Compare Ezra 2:11 with Nehemiah 7:16. What differences or similarities exist? Purpose of the Two Lists - Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7 both record the census of returnees from Babylon, underscoring God’s faithfulness in preserving His people (cf. Jeremiah 29:10). - Ezra’s list reflects the first wave under Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2); Nehemiah’s list is copied some ninety years later when the wall is rebuilt (Nehemiah 7:5). Side-by-Side Comparison - Ezra 2:11 — “the sons of Bebai, six hundred twenty-three.” - Nehemiah 7:16 — “the sons of Bebai, six hundred twenty-eight.” Similarities • Both name the same family line: “sons of Bebai.” • Both numbers are in the same range, showing continuity of the clan over time. Difference • Ezra records 623 men; Nehemiah records 628 men—a variance of five. Explaining the Numerical Difference - Different Moments in Time • Nehemiah’s list is later; five additional men could easily be born, enroll, or be counted who were absent or too young in Ezra’s earlier record. - Separate Compilers, Same Source Material • Ezra likely used temple archives; Nehemiah drew from civic records (Nehemiah 7:5). Minor copy shifts can occur without affecting the truthfulness of Scripture, similar to parallel Gospel accounts that emphasize complementary details (cf. Matthew 8:28–34; Mark 5:1–20). - God’s Providential Increase • The small growth testifies that God steadily enlarged His remnant (Isaiah 37:31–32), even in adverse conditions. What This Teaches Us - Scripture’s precision is seen in listing both the family and specific numbers; yet the Bible also reflects real-life dynamics—families grow, records update. - Apparent discrepancies invite deeper study, revealing the harmony of accounts rather than contradiction (Proverbs 25:2). - God values individuals; every name and number matters to Him (Luke 12:7). Key Takeaways for Today • Trust the reliability of God’s Word; small numerical shifts do not undermine its authority but highlight its historical rootedness. • Celebrate God’s faithfulness in preserving His people generation after generation. • Remember that your name, like the sons of Bebai, is known to the Lord and included in His unfolding plan (Malachi 3:16). |
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