What is the meaning of Ezra 2:6? The descendants of Pahath-moab Ezra 2:6 begins, “the descendants of Pahath-moab…”. This clan name reminds us that returnees were counted by identifiable families, proving God preserved their lineage even in exile. The same family surfaces later when more men return with Ezra (Ezra 8:4) and when covenant signers pledge renewed obedience in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 10:14). Their repeated appearance underlines faithfulness: God kept His promise to “bring them back to this land” (Jeremiah 29:10) and they, in turn, kept their identity intact. Through the line of Jeshua and Joab The parenthetical note narrows the branch—“through the line of Jeshua and Joab.” Scripture often traces lines to show continuity of leadership and worship: Jeshua the high priest leads rebuilding worship in Ezra 3:2, and Joab’s name echoes a warrior heritage (2 Samuel 23:18). By linking this clan to recognizable forebears, the text highlights the way God knits past and present: the promise to the fathers (Isaiah 44:3) now touches their descendants who stand ready to rebuild altar, temple, and city walls. 2,812 Returned The verse ends with the precise tally “2,812.” Nehemiah’s parallel census records “2,818” (Nehemiah 7:11); the slight variance likely reflects two counts taken at different moments of the same restoration era—both accurate for their context, showing God’s care for every individual (compare Luke 12:7). Such an exact figure testifies that this is not myth but history. Each of those 2,812 lives fulfilled Isaiah 11:11, where the Lord promised a second gathering of His people. Their presence also contributes to the overall total of about 50,000 exiles returning (Ezra 2:64-65), enough hands to begin temple reconstruction (Ezra 3:8) and to repopulate Judah as foretold in Ezekiel 36:10. summary Ezra 2:6 records one family in God’s grand roll call of the restored remnant. By naming the descendants of Pahath-moab, specifying their ancestral line through Jeshua and Joab, and counting exactly 2,812 people, Scripture affirms that the Lord keeps covenant, preserves identity, and values every individual He brings home. |
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