What is the meaning of Ezra 2:34?

The men of Jericho

“the men of Jericho,” (Ezra 2:34)

• This phrase identifies a distinct family group within the first wave of exiles who “came up from Babylon” (Ezra 2:1–2).

• Jericho, once leveled under Joshua (Joshua 6:20–26) yet later rebuilt (1 Kings 16:34), lay in Benjamin’s territory (Joshua 18:21). Their return shows God’s power to revive a place once under judgment and fulfills promises of restoration to ancestral towns (Jeremiah 29:14; 31:23).

• Their presence underscores the breadth of the return—people from outlying towns as well as Jerusalem (Ezra 2:70).

• These same men will help repair Jerusalem’s wall (Nehemiah 3:2), modeling renewed covenant loyalty.

• God’s faithfulness embraces entire communities, reminding us that no past defeat cancels future service.

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345

“345;” (Ezra 2:34)

• The exact figure affirms Scripture’s historic reliability; every individual is counted (Exodus 30:12; Numbers 1:2).

• Nehemiah 7:36 repeats the identical number, confirming textual consistency.

• Though small beside some clans, this remnant fulfills Isaiah 10:21–22: “A remnant will return.” Size never limits God (Judges 7:7; Zechariah 4:10).

• Such totals function as legal proof of family claims to land and temple service (Numbers 26:52–56).

• The precision highlights God’s personal knowledge of His people—“even the hairs of your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:7).

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summary

Ezra 2:34 records that 345 descendants from the ancient city of Jericho joined the first return under Zerubbabel. The verse shows that God restores specific communities, counts every person, and invites even a once-cursed city to share in His rebuilding work.