The Census of Returnees refers to the detailed lists of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylonian captivity, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. These censuses are significant for understanding the restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their ancestral homeland.

Biblical Context

The return from exile was a pivotal moment in Jewish history, fulfilling the prophetic promises of restoration after seventy years of captivity, as foretold by the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). The Persian King Cyrus the Great issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). This event marked the beginning of the post-exilic period and the restoration of Jewish religious and social life.

The Census in Ezra

The book of Ezra provides the first detailed account of the returnees. Ezra 2:1-70 lists the families and individuals who returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The list includes the heads of families, the number of men in each family, and the total number of returnees, which amounted to 42,360, not including servants and singers. The passage also notes the contributions made for the rebuilding of the temple.

Ezra 2:64-65 states: "The whole assembly numbered 42,360, in addition to their 7,337 menservants and maidservants, as well as their 200 male and female singers."

The Census in Nehemiah

Nehemiah 7:5-73 provides a parallel account of the census, which closely resembles the list in Ezra. Nehemiah, upon his arrival in Jerusalem, found the city in disrepair and the people disorganized. He was moved by God to gather the nobles, officials, and people to be registered by genealogy. The list in Nehemiah serves to confirm the earlier record in Ezra and underscores the continuity and faithfulness of the returnees in re-establishing their community.

Nehemiah 7:66-67 echoes the numbers found in Ezra: "The whole assembly numbered 42,360, in addition to their 7,337 menservants and maidservants, as well as their 245 male and female singers."

Significance

The Census of Returnees is significant for several reasons:

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The return to Jerusalem fulfilled the prophetic words of Jeremiah and Isaiah, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

2. Restoration of Identity: The detailed genealogical records helped the Israelites re-establish their tribal and familial identities, which were crucial for maintaining the purity of the priesthood and the community.

3. Rebuilding of the Temple: The census highlights the collective effort and resources pooled together for the reconstruction of the temple, which was central to Jewish worship and identity.

4. Community Organization: The lists provided a framework for organizing the community, distributing land, and re-establishing social and religious order in accordance with the Law of Moses.

5. Historical Record: The census serves as a historical document, preserving the names and numbers of those who took part in this significant event, thus ensuring their legacy in the history of Israel.

The Census of Returnees is a testament to the resilience and faith of the Jewish people, as well as the providential hand of God guiding the restoration of His chosen nation.