Ezra 2:38
the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247;
the descendants of Pashhur
The phrase "the descendants of Pashhur" refers to a specific family lineage within the priestly class returning from the Babylonian exile. The name "Pashhur" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "split" or "cleft," and is associated with a priestly family. Historically, Pashhur was a prominent priestly figure mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah, who opposed the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:1-6). This connection highlights the complexity of the priestly roles and their evolution over time. The descendants of Pashhur, despite their ancestor's opposition to prophetic messages, are now part of the restoration community, emphasizing God's grace and the opportunity for redemption and new beginnings.

1,247
The number "1,247" signifies the specific count of individuals from the family of Pashhur who returned to Jerusalem. This precise enumeration underscores the importance of each family and individual in the restoration of the Jewish community and the rebuilding of the Temple. In the context of the post-exilic period, such detailed records were crucial for re-establishing tribal and familial identities, which were essential for the reorganization of religious and social structures. The inclusion of this number in the biblical text reflects the meticulous nature of the chroniclers and the divine orchestration in the restoration process, reminding us that every person has a role in God's plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pashhur
Pashhur is a name associated with a priestly family. In the context of Ezra 2:38, it refers to the descendants of a priestly line returning from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. The name Pashhur appears in other parts of the Bible, often associated with priestly duties and sometimes with opposition to prophetic messages.

2. The Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, as decreed by King Cyrus of Persia. It is a significant moment in Jewish history, symbolizing restoration and renewal of worship in the temple.

3. The Census of the Returnees
Ezra 2 provides a detailed list of the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem. This census underscores the importance of community and continuity of the Jewish people and their religious practices.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
The mention of the descendants of Pashhur highlights the significance of maintaining spiritual and familial heritage. In a modern context, Christians are encouraged to value their spiritual lineage and the faith traditions passed down through generations.

Restoration and Renewal
The return from exile symbolizes God's faithfulness in restoring His people. Believers today can find hope in God's ability to restore and renew their lives, even after periods of spiritual exile or hardship.

Community and Identity
The detailed census in Ezra emphasizes the importance of community and collective identity. Christians are reminded of the value of being part of a faith community, where they can find support, accountability, and shared purpose.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of the descendants of Pashhur in the list of returnees tell us about the importance of family and heritage in the biblical account?

2. How can the account of the return from exile inspire us to seek restoration in our own lives and communities today?

3. In what ways does understanding our spiritual lineage and heritage impact our faith journey and identity as Christians?

4. How can we apply the principles of community and collective identity found in Ezra 2 to strengthen our local church or faith community?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a form of "exile" in your life. How did God bring about restoration, and what lessons did you learn from that experience?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 9:12
This verse mentions Pashhur in the context of priestly duties, providing a historical connection to the priestly lineage and their roles in temple service.

Jeremiah 20:1-6
Pashhur is mentioned as a priest who opposed Jeremiah, illustrating the complexities within the priestly families and their interactions with prophets.

Nehemiah 7:41
This passage parallels Ezra 2:38, listing the descendants of Pashhur among those who returned, reinforcing the continuity and importance of this family in the post-exilic community.
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
1, 247, Forty-seven, Hundred, Pashhur, Pashur, Seven, Sons, Thousand
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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