the descendants of Uzza
The name "Uzza" is associated with several individuals in the Old Testament, but here it refers to a family group returning from Babylonian exile. The name means "strength" or "power," which may reflect the character or aspirations of this family. In the context of the return from exile, the descendants of Uzza were part of the larger group of Israelites who were re-establishing their identity and religious practices in Jerusalem. This return was a fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people after the Babylonian captivity, as prophesied in Jeremiah 29:10-14. The inclusion of Uzza's descendants highlights the diverse makeup of the returning exiles, emphasizing that God's covenant community was being reconstituted with a variety of families and tribes.

the descendants of Paseah
The name "Paseah" means "limping" or "lame," which might have been a descriptive name or a family characteristic. This family is also mentioned in Nehemiah 3:6, where a member of the Paseah family is involved in the repair of the Old Gate during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This connection underscores the active role that the descendants of Paseah played in the physical and spiritual restoration of Jerusalem. Their participation in the rebuilding efforts reflects the broader theme of renewal and redemption that runs throughout the post-exilic period. The return from exile and the rebuilding of the city and temple were seen as acts of faithfulness to God's covenant, and the descendants of Paseah contributed to this significant period in Israel's history.

the descendants of Besai
The name "Besai" is less common, and its meaning is uncertain, though it may be related to the word for "egg" or "swelling." The descendants of Besai are listed among the temple servants in Ezra 2:43-54, indicating their role in supporting the religious functions of the temple. This group, known as the Nethinim, was responsible for various tasks related to temple worship and maintenance. Their inclusion in the list of returnees highlights the importance of worship and the centrality of the temple in the life of the post-exilic community. The descendants of Besai, like other temple servants, played a crucial role in re-establishing the sacrificial system and religious practices that were central to Israel's identity as God's chosen people. This reflects the broader biblical theme of service and dedication to God's purposes, which is exemplified in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45).

1. Uzza
A name that appears in the genealogical records of the returning exiles. The name "Uzza" is derived from the Hebrew root (oz), meaning "strength" or "might." This could symbolize the strength of the people in maintaining their identity and faith during the exile.

2. Paseah
Another family listed among the returning exiles. The name "Paseah" comes from the Hebrew root (pasach), which can mean "lame" or "limping." This might reflect a humble or weakened state, yet they are part of the restoration process.

3. Besai
A family group mentioned in the list of exiles. The name "Besai" is less clear in its meaning but is part of the collective memory and identity of the returning community.The Importance of Heritage
The genealogies in Ezra remind us of the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage. Just as the Israelites valued their lineage, Christians are encouraged to understand their spiritual ancestry in Christ.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return of the exiles is a testament to God's faithfulness. Despite their past, God restores His people, which is a powerful reminder of His grace and mercy in our lives.

Strength in Weakness
The names listed, such as Paseah, remind us that God often uses those who are weak or humble to accomplish His purposes. Our limitations can be opportunities for God's strength to be displayed.

Community and Identity
The collective return of these families highlights the importance of community in the journey of faith. We are called to support and encourage one another as we walk with God.1. What is the meaning of Ezra 2:49?

2. How does Ezra 2:49 highlight the importance of community in God's plan?

3. What can we learn from the descendants of "Uzza" about faithfulness?

4. How does Ezra 2:49 connect to the broader theme of restoration in Ezra?

5. In what ways can we support our church community like those in Ezra 2:49?

6. How does understanding lineage in Ezra 2:49 deepen our appreciation for biblical history?

7. What is the significance of the "descendants of Hanan" in Ezra 2:49?

8. How does Ezra 2:49 contribute to understanding Israel's post-exilic community?

9. Why are specific family names, like in Ezra 2:49, important in biblical genealogies?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 2?

11. What role does Iran play in biblical prophecy?

12. Isaiah 49:8 depicts a grand restoration--how does this align with historical records of Israel's exiles and returns that appear less triumphant?

13. Is there archaeological evidence to confirm or refute the specific clans and numbers listed in Ezra 2:1-70?

14. Isaiah 49:23 envisions kings bowing to Israel--can this be historically validated or is it purely metaphorical myth?The descendants of Uzza

“the descendants of Uzza” (Ezra 2:49) are counted among the temple servants who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel.

• Their inclusion confirms that God preserved even the least–known families during the exile, just as He promised in passages like Jeremiah 29:10–14.

• Temple servants (see Ezra 2:43–54) were essential support staff for the priests and Levites, paralleling duties outlined for the Levite gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 23:28–32.

• By choosing to leave the comfort of Babylon and embrace a hard rebuilding work in Jerusalem, these descendants mirrored the faith expressed in Psalm 84:10, “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.”

• Their record assures us that no act of service is forgotten by God (Hebrews 6:10) and challenges us to view behind–the–scenes ministry as eternally significant.

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The descendants of Paseah

The next group listed is “the descendants of Paseah.”

• Nehemiah 3:6 mentions a Joiada son of Paseah who helped repair Jerusalem’s Old Gate, suggesting that members of this clan quickly engaged in hands-on restoration.

• Their example underlines a recurring biblical pattern: returning to God involves both worship and practical obedience (Haggai 1:7-8).

• By recording their family name, God underscores that covenant faithfulness is often lived out through ordinary people whose zeal strengthens the whole community (Romans 12:4-8).

• Their willingness to identify with God’s people rather than remain in exile echoes Moses’ choice in Hebrews 11:24-26.

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The descendants of Besai

Finally, Ezra notes “the descendants of Besai.”

• This family reappears in the parallel census of Nehemiah 7:52, confirming the reliability of both records.

• In Nehemiah 10:15–29 members of this clan seal the renewed covenant, pledging obedience to the Law—evidence that they not only returned physically but also recommitted spiritually.

• Their story illustrates Joshua 24:15 in action: entire households choosing to serve the LORD.

• God’s meticulous record-keeping assures future generations that their heritage is rooted in real history, not myth (Luke 3:23-38).

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summary

Ezra 2:49, though brief, spotlights three families—Uzza, Paseah, and Besai—whose names testify that God values every servant. Their presence in the post-exile census proves His faithfulness to preserve a remnant, honors those who traded comfort for covenant duty, and invites us to embrace humble, wholehearted service, confident that the Lord sees and remembers each deed done for His glory.

Parallel Commentaries ...

the descendants
בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Uzza,
עֻזָּ֥א (‘uz·zā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5798: Uzza -- four Israelites

the descendants
בְנֵי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Paseah,
פָסֵ֖חַ (p̄ā·sê·aḥ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6454: Paseah -- 'limper', three Israelites

the descendants
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Besai,
בֵסָֽי׃ (ḇê·sāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1153: Besai -- one of the Nethinim


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OT History: Ezra 2:49 The children of Uzza the children (Ezr. Ez)