the descendants of Arah, 775; the descendants of ArahThe phrase "the descendants of Arah" refers to the lineage of a man named Arah. In Hebrew, "Arah" (אָרַח) can mean "wayfarer" or "traveler," suggesting a possible characteristic of the family or its progenitor. This lineage is part of the genealogical record of those who returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. The inclusion of Arah's descendants in this list highlights the importance of family heritage and continuity in the Jewish faith. It underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land, emphasizing the faithfulness of God to His covenant with Israel. The mention of specific families also serves to authenticate the historical record, providing a tangible connection to the past and a sense of identity and belonging for the returning exiles. 775 Persons / Places / Events 1. ArahArah is the head of a family or clan that returned from the Babylonian exile. The name "Arah" means "wayfarer" or "traveler," which may symbolize the journey of faith and return to the promised land. 2. The Return from Exile This event marks the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, a significant moment in Jewish history that fulfills God's promise of restoration. 3. The Exiles The group of people mentioned in this passage are part of the larger community of Israelites who were taken into captivity in Babylon and are now returning to rebuild their lives and the temple in Jerusalem. Teaching Points Faithfulness in Small DetailsThe inclusion of specific family names and numbers in Ezra 2:5 highlights the importance of each individual in God's plan. God values every person and their role in His redemptive history. The Importance of Heritage Understanding one's spiritual heritage can strengthen faith and identity. Just as the descendants of Arah were part of a larger account, Christians today are part of the ongoing account of God's people. God's Faithfulness to His Promises The return from exile is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Believers can trust that God will fulfill His promises in their lives as well. Community and Restoration The collective return of the exiles emphasizes the importance of community in spiritual restoration and rebuilding. Christians are called to support and encourage one another in their faith journeys. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the inclusion of specific family names, like the descendants of Arah, teach us about God's attention to detail and care for individuals?2. How can understanding our spiritual heritage and lineage strengthen our faith and identity as Christians? 3. In what ways does the return from exile demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our personal lives? 4. How can we, as a community of believers, support one another in our spiritual journeys and in times of restoration? 5. What are some practical ways we can remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in our lives, similar to how the Israelites remembered their return from exile? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 7:10This verse also lists the descendants of Arah among those who returned, showing consistency in the records of the returning exiles. 1 Chronicles 9:1-3 Chronicles provides a broader context of the genealogies and the importance of maintaining the lineage and heritage of the Israelites. Isaiah 11:11-12 This prophecy speaks of the Lord gathering the remnant of His people from various lands, including Babylon, which connects to the return of the exiles.
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 775, Hundred, Seven, Seventy, Seventy-five, 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 2:5 NIVEzra 2:5 NLT Ezra 2:5 ESV Ezra 2:5 NASB Ezra 2:5 KJV Ezra 2:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |