Verse:
Ezra 2:4 · "the descendants of Shephatiah, 372;" (Berean Standard Bible)

Context and Background:
Ezra 2:4 is part of a larger passage that lists the exiles who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylonian captivity. This chapter is crucial in understanding the restoration period of Israel's history, as it documents the families and individuals who were part of the first wave of returnees under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The return from exile marks a significant moment in Jewish history, fulfilling the promises of God to restore His people to their land after seventy years of captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10).

The Descendants of Shephatiah:
The mention of "the descendants of Shephatiah" in Ezra 2:4 highlights one of the family groups that participated in this significant return. The name Shephatiah means "Yahweh has judged" or "Yahweh is the judge," reflecting a common practice of the Israelites to incorporate the name of God into personal names, signifying their faith and reliance on Him.

The number 372 indicates the size of this family group, suggesting a substantial clan that contributed to the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. The descendants of Shephatiah, like other families listed in this chapter, played a vital role in the re-establishment of the Jewish community and religious practices in their ancestral homeland.

Theological Significance:
The listing of names and numbers in Ezra 2, including the descendants of Shephatiah, underscores the faithfulness of God in preserving His people. Each family represents a thread in the tapestry of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant promises. The return from exile is a testament to God's mercy and the fulfillment of His word, as He brings His people back to the land He promised to their forefathers.

Furthermore, the detailed genealogical records emphasize the importance of identity and heritage in the Jewish faith. By documenting these families, the text preserves the continuity of the Israelite community and their connection to the patriarchs, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people.

Historical and Cultural Insights:
The returnees faced numerous challenges, including rebuilding the temple, re-establishing religious practices, and defending against opposition from surrounding peoples. The descendants of Shephatiah, along with other families, contributed to the physical and spiritual restoration of Jerusalem. Their participation reflects the collective effort required to restore the nation and the shared commitment to worship and obedience to God.

In summary, Ezra 2:4, while seemingly a simple record of names and numbers, holds profound significance in the narrative of Israel's restoration. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, the importance of community and heritage, and the enduring hope of redemption for His people.372 (2 Occurrences)

Ezra 2:4
The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two.
(See NAS NIV)

Nehemiah 7:9
The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two.
(See NAS NIV)

372 (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 372 (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:4 The children of
Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two. (See NAS NIV). Nehemiah ...
/num/372.htm - 6k

Enter (372 Occurrences)
... 15. (vi) To penetrate mentally; to consider attentively; -- with into.
Multi-Version Concordance Enter (372 Occurrences). Matthew ...
/e/enter.htm - 39k

Teaching (372 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 31). SeeCATECHIST; EDUCATION; SPIRITUAL GIFTS. Byron H. Dement.
Multi-Version Concordance Teaching (372 Occurrences). Matthew 4 ...
/t/teaching.htm - 62k

Derbe (4 Occurrences)
... This arrangement lasted till about 372 AD, when Lycaonia, including Derbe,
was formed into a separate province. The statement of ...
/d/derbe.htm - 15k

390 (1 Occurrence)

/num/390.htm - 6k

350 (1 Occurrence)

/num/350.htm - 6k

Iconium (6 Occurrences)
... Byzantine arrangement, familiar to us in the Notitiae Episcopatuum, under which
Iconium was the capital of a province Lycaonia, dates from about 372 AD Iconium ...
/i/iconium.htm - 12k

Parousia
... (The evidence is well summarized in Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East3,
372-78, German edition, 281-87.) (2) "Epiphany" epiphaneia), "manifestation," used ...
/p/parousia.htm - 36k

Apphia (1 Occurrence)
... She was stoned to death with Philemon, Onesimus, and Archippus in the reign of
Nero. (See Lightfoot, Col., 372.). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/a/apphia.htm - 7k

Shephatiah (13 Occurrences)
... (5) A son of King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 21:2). (6) A family, 372 of whom returned
with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:4 Nehemiah 7:9); 80 more males of this family ...
/s/shephatiah.htm - 12k

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