Ezra 2:52
the descendants of Bazluth, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha,
the descendants
The term "descendants" in this context refers to the lineage or progeny of a particular family or clan. In Hebrew, the word used is "בְּנֵי" (benei), which means "sons of" or "children of." This highlights the importance of family heritage and continuity in the Jewish tradition. The listing of descendants underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, ensuring that their lineage would continue and play a role in His divine plan. It also reflects the communal identity of the Israelites, where family and tribal affiliations were central to their social and religious life.

of Bazluth
Bazluth is a name that appears in the genealogical records of those returning from the Babylonian exile. The name itself is of uncertain origin, but it is significant as it represents one of the families or groups that were part of the restoration community. The mention of Bazluth in this list serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God in preserving His people through the exile and bringing them back to their homeland. Historically, these genealogical records were crucial for re-establishing the community in Jerusalem and ensuring that the people could reclaim their ancestral lands and fulfill their roles in the rebuilding of the temple and the city. The inclusion of Bazluth in this list is a reminder of the diverse and inclusive nature of God's people, where each family, regardless of its size or prominence, has a place in the unfolding account of redemption.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bazluth
A family or clan mentioned among the Nethinim, who were temple servants returning from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The Nethinim were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple.

2. The Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, led by Zerubbabel, as they sought to rebuild the temple and restore their community.

3. The Nethinim
A group of temple servants who played a crucial role in the functioning of the temple. Their inclusion in the list highlights the importance of every member in the community, regardless of their specific role.
Teaching Points
The Value of Every Role
The inclusion of the descendants of Bazluth among the Nethinim reminds us that every role in the body of Christ is valuable. Just as the Nethinim were essential to temple service, each believer has a unique contribution to make in the church.

Faithfulness in Service
The Nethinim's dedication to their duties, despite their seemingly minor role, teaches us the importance of faithfulness in whatever task God has given us. Our service, no matter how small, is significant in God's eyes.

Community Restoration
The return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple illustrate the importance of community and collective effort in restoring and maintaining spiritual life. We are called to work together in unity for the growth and health of the church.

Heritage and Identity
The mention of specific families and clans, like Bazluth, underscores the importance of heritage and identity in God's plan. Our spiritual heritage in Christ gives us a sense of belonging and purpose.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the role of the Nethinim about serving in the church today, and how can we apply this to our own lives?

2. How does the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple parallel the restoration work God does in our lives through Christ?

3. In what ways can we ensure that every member of our church community feels valued and essential, similar to the inclusion of the Nethinim in temple service?

4. How does understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ influence our identity and purpose as believers?

5. Reflect on a time when you served in a seemingly minor role. How did God use that experience to teach you about faithfulness and the value of every task in His kingdom?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 7:54
This verse also lists the descendants of Bazluth among the Nethinim, reinforcing their role and presence in the post-exilic community.

1 Chronicles 9:2
This passage provides context for the roles of the Nethinim and other groups who returned to Jerusalem, emphasizing the restoration of religious practices.

Ezra 8:20
This verse mentions the Nethinim again, highlighting their continued service and dedication to the temple work.
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
Bazluth, Harsha, Mehida, Mehi'da, 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

Links
Ezra 2:52 NIV
Ezra 2:52 NLT
Ezra 2:52 ESV
Ezra 2:52 NASB
Ezra 2:52 KJV

Ezra 2:52 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Ezra 2:51
Top of Page
Top of Page