Ezra 2:35
and the descendants of Senaah, 3,630.
the descendants of Senaah
This phrase refers to the lineage or family group that originated from a person or place named Senaah. In the Hebrew context, "descendants" (Hebrew: בְּנֵי, b'nei) often signifies not just direct offspring but a broader family or clan. Senaah is believed to be a location rather than an individual, possibly a town or region. Archaeological evidence suggests that Senaah might have been a place near Jerusalem, contributing to the understanding of the geographical distribution of the returning exiles. The mention of "descendants" emphasizes the continuity of God's people and His faithfulness in preserving their identity through generations, even during the Babylonian exile.

3,630
This specific number highlights the precision and care with which the returning exiles were recorded. In the context of the Book of Ezra, these numbers are not merely historical data but a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises. The detailed census underscores the importance of each individual in the collective restoration of Israel. Historically, such records were crucial for re-establishing tribal and familial lands and responsibilities. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder that every person counts in God's plan, and each has a role in the rebuilding of His community. The exactness of the number also reflects the order and structure that God desires for His people, encouraging believers to recognize their unique place and purpose within the body of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Senaah
A family or clan mentioned in the context of the Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem and Judah. The name Senaah is associated with a group of people who were part of the return from Babylonian captivity. The exact location of Senaah is not clearly identified, but it is believed to be a place or a family name.

2. The Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity to their homeland, as decreed by King Cyrus of Persia. It is a significant moment in Jewish history, symbolizing restoration and renewal.

3. The Census of the Exiles
Ezra 2 provides a detailed list of the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem and Judah. This census underscores the importance of community and identity among the returning exiles.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Community and Identity
The detailed census in Ezra 2 highlights the significance of community and identity among God's people. It reminds us of the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage and being part of a faith community.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return from exile is a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It encourages us to trust in God's timing and His plans for restoration in our own lives.

The Role of Every Individual in God's Plan
Each name and number in the census represents an individual who played a part in God's redemptive plan. This teaches us that every person has a role in the body of Christ and contributes to the fulfillment of God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of specific family names and numbers in Ezra 2 teach us about the value of each individual in God's eyes?

2. How can we apply the concept of community and identity from Ezra 2:35 to our local church or faith community today?

3. In what ways does the return from exile in Ezra reflect God's faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in times of waiting or uncertainty?

4. How does the parallel account in Nehemiah 7 enhance our understanding of the events described in Ezra 2?

5. Reflecting on Isaiah 11:11-12, how can we see God's hand in gathering and restoring His people in our current context?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 7
This chapter provides a parallel account of the census of the exiles, including the descendants of Senaah. It highlights the continuity and consistency in the records of those who returned.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles also lists the genealogies and the returnees, emphasizing the importance of heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

Isaiah 11:11-12
This prophecy speaks of the Lord gathering the remnant of His people from various lands, including Babylon, which connects to the theme of return and restoration seen in Ezra.
Spiritual SignificancesW. Clarkson Ezra 2:1-67
Men Forsaking the Worldly LifeJ.S. Exell Ezra 2:1-70
A Suggestive RecordWilliam Jones.Ezra 2:2-64
Religious ServiceWilliam Jones.Ezra 2:2-64
People
Akkub, Ami, Asaph, Asnah, Ater, Baanah, Bakbuk, Barkos, Barzillai, Bazluth, Besai, Bigvai, Bilshan, Darkon, Delaiah, Gahar, Gazzam, Giddel, Habaiah, Hagab, Hagabah, Hakkoz, Hakupha, Hanan, Harhur, Harsha, Hasupha, Hatipha, Hatita, Hattil, Hezekiah, Hodaviah, Immer, Israelites, Jaalah, Jedaiah, Jeshua, Joab, Jorah, Kadmiel, Keros, Koz, Lebanah, Mehida, Mehunim, Meunim, Mizpar, Mordecai, Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah, Nekoda, Nephusim, Neziah, Padon, Pahathmoab, Parosh, Paseah, Pashur, Peruda, Phaseah, Pochereth, Reaiah, Reelaiah, Rehum, Rezin, Seraiah, Shallum, Shalmai, Shephatiah, Shobai, Siaha, Sisera, Solomon, Sophereth, Sotai, Tabbaoth, Talmon, Thamah, Tobiah, Tobijah, Uzza, Zaccai, Zattu, Zerubbabel, Ziha
Places
Ai, Anathoth, Azmaveth, Babylon, Babylonia, Beeroth, Bethel, Bethlehem, Cherub, Geba, Hadid, Immer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Kiriath-arim, Lod, Michmas, Nebo, Netophah, Ono, Ramah, Tel-harsha, Tel-melah
Topics
3, 630, Senaah, Sena'ah, Six, Sons, Thirty, Thousand
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezra 2:1-65

     5249   census

Ezra 2:1-67

     7230   genealogies

Library
Altar and Temple
'And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 2. Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. 3. And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Apocalypse.
On the Lit. and life of John, see §§ 40 and 41 (this vol.); on the authorship of the Apoc. and the time of composition, § 37 (this vol.); § 41 (this vol.); and § 84 (this vol.) 1. Modern Critical, works of German and French scholars on the Apocalypse: Lücke (Voltständige Einleitung, etc., 2d ed., 1852; 1,074 pages of introductory matter, critical and historical; compare with it the review of Bleek in the "Studien and Kritiken" for 1854 and 1855); DeWette Com., 1848,
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Barzillai
BY REV. GEORGE MILLIGAN, M.A., D.D. "There is nothing," says Socrates to Cephalus in the Republic, "I like better than conversing with aged men. For I regard them as travellers who have gone a journey which I too may have to go, and of whom it is right to learn the character of the way, whether it is rugged or difficult, or smooth and easy" (p. 328 E.). It is to such an aged traveller that we are introduced in the person of Barzillai the Gileadite. And though he is one of the lesser-known characters
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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