Ezra 2:64: "The whole assembly numbered 42,360," (Berean Standard Bible)

Context and Background:

Ezra 2:64 is a verse located in the Old Testament book of Ezra, which chronicles the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity and the subsequent rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. This particular verse is part of a larger passage that lists the exiles who returned to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The chapter provides a detailed account of the families and individuals who made the journey back to their homeland, emphasizing the continuity of the Israelite community despite the years of exile.

Significance of the Number:

The number 42,360 represents the total count of the assembly of Israelites who returned to Jerusalem and Judah. This figure is significant as it underscores the substantial size of the community committed to restoring their religious and cultural identity in their ancestral land. The enumeration of the people highlights the importance of each individual and family in the collective effort to reestablish the worship of Yahweh and rebuild the temple, which was central to Jewish life and faith.

Theological Implications:

The return of the exiles and the rebuilding of the temple are seen as acts of divine providence and fulfillment of prophecy. The preservation of the Jewish people through the Babylonian exile and their return to Jerusalem is viewed as a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The detailed listing of the exiles serves as a reminder of God's intimate knowledge and care for His people, as well as the importance of community and shared purpose in the life of faith.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The return from exile occurred during the reign of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king who issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). This event marks a pivotal moment in Jewish history, as it signifies the end of the Babylonian captivity and the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Israelite nation. The returnees faced numerous challenges, including opposition from surrounding peoples and the daunting task of rebuilding a city and temple that had been in ruins for decades.

Application for Today:

Ezra 2:64 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and perseverance in the face of adversity. It encourages believers to remain faithful to their calling and to work together towards the fulfillment of God's purposes. The verse also highlights the significance of each individual within the larger community of faith, affirming that every person has a role to play in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

In summary, Ezra 2:64 is a testament to the resilience and faithfulness of the Jewish people as they returned to their homeland to restore their religious and cultural heritage. It reflects the broader themes of divine providence, covenant faithfulness, and the importance of community in the biblical narrative.42360 (2 Occurrences)

Ezra 2:64
The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty,
(See NAS NIV)

Nehemiah 7:66
The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty,
(See NAS NIV)

42360 (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 42360 (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:64 The whole assembly together
was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty, (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/42360.htm - 6k

43730 (2 Occurrences)

/num/43730.htm - 6k

41500 (1 Occurrence)

/num/41500.htm - 6k

Zerubbabel (25 Occurrences)
... In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, he led the first band of Jews, numbering
42,360 (Ezra 2:64), exclusive of a large number of servants, who returned ...
/z/zerubbabel.htm - 20k

Census (24 Occurrences)
... 18). (5.) After the return from Exile the whole congregation of Israel
was numbered, and found to amount to 42,360 (Ezra 2:64). ...
/c/census.htm - 15k

Captivity (141 Occurrences)
... city and the temple (2 Chronicles 36:22, 23; Ezra 1; 2). The number of the people
forming the first caravan, under Zerubbabel, amounted in all to 42,360 (Ezra 2 ...
/c/captivity.htm - 79k

Haggai (14 Occurrences)
... Circumstances: Haggai's prophecies, like Ezekiel's, are dated "in the second year
of Darius" (Haggai 1:1; Haggai 2:10), ie 520 BC The Jews, 42,360 strong (Ezra ...
/h/haggai.htm - 28k

Temple (614 Occurrences)
... The body of pilgrims, forming a band of 42,360, including children, having completed
the long and dreary journey of some four months, from the banks of the ...
/t/temple.htm - 101k

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