature of the genealogical record in Ezra. The Hebrew root of Hatipha might be associated with meanings like "captive" or "seized," which could reflect the historical context of the Babylonian captivity. This serves as a poignant reminder of the trials faced by the Israelites and the redemptive power of God in restoring them. The inclusion of every family, regardless of their size or prominence, highlights the collective effort and unity required to rebuild the nation and the temple, emphasizing the theme of restoration and hope that runs throughout the book of Ezra.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Neziah
A family or clan mentioned among the exiles returning to Jerusalem. The name is not widely known outside of this context, indicating a lesser-known group within the larger community of returnees.

2. Hatipha
Another family or clan listed among those returning from Babylonian exile. Like Neziah, this group is not prominent in other biblical accounts, suggesting their humble status.

3. Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem, a significant moment of restoration and rebuilding for the nation of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Every Individual
Though Neziah and Hatipha are not prominent figures, their inclusion in the list highlights that every person matters in God's plan. No one is too insignificant in the eyes of God.

Faithfulness in Small Things
The mention of these lesser-known families encourages believers to remain faithful in their roles, no matter how small they may seem. God values faithfulness over prominence.

Restoration and Hope
The return from exile symbolizes God's faithfulness to His promises. It serves as a reminder that God can restore and bring hope even after periods of hardship and displacement.

Community and Identity
The genealogies underscore the importance of community and shared identity in the faith journey. Believers are part of a larger account and community that transcends individual experiences.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of lesser-known families like Neziah and Hatipha in Ezra 2:54 encourage you in your personal walk with God?

2. In what ways can you remain faithful in the "small things" in your life, and how does this reflect the faithfulness of the families listed in Ezra 2?

3. How does the return from exile in Ezra 2 parallel the concept of spiritual restoration in the New Testament?

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

5. How can the genealogies in Ezra and other parts of the Bible help us understand God's faithfulness and the continuity of His promises throughout history?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 1
The decree of Cyrus allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem sets the stage for the lists of returnees in Ezra 2, including the descendants of Neziah and Hatipha.

Nehemiah 7
This chapter provides a parallel list of returnees, reinforcing the importance of these genealogies in preserving the identity and heritage of the Jewish people.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles also records genealogies, emphasizing the continuity and faithfulness of God in preserving His people through generations.
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
Hatipha, Hati'pha, Neziah, Nezi'ah, 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 2:54 NIV
Ezra 2:54 NLT
Ezra 2:54 ESV
Ezra 2:54 NASB
Ezra 2:54 KJV

Ezra 2:54 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Ezra 2:53
Top of Page
Top of Page