Ezra 2:60
the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 652 in all.
The descendants of Delaiah
The name "Delaiah" in Hebrew means "Yahweh has drawn" or "Yahweh has delivered." This name reflects a deep connection to God, suggesting that the family lineage was one that recognized the sovereignty and deliverance of God. Historically, the descendants of Delaiah were among those who returned from the Babylonian exile, a significant event that marked a new beginning for the Israelites. This return was not just a physical journey but a spiritual renewal, emphasizing the faithfulness of God in restoring His people.

The descendants of Tobiah
"Tobiah" means "Yahweh is good" in Hebrew. This name is a testament to the goodness of God, a central theme throughout the Bible. The inclusion of Tobiah's descendants in the list of returnees highlights the diverse backgrounds of those who were part of the restoration community. It serves as a reminder that God's goodness extends to all who seek Him, regardless of their past, and that His plans for His people are always for their ultimate good.

The descendants of Nekoda
The name "Nekoda" is less clear in its meaning, but it is believed to mean "distinguished" or "marked." This could imply a family that was set apart for a specific purpose or role within the community. The mention of Nekoda's descendants underscores the importance of every family and individual in the collective mission of rebuilding and reestablishing the nation of Israel. It is a call to recognize that each person has a unique contribution to make in the work of God.

652 in all
The specific number "652" signifies the total count of these families returning to Jerusalem. Numbers in the Bible often carry symbolic weight, and while this number may not have a specific symbolic meaning, it represents the tangible reality of God's promise being fulfilled. The precision of this count reflects the meticulous care with which God orchestrates His plans. It serves as an encouragement that God is attentive to the details of our lives and that He values each individual within His grand design.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Delaiah
A family group listed among those returning from the Babylonian exile. Their name means "Yahweh has drawn" or "Yahweh has delivered."

2. Tobiah
Another family group mentioned in the list of returnees. The name Tobiah means "Yahweh is good."

3. Nekoda
A family group whose descendants are also listed among the returnees. The meaning of Nekoda is uncertain, but it is a name that appears in other genealogical records.

4. Babylonian Exile
The period during which the Israelites were exiled to Babylon, following the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. The return from exile marks a significant event in Jewish history, symbolizing restoration and renewal.

5. Return to Jerusalem
The event of the Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and restore their community and worship practices.
Teaching Points
Importance of Identity and Heritage
The listing of families in Ezra 2:60 underscores the importance of knowing one's identity and heritage. In a spiritual sense, Christians are encouraged to understand their identity in Christ and their place in God's family.

Faithfulness in Uncertainty
Despite the uncertainty of their lineage, these families returned to Jerusalem, demonstrating faithfulness and commitment to God's promises. Believers today are called to trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances are unclear.

Community Restoration
The return from exile was not just about individual families but the restoration of the entire community. Christians are reminded of the importance of community and working together to rebuild and restore the church and society.

God's Sovereignty in History
The return of the exiles illustrates God's sovereignty in orchestrating historical events for His purposes. Believers can take comfort in knowing that God is in control of history and their personal lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What significance does the listing of family names in Ezra 2:60 have for understanding the identity and heritage of the Jewish people?

2. How can we apply the faithfulness of the returning exiles to our own lives when facing uncertain situations?

3. In what ways does the restoration of the Jewish community after the exile parallel the restoration work God is doing in the church today?

4. How does understanding our spiritual identity in Christ help us navigate challenges in our personal and communal lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's sovereignty in your life. How did it impact your faith and trust in Him?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 7:62
This verse parallels Ezra 2:60, listing the same families among those who returned from exile. It highlights the importance of genealogical records in maintaining the identity and heritage of the Jewish people.

Ezra 2:59
The preceding verse discusses those who could not prove their ancestry, emphasizing the importance of lineage and identity in the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 9:1
Chronicles the genealogies of the Israelites, underscoring the significance of family lineage and heritage in the biblical account.
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
Delaiah, Delai'ah, Fifty, Fifty-two, Hundred, Nekoda, Neko'da, Six, Sons, Tobiah, Tobi'ah, Tobijah
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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