Ezra 2:1

¶ Now these [are] the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;

Now these are the children {H1121} of the province {H4082} that went up {H5927} out of the captivity {H7628}, of those which had been carried away {H1473}, whom Nebuchadnezzar {H5019} the king {H4428} of Babylon {H894} had carried away {H1540} unto Babylon {H894}, and came again {H7725} unto Jerusalem {H3389} and Judah {H3063}, every one {H376} unto his city {H5892};

Here is a list of the people of the province who had been exiled, carried off to Bavel by N'vukhadnetzar king of Bavel, but who later returned from exile and went up to Yerushalayim and Y'hudah, each to his own city;

Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar its king. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town,

Now these are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and that returned unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;

Commentary

Ezra 2:1 serves as the introductory verse to a meticulous census of the Jewish people who returned to Judah from the Babylonian captivity. It sets the historical stage for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple, emphasizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

Context

This verse immediately follows Cyrus the Great's decree, which permitted the exiled Jews to return to their homeland. The Babylonian captivity was a devastating period for Israel, lasting approximately 70 years, as prophesied by Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 29:10). This specific verse introduces the first wave of returnees, identifying them as "children of the province," referring to the former kingdom of Judah, now a province under Persian rule. The mention of "Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon" clearly links this return to the historical event of the initial deportation, which began around 586 BC.

Key Themes

  • Divine Faithfulness and Restoration: The return from exile is a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even after their disobedience. It signifies a new beginning and a restoration of hope.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The return directly fulfills long-standing prophecies about God bringing His people back to their land after a period of judgment. This underscores God's sovereignty over history and nations.
  • Identity and Lineage: The detailed list that follows this verse (Ezra 2:2-67) highlights the importance of identity and tribal lineage for the returning community, crucial for re-establishing social order and religious practices, especially concerning priestly duties.
  • Providence in World Affairs: God used pagan kings like Nebuchadnezzar (to carry them away) and Cyrus (to bring them back) to accomplish His divine purposes, demonstrating His ultimate control over human rulers and empires.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "children of the province" (Hebrew: בְּנֵי הַמְּדִינָה, benei hamedina) refers to the inhabitants of the Persian administrative district of Judah. The term medina (מְדִינָה) signifies a governmental region or province, indicating their status under foreign rule even as they returned to their ancestral land.

Practical Application

Ezra 2:1 reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem dire or when long periods of waiting occur. Just as the Israelites experienced a physical return to their land after generations of captivity, believers today can find assurance in God's ability to bring about spiritual restoration, hope, and new beginnings in their lives. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He works through history and even through seemingly opposing forces to achieve His ultimate purposes, as seen in the working of all things for good for those who love Him.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Kings 25:11 (5 votes)

    Now the rest of the people [that were] left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away.

  • 2 Kings 24:14 (5 votes)

    And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, [even] ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths: none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.

  • 2 Kings 24:16 (5 votes)

    And all the men of might, [even] seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, all [that were] strong [and] apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.

  • Nehemiah 7:6 (4 votes)

    These [are] the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;

  • Nehemiah 7:73 (4 votes)

    So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and [some] of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel [were] in their cities.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's stead in Jerusalem.

  • 2 Chronicles 36:23 (2 votes)

    Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which [is] in Judah. Who [is there] among you of all his people? The LORD his God [be] with him, and let him go up.