Lexical Summary Amiy: Ami Original Word: אָמִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ami An abbrev. For 'Amown; Ami, an Israelite -- Ami. see HEBREW 'Amown Topical Lexicon Etymology and SenseAmi carries the sense “my people,” deriving from the common covenant formula in which the Lord declares His ownership and care for Israel. The choice of such a name for a family group emphasizes covenant identity: even those once on the margins are claimed as God’s own. Biblical Occurrence Ezra 2:57 alone records the name: “the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pokereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Ami.” (Berean Standard Bible) Historical Setting The verse belongs to Ezra’s register of those who returned from Babylonian captivity in approximately 538 BC under Zerubbabel. The list focuses on temple servants—families attached to Levitical duties whose forefathers had been assigned by Solomon to assist in the house of God (Ezra 2:55-58). Their presence in the repatriation underscores a comprehensive restoration: not merely priests and laymen but every stratum necessary for full temple ministry. Relationship to Solomon’s Servants and the Nethinim Ami is grouped with “the descendants of Solomon’s servants,” a class distinct from the Nethinim yet serving parallel support roles. Originating from Gentile subjugates incorporated during Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 9:20-21), these families had become hereditary temple aides. That they are enumerated alongside Israelite clans centuries later shows covenant inclusion transcending ethnic origin when tied to the worship of Yahweh. Textual Note The parallel census in Nehemiah 7:59 reads “Amon” instead of “Ami.” The consonantal text differs by one letter, suggesting either a scribal transposition or dialectal variation. The disparity in no way affects doctrine, yet it highlights the meticulous preservation through which minor copyist variations are easily traced. Ministry and Theological Significance 1. Covenant Mercy: By bestowing the name “my people” upon temple servants of likely foreign descent, Scripture exhibits the gracious sweep of God’s covenant, foreshadowing the later ingathering of the nations (Isaiah 56:6-7; Ephesians 2:11-19). 2. Servanthood Model: Ami’s descendants accepted humble yet necessary duties. Their faithfulness encourages believers to embrace unseen or less-honored ministries within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:22-25). 3. Restoration Theme: Their appearance in the first wave of returnees affirms that effective worship after exile required complete staffing according to divine pattern. Every believer’s gift is vital for corporate restoration and revival. Christological Reflection The name “my people” ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ, through whom God forms one redeemed people from Jews and Gentiles (John 11:52; Titus 2:14). Ami’s inclusion in a list headed toward temple rebuilding anticipates the Messiah who would declare, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18), a temple of living stones (1 Peter 2:4-10). Practical Applications • Encourage local congregations to honor support ministries—administration, maintenance, hospitality—without which public worship falters. Ami, though mentioned once, illustrates how the Lord remembers and records every servant essential to His worship, ensuring that none who bear His name are forgotten in His redemptive story. Forms and Transliterations אָמִֽי׃ אמי׃ ’ā·mî ’āmî aMiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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