Ezra 2:18
the descendants of Jorah, 112;
the descendants of Jorah
This phrase refers to the lineage or family group associated with an individual named Jorah. In the Hebrew context, the term "descendants" is often translated from the word "בְּנֵי" (benei), which means "sons of" or "children of." This indicates a familial or tribal connection, emphasizing the importance of heritage and lineage in Jewish culture. The name "Jorah" itself is not widely mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, suggesting that this group may not have been prominent in other historical records. However, the inclusion of Jorah's descendants in this list highlights the comprehensive nature of the genealogical records in Ezra, which aimed to document all those returning from the Babylonian exile. This reflects the biblical theme of restoration and the re-establishment of the people of Israel in their homeland, underscoring God's faithfulness in preserving His people through generations.

112
The specific number "112" signifies the count of individuals from the family of Jorah who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from the Babylonian exile. Numbers in biblical texts often carry significance, and while this number does not have a specific symbolic meaning, it represents the precision and care with which the returning exiles were documented. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the importance of each family and individual in the restoration process. It also reflects the broader biblical narrative of God’s attention to detail and His care for each person within the community of believers. The inclusion of such specific numbers in the genealogical records serves as a reminder of the personal nature of God's covenant with His people, where every individual is known and valued.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jorah
Jorah is listed as the head of a family or clan among the Israelites returning from Babylonian exile. The name "Jorah" is of Hebrew origin, possibly meaning "autumn rain" or "early rain," which can symbolize renewal and blessing.

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 significant moment of restoration and rebuilding for the Israelites.

3. The Census of Returnees
Ezra 2 provides a detailed census of the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem. This list underscores the importance of community and continuity of the Israelite identity and heritage.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Small Details
The inclusion of specific family names and numbers, like the descendants of Jorah, highlights the importance of each individual in God's plan. God values every person and their contribution to His work.

The Importance of Heritage and Identity
The genealogies remind us of the significance of knowing our spiritual heritage and identity. As Christians, we are part of a spiritual lineage that traces back to the early church and the people of Israel.

God's Sovereignty in Restoration
The return from exile is a testament to God's faithfulness and sovereignty. He orchestrates events and uses people, even those outside the faith, to accomplish His purposes.

Community and Unity in Rebuilding
The collective effort of the returnees to rebuild Jerusalem teaches us the importance of unity and collaboration in the body of Christ. We are called to work together for the Kingdom of God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of specific family names, like the descendants of Jorah, teach us about God's view of individuals within His community?

2. How can understanding our spiritual heritage and identity as Christians impact our daily walk with God?

3. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in our lives today, similar to how He orchestrated the return from exile?

4. How can we contribute to the unity and rebuilding of our local church community, drawing parallels from the returnees' efforts in Jerusalem?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt like a small part of a larger plan. How does Ezra 2:18 encourage you to see the value in your role within God's Kingdom?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 7
This chapter parallels Ezra 2, providing another account of the returnees. It emphasizes the importance of recording and remembering those who were faithful in returning to rebuild Jerusalem.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles also lists genealogies and the return from exile, highlighting the continuity of God's people and His faithfulness in preserving them.

Isaiah 44:28
This prophecy speaks of Cyrus, who would decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem, showing God's sovereignty in using foreign rulers to fulfill His purposes.
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
112, Jorah, Sons, Twelve
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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