Verse:
Ezra 2:17 · "the descendants of Bezai, 323;" (Berean Standard Bible)

Context and Background:
The Book of Ezra is a historical account that details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity and the subsequent rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Ezra, a scribe and priest, plays a pivotal role in the spiritual and communal restoration of the Jewish people during this period. Ezra 2 is a chapter that lists the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem and Judah under the decree of Cyrus, the king of Persia.

Analysis of Ezra 2:17:
Ezra 2:17 specifically mentions the "descendants of Bezai," numbering 323. This verse is part of a larger genealogical record that serves several purposes:

1. Historical Record: The listing of names and numbers provides a historical account of those who returned from exile. It underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets.

2. Covenantal Identity: By recording the names of the families, the text emphasizes the continuity of the covenantal community. Despite the exile, the identity and heritage of the Israelites are preserved, highlighting God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

3. Community Restoration: The enumeration of the returning exiles reflects the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their ancestral homeland. Each family, including the descendants of Bezai, contributes to the rebuilding of the social, religious, and economic life in Jerusalem.

4. Spiritual Significance: The return from exile is not merely a physical relocation but a spiritual renewal. The mention of specific families, such as the descendants of Bezai, signifies the collective commitment to restore worship and adherence to the Law of Moses.

The Descendants of Bezai:
The name "Bezai" is of Hebrew origin, and while little is known about this specific family, their inclusion in the list signifies their importance in the post-exilic community. The number 323 indicates a substantial family group, suggesting that they played a significant role in the rebuilding efforts.

Theological Implications:
Ezra 2:17, like the rest of the genealogical list, serves as a testament to God's providence and sovereignty. It illustrates how God orchestrates history to fulfill His divine purposes, using individuals and families to accomplish His will. The preservation and return of the Jewish people to their land is a demonstration of God's unchanging promises and His desire for His people to live in obedience and worship.

Conclusion:
Ezra 2:17, while seemingly a simple record of names and numbers, is rich with historical, theological, and spiritual significance. It reminds readers of the faithfulness of God in preserving His people and the importance of each individual's role in the larger narrative of redemption and restoration.323 (1 Occurrence)

Ezra 2:17
The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-three.
(See NAS NIV)

323 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 323 (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:17 The children
of Bezai, three hundred twenty-three. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/323.htm - 6k

Written (323 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (pp) of Write. 2. (p. p) of Write. Multi-Version
Concordance Written (323 Occurrences). Matthew 2:5 ...
/w/written.htm - 37k

Meeting (323 Occurrences)
... SOLEMN ASSEMBLY (MEETING). See CONGREGATION; FASTS AND FEASTS; SOLEMN, SOLEMNITY.
Multi-Version Concordance Meeting (323 Occurrences). ...
/m/meeting.htm - 39k

Testaments
... 2. The Alexandrian Period: The Alexandrian period was very brief, 334-323 BC It
simply covers the period of the Asiatic rule of Alexander the Great. ...
/t/testaments.htm - 35k

Between (2624 Occurrences)
... 2. The Alexandrian Period: The Alexandrian period was very brief, 334-323 BC It
simply covers the period of the Asiatic rule of Alexander the Great. ...
/b/between.htm - 36k

324 (1 Occurrence)

/num/324.htm - 6k

320 (2 Occurrences)

/num/320.htm - 6k

Thessalonica (8 Occurrences)
... Strabo, writing in the reign of Augustus, speaks of it as the most populous town
in Macedonia and the metropolis of the province (vii.323, 330), and about the ...
/t/thessalonica.htm - 25k

Maccabaeus
... 1. Rivalry of Syria and Egypt: On the division of Alexander's empire at his death
in the year 323 BC, Palestine became a sort of buffer state between Egypt ...
/m/maccabaeus.htm - 17k

Ptolemy
... name Ptolemy is rather common from the days of Alexander the Great, but is best
known as the dynastic name of the 13 (14) Macedonian kings of Egypt (323-43 BC ...
/p/ptolemy.htm - 17k

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