Ezra 2:57
the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Ami.
the descendants of Shephatiah
The name "Shephatiah" is derived from the Hebrew root "shaphat," meaning "to judge." This name reflects a lineage that may have been associated with leadership or judicial roles within the community. Historically, the descendants of Shephatiah were among those who returned from the Babylonian exile, a significant event that marked the restoration of the Jewish people to their homeland. This return was not just a physical journey but a spiritual renewal, emphasizing God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises.

the descendants of Hattil
The name "Hattil" is less common, and its exact meaning is uncertain, though it may be related to a word meaning "to dig" or "to explore." This could symbolize a family known for their industriousness or exploration, perhaps in spiritual or intellectual pursuits. The inclusion of Hattil's descendants in the list underscores the diversity of the returning exiles, each family contributing uniquely to the rebuilding of the nation. It serves as a reminder that every individual and family has a role in God's redemptive plan.

the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim
This name is quite unique and complex, possibly meaning "the potter of the gazelles" or "the snare of the gazelles." The imagery of a potter suggests creativity and craftsmanship, while "gazelles" could symbolize grace and beauty. The descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim may have been known for their artistic contributions or their ability to capture the beauty of God's creation. Their return highlights the importance of art and beauty in worship and community life, reflecting the creativity of the Creator Himself.

and the descendants of Ami
The name "Ami" is thought to mean "my people" or "trustworthy." This designation emphasizes the communal aspect of the returning exiles, as they were not just individuals but part of a collective identity as God's chosen people. The descendants of Ami represent the faithfulness and trustworthiness required to rebuild and restore the community. Their inclusion in the list serves as an inspiration for believers to remain steadfast and reliable in their service to God and others.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shephatiah
A name meaning "Yahweh has judged." This name appears multiple times in the Bible, often associated with different individuals. In this context, it refers to a family returning from Babylonian exile.

2. Hattil
A lesser-known name in the Bible, representing a family or clan among the returning exiles. The name's meaning is not explicitly clear but is part of the genealogical record in Ezra.

3. Pochereth-hazzebaim
This name is unique and likely refers to a family or group of people. The name itself is complex, possibly meaning "the potter of the gazelles," indicating a trade or characteristic of the family.

4. Ami
Another name listed among the returning exiles. Like Hattil, it is not widely mentioned elsewhere, but it signifies the importance of each family in the restoration of Israel.

5. The Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity, a significant moment in Jewish history where they began to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage helps us appreciate God's faithfulness through generations. Just as the Israelites valued their genealogies, Christians can value their spiritual lineage in Christ.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return from exile is a testament to God's promise-keeping nature. He restores and rebuilds, offering hope to those who feel displaced or lost.

Every Individual Matters
The detailed genealogies show that every person and family is significant in God's plan. No one is overlooked in His kingdom.

Community and Identity
The returning exiles were not just individuals but part of a community with a shared identity. Christians are called to live in community, supporting and building one another up.

Trust in God's Timing
The return from exile happened in God's perfect timing. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing for their own lives and circumstances.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the genealogies in Ezra 2:57 enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness to His people?

2. In what ways can we see God's hand in restoring and rebuilding areas of our lives today, similar to the return from exile?

3. How can we apply the concept of valuing our spiritual heritage in our daily walk with Christ?

4. What lessons can we learn from the detailed records of individuals and families in the Bible about our own significance in God's plan?

5. How can we foster a sense of community and shared identity within our church or Christian fellowship, drawing from the example of the returning exiles?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 7
This chapter provides a parallel account of the list of exiles returning to Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of genealogical records in maintaining the identity and heritage of the Jewish people.

1 Chronicles 9
Chronicles also lists genealogies, underscoring the continuity of God's people and His faithfulness in preserving them through generations.

Isaiah 11:11-12
This prophecy speaks of the Lord gathering the remnant of His people from various lands, including Babylon, highlighting God's redemptive plan and faithfulness.
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
Ami, Hattil, Hazzebaim, Pochereth, Pochereth-hazzebaim, Po'chereth-hazzeba'im, Pokereth-hazzebaim, Shephatiah, Shephati'ah, Sons, Zebaim
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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