Ezra 2:70
New International Version
The priests, the Levites, the musicians, the gatekeepers and the temple servants settled in their own towns, along with some of the other people, and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns.

New Living Translation
So the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, the Temple servants, and some of the common people settled in villages near Jerusalem. The rest of the people returned to their own towns throughout Israel.

English Standard Version
Now the priests, the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants lived in their towns, and all the rest of Israel in their towns.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

New King James Version
So the priests and the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

New American Standard Bible
Now the priests and the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

NASB 1995
Now the priests and the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers and the temple servants lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

NASB 1977
Now the priests and the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Legacy Standard Bible
So the priests and the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Amplified Bible
So the priests, the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants settled in their [own] cities, and all Israel [gradually settled] into their cities.

Christian Standard Bible
The priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, and some of the people settled in their towns, and the rest of Israel settled in their towns.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, and some of the people settled in their towns, and the rest of Israel settled in their towns.

American Standard Version
So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Contemporary English Version
Everyone returned to the towns from which their families had come, including the priests, the Levites, the musicians, the temple guards, and the workers.

English Revised Version
So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The priests, the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants settled in their own cities. All the other Israelites settled in their own cities.

Good News Translation
The priests, the Levites, and some of the people settled in or near Jerusalem; the musicians, the Temple guards, and the Temple workers settled in nearby towns; and the rest of the Israelites settled in the towns where their ancestors had lived.

International Standard Version
As a result, the priests, descendants of Levi, certain people, the singers, door-keepers, and the Temple Servants were able to settle in their original cities, with the rest of the Israelis in their cities.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
The priests, the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants lived in their towns, and all the rest of Israel lived in their towns.

New Heart English Bible
So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim, lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Webster's Bible Translation
So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

World English Bible
So the priests and the Levites, with some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants, lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the priests dwell, and the Levites, and of the people, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim, in their cities; even all Israel in their cities.

Young's Literal Translation
And the priests dwell, and the Levites, and of the people, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim, in their cities; even all Israel in their cities.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the priests dwelt, and the Levites, and from the people, and those singing, and those opening the gates, and the Nethinims, in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So the priests and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singing men, and the porters, and the Nathinites dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, the priests and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singing men, and the gatekeepers, and the temple servants lived in their cities, and all of Israel lived in their cities.

New American Bible
The priests, the Levites, and some of the people took up residence in Jerusalem; the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants settled in their cities. Thus all the Israelites settled in their cities.

New Revised Standard Version
The priests, the Levites, and some of the people lived in Jerusalem and its vicinity; and the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants lived in their towns, and all Israel in their towns.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So the priests and the Levites and some of the people and the temple ministers and the porters and the Nethanites and those who dwelt in their cities returned every man to his place, and all Israel to their cities.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Priests and the Levites, and some people, and some Ministers, and some Porters and Nethanites, and those who were dwelling in their towns returned, and all Israel, into their towns.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nathinim, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Offerings by the Exiles
69According to their ability, they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 priestly garments. 70So 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.

Cross References
Nehemiah 7:73
So the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants, along with some of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns. And by the seventh month the Israelites had settled in their towns.

Nehemiah 11:3
These are the heads of the provinces who settled in Jerusalem. (In the villages of Judah, however, each lived on his own property in their towns—the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants—

Nehemiah 11:20
The rest of the Israelites, with the priests and Levites, were in all the villages of Judah, each on his own inheritance.

Nehemiah 12:44-47
And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving. / They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. / For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. ...

Nehemiah 13:10-14
I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. / So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts, / and all Judah brought a tenth of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storerooms. ...

1 Chronicles 9:2-3
Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. / Some of the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem:

1 Chronicles 24:1-19
These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. / With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. ...

1 Chronicles 25:1-31
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. ...

1 Chronicles 26:12-19
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did. / They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. ...

2 Chronicles 31:2-19
Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling. / The king contributed from his own possessions for the regular morning and evening burnt offerings and for the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, as written in the Law of the LORD. / Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD. ...

2 Chronicles 35:2-5
He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD. / To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel. / Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and Solomon his son. ...

Matthew 23:1-3
Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: / “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Luke 10:1-2
After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit. / And He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.

Acts 6:1-7
In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ...

Acts 13:1-3
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. / While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.


Treasury of Scripture

So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelled in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Ezra 6:16,17
And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy, …

1 Chronicles 11:2
And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.

Nehemiah 7:73
So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.

etc.

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Ezra 2
1. The number that return of the people
36. of the priests
40. of the Levites
43. of the Nethinims
55. of Solomon's servants
61. of the priests who could not show their pedigree
64. The whole number of them, with their substance
68. Their offerings














So the priests
The 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.

(70) Some of the people.--Those of the people; placed by Nehemiah after all the others.

All Israel in their cities.--The emphasis lies in the fact that, though Judah and Benjamin contributed the largest part, it was a national revival; and the constant repetition of "in their cities" has in it the same note of triumph.

Verse 70. - In their cities. Not in Jerusalem only, but in the neighboring towns also, e.g. Bethlehem, Anathoth, Ramah, Gaba, Michmash, Bethel, Ai, Nebo, and Jericho (see above, comment on ver. 1). All Israel. Ezra very determinately puts forward this aspect of the return - that it was participated in by all the tribes (see 2:2; 3:1; 6:16, 17; 7:13; 8:29, 35, etc.). He does not, however, exclude the other aspect, that it was especially a return of Judah, or "Judah and Benjamin" (see Ezra 5:1; Ezra 10:9).



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So the priests,
הַכֹּהֲנִ֣ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

the Levites,
וְ֠הַלְוִיִּם (wə·hal·wî·yim)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

the singers,
וְהַמְשֹׁרְרִ֧ים (wə·ham·šō·rə·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 7891: To sing

the gatekeepers,
וְהַשּׁוֹעֲרִ֛ים (wə·haš·šō·w·‘ă·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7778: A gatekeeper

and the temple servants,
וְהַנְּתִינִ֖ים (wə·han·nə·ṯî·nîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5411: The Nethinim, Temple-servants

along with some
וּֽמִן־ (ū·min-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

of the people,
הָעָ֞ם (hā·‘ām)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

settled
וַיֵּשְׁב֣וּ (way·yê·šə·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in their own towns;
בְּעָרֵיהֶ֑ם (bə·‘ā·rê·hem)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

and the rest
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

of the Israelites
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

settled [in their towns].
בְּעָרֵיהֶֽם׃ (bə·‘ā·rê·hem)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement


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OT History: Ezra 2:70 So the priests and the Levites (Ezr. Ez)
Ezra 2:69
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