the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743; the men of Kiriath-jearim,Kiriath-jearim stood near the Judah-Benjamin border and was one of the Gibeonite cities that entered covenant with Israel in Joshua’s day. The ark of the covenant remained there for many years after its return from Philistine territory, linking the city with Israel’s worship and call to renewed faithfulness under Samuel. Jos 15:9 From the hilltop the border curved to the spring… Chephirah, Chephirah belonged to the same Gibeonite confederation as Kiriath-jearim, Gibeon, and Beeroth. Though the Gibeonites gained their treaty through deception, Israel remained bound by its sworn covenant, demonstrating the seriousness of vows made before the Lord. Jos 18:26 Mizpeh, Chephirah, Mozah, and Beeroth, Beeroth was also a Benjaminite town associated with the Gibeonites. Its returning families helped restore communities that had endured exile, preserving the inherited places and identities through which God maintained His people. Jos 18:25 Gibeon, Ramah, Beeroth, 743; The recorded number testifies to the careful preservation of the returning community. Each household represented God’s faithfulness to bring His people back to the land and to reestablish worship, covenant life, and the promised future of Israel. Neh 7:29 the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743; Persons / Places / Events 1. Kiriath-jearimA city in the territory of Judah, known for being a resting place for the Ark of the Covenant before it was moved to Jerusalem by King David. It holds historical and religious significance in Israel's history. 2. Chephirah A city of the Gibeonites, who made a treaty with Israel during the conquest of Canaan. It was part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. 3. Beeroth Another city of the Gibeonites, also within the territory of Benjamin. It is mentioned in the context of the returnees from the Babylonian exile. Teaching Points Historical Continuity and FaithfulnessThe mention of these cities and their inhabitants underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving His people through history. Despite exile and displacement, the returnees are a testament to God's covenant promises. Significance of Community The listing of specific cities and their populations highlights the importance of community and identity in the restoration of Israel. It reminds us of the value of belonging to a faith community and contributing to its rebuilding and growth. God's Sovereignty in Redemption The return from exile is a powerful example of God's sovereignty and redemptive plan. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and purpose, even in difficult circumstances. Legacy and Heritage The return of these specific groups to their ancestral lands speaks to the importance of spiritual and cultural heritage. It challenges us to consider the legacy we are building and passing on to future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the inclusion of specific cities and their populations in Ezra 2:25 teach us about the importance of community in God's plan?2. How does the history of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth enhance our understanding of God's faithfulness to His people? 3. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the return of the exiles, and how can this encourage us in our personal faith journey? 4. How can the account of the Gibeonites in Joshua 9 inform our understanding of God's grace and mercy towards those who seek Him, even through imperfect means? 5. Reflecting on the legacy and heritage of the returnees, what steps can we take to ensure that we are building a lasting spiritual legacy for future generations? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 9This chapter details the account of the Gibeonites, including the cities of Chephirah and Beeroth, who deceived Joshua into making a peace treaty with them. This connection highlights the historical background of these cities and their inhabitants. 1 Samuel 7:1-2 These verses describe the Ark of the Covenant being brought to Kiriath-jearim, emphasizing the city's religious significance. Nehemiah 7:29 This passage parallels Ezra 2:25, listing the same cities and their inhabitants among those returning from exile, reinforcing the continuity of the Jewish community.
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, ZihaPlaces 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-melahTopics 743, Beeroth, Be-er'oth, Chephirah, Chephi'rah, Forty, Forty-three, Hundred, Jearim, Kephirah, Kiriath, Kir'iathar'im, Kiriath-arim, Kirjatharim, Kirjath-arim, Seven, SonsDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 2:1-65Library 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. Barzillai The Historical Books. The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah Ezra-Nehemiah Links Ezra 2:25 NIVEzra 2:25 NLT Ezra 2:25 ESV Ezra 2:25 NASB Ezra 2:25 KJV Ezra 2:25 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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