Ezra 2:46
the descendants of Hagab, the descendants of Shalmai, the descendants of Hanan,
The descendants of Hagab
The name "Hagab" is derived from the Hebrew root "חגב" (chagab), which means "locust." In the context of ancient Israel, locusts were often seen as symbols of destruction and judgment, as they were one of the plagues sent upon Egypt. However, the mention of "descendants of Hagab" here is not to imply a negative connotation but rather to identify a specific family lineage among the returning exiles. This highlights the importance of family heritage and continuity in the post-exilic community, emphasizing the restoration of Israel's identity and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

The descendants of Shalmai
The name "Shalmai" is less clear in its etymology, but it is believed to be related to the Hebrew word "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), meaning "peace" or "completeness." This connection suggests a family associated with peace or wholeness, which is significant in the context of the return from exile. The returnees were rebuilding not just the physical structures of Jerusalem but also the spiritual and communal life of the nation. The inclusion of Shalmai's descendants underscores the hope for a restored and peaceful community under God's covenant.

The descendants of Hanan
The name "Hanan" comes from the Hebrew root "חנן" (chanan), meaning "to be gracious" or "to show favor." This name reflects the grace and favor of God upon His people, even in times of hardship and exile. The mention of Hanan's descendants serves as a reminder of God's enduring mercy and the graciousness extended to the Israelites as they returned to their homeland. It is a testament to the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises, encouraging believers to trust in His providence and grace.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hagab
A name listed among the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The Nethinim were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple.

2. Shalmai
Another name among the Nethinim. The Nethinim were likely descendants of the Gibeonites, who were assigned to serve the Levites as woodcutters and water carriers (Joshua 9).

3. Hanan
Also listed among the Nethinim. The inclusion of these names highlights the importance of every individual in the restoration of the temple and the community of Israel.
Teaching Points
The Value of Every Role
The listing of the Nethinim, including Hagab, Shalmai, and Hanan, underscores the value of every role in God's kingdom. No task is too small when it contributes to the worship and service of God.

Faithfulness in Service
The Nethinim's return from exile demonstrates their commitment to serving God despite their humble status. This calls us to be faithful in whatever capacity we serve.

God's Faithfulness
The preservation and return of the Nethinim illustrate God's faithfulness in keeping His promises and restoring His people. We can trust God to fulfill His promises in our lives.

Community Restoration
The rebuilding of the temple and the return of the Nethinim highlight the importance of community in worship and service. We are called to work together in unity for God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the inclusion of the Nethinim in the list of returnees about the importance of every member in the body of Christ?

2. How does the history of the Gibeonites as described in Joshua 9 inform our understanding of the role of the Nethinim?

3. In what ways can we demonstrate faithfulness in our service to God, regardless of the perceived significance of our role?

4. How does the return of the Nethinim from exile reflect God's faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our personal walk with God?

5. What steps can we take to foster a sense of community and unity in our local church, similar to the restoration efforts seen in Ezra and Nehemiah?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Joshua 9
The origin of the Nethinim can be traced back to the Gibeonites, who became temple servants as a result of their covenant with Israel.

Nehemiah 7
This chapter provides a parallel list of returnees, including the Nethinim, emphasizing the continuity and faithfulness of God in preserving His people.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles the genealogies and duties of the Levites and temple servants, providing context for the roles of the Nethinim.
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
Hagab, Hanan, Salmai, Shalmai, Shamlai, Sons
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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