Ezra 2:6
the descendants of Pahath-moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab), 2,812;
the descendants of Pahath-moab
Pahath-moab is a name that means "governor of Moab," indicating a possible connection to the region of Moab, east of the Dead Sea. This suggests that the family may have had historical ties or administrative roles in that area. The mention of Pahath-moab in the context of the return from Babylonian exile highlights the diverse backgrounds of the returning exiles. This group is also listed in Nehemiah 7:11, showing consistency in the records of those who returned to Jerusalem.

(through the line of Jeshua and Joab)
Jeshua and Joab are likely leaders or notable figures within the family of Pahath-moab. Jeshua is a common name in the post-exilic period, often associated with leadership, as seen in the high priest Jeshua who returned with Zerubbabel. Joab, another common name, may indicate a warrior or leader, reminiscent of King David's military commander. The mention of these names suggests a structured lineage and leadership within the group, emphasizing the organized nature of the return.

2812
The specific number of 2,812 descendants indicates a significant family group, reflecting the importance of Pahath-moab's descendants in the restoration community. This number underscores the detailed record-keeping of the returning exiles, which was crucial for re-establishing tribal and family identities in the post-exilic society. The precision of this count also highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land, as prophesied in Jeremiah 29:10-14.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pahath-moab
This name means "Governor of Moab." It refers to a family or clan that returned from the Babylonian exile. The name suggests a connection to Moab, a region east of the Dead Sea, indicating possible historical ties or influence.

2. Jeshua
Likely referring to a leader or ancestor within the Pahath-moab family line. Jeshua is a common name in the post-exilic period, often associated with leadership and priestly roles.

3. Joab
Another leader or ancestor in the Pahath-moab lineage. The name Joab is also found in other parts of the Old Testament, often associated with military leadership.

4. 2,812
This number represents the members of the Pahath-moab family who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylonian exile. It highlights the significant size of this group and their commitment to restoring their homeland.

5. Return from Exile
The broader context of Ezra 2 is the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, a pivotal event in Jewish history that marks the beginning of the restoration of the temple and the community.
Teaching Points
Heritage and Identity
The mention of specific family lines underscores the importance of heritage and identity in the biblical account. As believers, understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ can strengthen our identity and purpose.

Faithfulness in Numbers
The detailed record of those who returned from exile, including the 2,812 from Pahath-moab, highlights God's faithfulness in preserving His people. It reminds us that God values each individual and their role in His plan.

Commitment to Restoration
The returnees' commitment to rebuilding their homeland serves as an example of dedication to God's purposes. We are called to be active participants in the restoration and building of God's kingdom today.

Leadership and Legacy
The mention of leaders like Jeshua and Joab within the family line points to the impact of leadership and legacy. We are encouraged to lead with integrity and leave a godly legacy for future generations.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the name "Pahath-moab" reveal about the possible historical and cultural background of this family line?

2. How does the return of the exiles, including the descendants of Pahath-moab, demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises?

3. In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ impact our daily lives and decisions?

4. How can we apply the commitment of the returning exiles to our own efforts in building and restoring our communities today?

5. What lessons can we learn from the leadership and legacy of figures like Jeshua and Joab in the context of our own leadership roles?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Nehemiah 7:11
This verse lists the descendants of Pahath-moab in a similar context, showing consistency in the records of those who returned from exile.

1 Chronicles 9:4
Chronicles also provides genealogical records of those who returned, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage in the restoration community.

Ezra 8:4
This passage mentions the descendants of Pahath-moab again, indicating their continued involvement in the community's restoration efforts.
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
2, 812, Hundred, Jeshua, Joab, Jo'ab, Line, Namely, Pahathmoab, Pahath-moab, Pa'hath-moab, Sons, Thousand, Twelve
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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