So the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants, along with some of the people, settled in their own towns; and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns. So the priestsThe term "priests" refers to the descendants of Aaron, who were set apart for the sacred duties of the temple. In Hebrew, the word is "kohen," which signifies one who mediates between God and man. The priests played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual life of Israel, offering sacrifices, and teaching the Law. Their return to Jerusalem signifies a restoration of proper worship and religious order, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership in the community. the Levites
The Levites, from the tribe of Levi, were appointed to assist the priests in their duties. The Hebrew word "Levi" means "joined" or "attached," reflecting their role in supporting the priesthood and maintaining the temple. Historically, the Levites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and later the temple, including its music and rituals. Their inclusion in the return highlights the restoration of worship practices and the importance of service in the house of God. the singers
Singers were an integral part of temple worship, responsible for leading the congregation in praise and worship. The Hebrew term "sharim" denotes those who sing or chant. Music was a vital component of Israelite worship, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere and aiding in the expression of devotion to God. The return of the singers underscores the renewal of joyful worship and the celebration of God's faithfulness. the gatekeepers
Gatekeepers, or "sho'arim" in Hebrew, were tasked with guarding the entrances to the temple, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter. Their role was crucial in maintaining the sanctity and order of the temple. The presence of gatekeepers among the returnees highlights the importance of vigilance and purity in worship, as well as the protection of sacred spaces. the temple servants
The temple servants, known as "Nethinim" in Hebrew, were a group assigned to assist the Levites in the more menial tasks of the temple. Their name means "given" or "dedicated," indicating their devoted service to God. The inclusion of the temple servants in the return emphasizes the value of humble service and the diverse roles necessary for the functioning of the community of faith. along with certain of the people
This phrase indicates that not only the religious leaders and temple workers returned, but also a portion of the general population. The Hebrew term "am" refers to the people or nation, signifying the collective identity of Israel. Their return represents the re-establishment of the community and the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land. and the rest of the Israelites
The mention of "the rest of the Israelites" suggests that the return was not limited to a select few but included a broader representation of the nation. This phrase underscores the unity and inclusivity of the return, as all tribes and families were welcomed back to their heritage. It reflects the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan for His people. settled in their own towns
The act of settling in their own towns signifies the restoration of normalcy and stability for the Israelites. The Hebrew word "yashab" means to dwell or inhabit, indicating a return to everyday life and the re-establishment of community structures. This settlement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Israelites, rooted in their ancestral lands and guided by their renewed commitment to God. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their promised inheritance. Persons / Places / Events 1. PriestsThese were the descendants of Aaron, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple rituals. 2. LevitesMembers of the tribe of Levi, who assisted the priests and had various roles in temple service. 3. SingersIndividuals designated to lead worship through music and song in the temple. 4. GatekeepersThose tasked with guarding the entrances to the temple, ensuring its sanctity and security. 5. Temple ServantsAlso known as the Nethinim, these were non-Israelites who served in various capacities in the temple. 6. IsraelitesThe broader community of God's chosen people, who returned from exile to resettle in their ancestral lands. Teaching Points The Importance of Community RolesEach group mentioned in Ezra 2:70 had a specific role in the community, highlighting the importance of diverse gifts and responsibilities within the body of Christ. Restoration and WorshipThe return to their towns signifies a restoration of worship and community life, reminding us of the importance of returning to God and re-establishing our spiritual practices. Unity in DiversityThe passage illustrates how different groups worked together for a common purpose, teaching us the value of unity in diversity within the church. Faithfulness in ServiceThe dedication of the priests, Levites, and others to their roles encourages us to be faithful in our service to God, regardless of our position. Heritage and IdentityThe Israelites' return to their towns underscores the significance of heritage and identity, prompting us to consider our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. What roles do you see in your church or community that parallel those mentioned in Ezra 2:70, and how can you contribute to them? 2. How does the concept of restoration in Ezra 2:70 inspire you to restore or renew areas of your spiritual life? 3. In what ways can the unity and diversity seen in this passage be applied to strengthen your local church community? 4. Reflect on a time when you were faithful in a seemingly small role. How did that experience impact your spiritual growth? 5. How does understanding your spiritual heritage and identity in Christ influence your daily life and decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 7:73This verse parallels Ezra 2:70, listing the same groups of people who settled in their towns, emphasizing the continuity and unity of the community. 1 Chronicles 9:2Chronicles the return of the Israelites, highlighting the roles of priests, Levites, and temple servants, showing the importance of these roles in re-establishing worship. Psalm 84:10Reflects the value and honor of serving in the house of the Lord, which can be related to the roles of gatekeepers and temple servants. 1 Peter 2:9Describes believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the Old Testament roles to the New Testament understanding of the church's identity. 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 Along, Cities, Doorkeepers, Door-keepers, Dwell, Dwelt, Gatekeepers, Israelites, Jerusalem, Levites, Music-makers, Nethinim, Nethinims, Places, Porters, Priests, Rest, Servants, Settled, Singers, Temple, Towns, VicinityDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 2:70 5324 gatekeepers
5433 occupations 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 ScriptureThe 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 2:70 NIVEzra 2:70 NLTEzra 2:70 ESVEzra 2:70 NASBEzra 2:70 KJV
Ezra 2:70 Commentaries
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