Verse:
Ezra 2:8 · "of Zattu, 945;"

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 2 is a significant chapter that lists the names and numbers of the people who returned to Judah under the decree of Cyrus, King of Persia. This chapter serves as a genealogical record, emphasizing the continuity of the Israelite community and their covenantal relationship with God.

Analysis of Ezra 2:8:
Ezra 2:8 specifically mentions the descendants of Zattu, numbering 945. This entry is part of a larger list that enumerates the families and their respective numbers who returned to Jerusalem and Judah. The mention of Zattu highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal affiliation in post-exilic Jewish society. Each family or clan played a crucial role in the restoration of the religious and social order in Jerusalem.

Significance of Zattu:
The family of Zattu is one of the many that returned from exile, demonstrating their commitment to the restoration of their homeland and religious practices. The relatively large number of returnees from the family of Zattu indicates their significant presence and influence within the community. This reflects the broader theme of faithfulness and obedience to God's call to return and rebuild, as prophesied by earlier prophets.

Theological Implications:
The listing of names and numbers in Ezra 2, including the descendants of Zattu, underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the perseverance of the Jewish people. The return from exile is seen as a new exodus, a theme that resonates with the overarching narrative of redemption and restoration found throughout the Scriptures.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The returnees faced numerous challenges, including opposition from surrounding peoples and the daunting task of rebuilding the Temple and the city walls. The detailed genealogical records, such as the one mentioning Zattu, were essential for establishing property rights, tribal affiliations, and religious duties. These records also reinforced the identity and unity of the Jewish community during a period of significant transition and renewal.

Conclusion:
Ezra 2:8, while brief, is part of a critical record that highlights the faithfulness of the Jewish people in returning to their ancestral land. The mention of Zattu and his descendants serves as a reminder of the collective effort required to restore the worship and community life centered around the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse, along with the entire chapter, reflects the themes of restoration, covenant faithfulness, and the enduring hope of God's people.945 (1 Occurrence)

Ezra 2:8
The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty-five.
(See NAS NIV)

945 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 945 (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:8 The children
of Zattu, nine hundred forty-five. (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/945.htm - 6k

928 (1 Occurrence)

/num/928.htm - 6k

950 (1 Occurrence)

/num/950.htm - 6k

Jeroboam (96 Occurrences)
... (1.) The son of Nebat (1 Kings 11:26-39), "an Ephrathite," the first king of the
ten tribes, over whom he reigned twenty-two years (BC 976-945). ...
/j/jeroboam.htm - 62k

Beth-horon (12 Occurrences)
... Beth-horon is mentioned as having been taken by Shishak, BC 945, in the list of
his conquests, and the pass was the scene of a victory of Judas Maccabeus. ...
/b/beth-horon.htm - 30k

Bethhoron (12 Occurrences)
... Beth-horon is mentioned as having been taken by Shishak, BC 945, in the list of
his conquests, and the pass was the scene of a victory of Judas Maccabeus. ...
/b/bethhoron.htm - 30k

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