Ezra 2:16

The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.

The children {H1121} of Ater {H333} of Hezekiah {H3169}, ninety {H8673} and eight {H8083}.

descendants of Ater, of Y'chizkiyah 98

the descendants of Ater (through Hezekiah), 98;

The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.

Commentary

Context

Ezra 2:16 is part of a meticulous census list detailing the Jewish exiles who returned to Judah from Babylon under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, following the decree of King Cyrus. This chapter serves as a vital record of the community's re-establishment in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas after seventy years of captivity. The purpose of these detailed genealogies was to affirm identity, validate claims to land, and, crucially, to identify those eligible for priestly and Levitical service. Each entry, like "The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight," precisely quantifies the number of individuals within specific family or clan groups returning to their homeland to rebuild the Temple and restore the nation.

Key Themes

  • Restoration and Return: The verse highlights the practical aspect of the return from Babylonian exile, emphasizing the physical gathering of God's people to their land. It's a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.
  • Identity and Lineage: The precise listing of families underscores the importance of heritage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. Knowing one's lineage was crucial for social, religious, and legal standing, especially in re-establishing the community.
  • Divine Order: The meticulous record-keeping reflects God's attention to detail and the orderly nature of His redemptive plan. Every individual and family played a part in the larger restoration.
  • Community Rebuilding: Each number represents a contribution to the repopulation and rebuilding efforts, from the Temple to the city and the nation as a whole.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Ater" (Hebrew: ืึธื˜ึตืจ, สพฤแนญฤ“r) means "bound" or "shut." The phrase "of Hezekiah" (Hebrew: ื—ึดื–ึฐืงึดื™ึธึผื”, แธคizqiyyฤh) indicates a connection to an ancestor named Hezekiah. While the name "Hezekiah" means "Yahweh strengthens" and is famously associated with a righteous king of Judah, it was a relatively common name. In this context, "Ater of Hezekiah" likely refers to a specific branch or lineage of the Ater family, perhaps distinguishing them from other Aters who might have returned or remained in Babylon.

Cross-References

This specific list of returnees is almost identically recorded in Nehemiah 7:21, providing a parallel account of the same historical event. The emphasis on counting and registering the people is also seen in earlier biblical texts, such as the censuses in the book of Numbers.

Practical Application

Ezra 2:16, though seemingly just a number, reminds us that every individual and family group is significant in God's grand plan. Just as these 98 individuals from the family of Ater of Hezekiah were vital for the physical rebuilding of Israel, so too are each of us important to God's work today. It encourages us to value our place within the larger community of faith and recognize that even seemingly small contributions are part of a divine restoration. It also speaks to the importance of spiritual heritage and passing on faith to future generations.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 7:21

    The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
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