Ezra 2:27
the men of Michmash, 122;
the men of Michmash
The phrase "the men of Michmash" refers to the inhabitants of a town called Michmash, which is located in the territory of Benjamin, north of Jerusalem. Historically, Michmash is significant in several biblical narratives. It was the site of a notable battle during the time of King Saul, where Jonathan, Saul's son, achieved a remarkable victory over the Philistines (1 Samuel 13-14). The Hebrew root of Michmash, "מִכְמָשׂ" (Mikmash), suggests a place of hidden treasures or stores, which may reflect its strategic military importance. The mention of Michmash in Ezra 2:27 highlights the continuity of the Jewish community's connection to their ancestral lands, even after the Babylonian exile. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their heritage.

122
The number "122" indicates the count of men from Michmash who returned from the Babylonian exile. This specific enumeration underscores the meticulous record-keeping and the importance of each individual in the restoration of the Jewish community. In the broader context of Ezra 2, these numbers reflect the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their land. The precision of the count also emphasizes the value of each person in God's plan, reminding us that every individual has a role in the unfolding of divine purposes. The return of these 122 men signifies a step towards the re-establishment of worship and community life in Jerusalem, illustrating the collective effort required to rebuild and renew the covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Michmas
A town in the territory of Benjamin, mentioned in the context of the return of the exiles. It is significant in biblical history as a site of military importance, notably in the time of King Saul and Jonathan (1 Samuel 13-14).

2. The Men of Michmas
This refers to the group of 122 men who returned from the Babylonian exile to rebuild their lives in their ancestral homeland. Their inclusion in the list underscores the importance of each family and community in the restoration of Israel.

3. The Return from Exile
This event marks a pivotal moment in Jewish history when the Israelites, having been exiled to Babylon, were allowed to return to Jerusalem and Judah to rebuild the temple and restore their community.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Community
The mention of the men of Michmas highlights the value of each community in God's plan. Every group, no matter how small, plays a role in the larger account of restoration and redemption.

Faithfulness in Small Numbers
The relatively small number of returnees from Michmas (122) serves as a reminder that God values faithfulness over numbers. Even a small group can have a significant impact when aligned with God's purposes.

Historical Continuity
The return of the exiles to places like Michmas underscores the continuity of God's promises. Despite the exile, God remained faithful to His covenant with Israel, ensuring the restoration of His people.

Personal and Communal Restoration
Just as the men of Michmas returned to rebuild their community, believers today are called to participate in the restoration of their own lives and communities, aligning with God's redemptive work.
Bible Study Questions
1. What significance does the town of Michmas hold in biblical history, and how does this enhance our understanding of Ezra 2:27?

2. How does the return of the men of Michmas reflect God's faithfulness to His promises, and what can we learn from this about His character?

3. In what ways can small groups or communities today contribute to the larger mission of the Church, similar to the men of Michmas?

4. How does the concept of restoration in Ezra 2:27 apply to personal spiritual growth and renewal in the life of a believer?

5. What other biblical events or prophecies involving Michmas can deepen our understanding of its role in Israel's history and God's plan?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 13-14
Michmas is mentioned as a strategic location during the conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines, highlighting its historical significance.

Nehemiah 7:31
This verse parallels Ezra 2:27, listing the men of Michmas among those who returned, emphasizing the continuity and importance of these records in the restoration account.

Isaiah 10:28
Michmas is mentioned in a prophecy concerning the Assyrian invasion, indicating its geographical and strategic importance.
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
122, Michmas, Twenty, Twenty-two
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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