Ezra 2:17

KJV

The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Bezai {H1209}, three {H7969} hundred {H3967} twenty {H6242} and three {H7969}.

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Betzai 323

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Bezai, 323;

American Standard Version

The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:17 is a concise entry within a comprehensive register detailing the Jewish families and individuals who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity. This particular verse specifically records the number of descendants belonging to the family of Bezai, highlighting their participation in the monumental journey back to their homeland and the collective effort to re-establish the community and rebuild Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2 is a meticulous genealogical and numerical list, serving as the foundational roster for the post-exilic community. It immediately follows the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, which permitted the exiled Jews to return and rebuild their Temple ([Ezra 1:1](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Decree")). This chapter is crucial for establishing the legitimate identity of those who returned, particularly for priestly lineages, and for quantifying the scale of the initial wave of restoration. Each entry, like that of the children of Bezai, contributes to the comprehensive record, underscoring the divine orchestration and human commitment involved in the re-establishment of God's people in their land.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra 2 occurred in the late 6th century BCE, after approximately 70 years of Babylonian exile, as prophesied by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return from Exile")). This period marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, transitioning from a kingdom to a provincial community under Persian rule. Genealogies were of paramount importance in ancient Israelite society, serving not merely as family trees but as legal documents validating land rights, tribal affiliations, and eligibility for religious service, especially for priests and Levites. The precise numbering of individuals, servants, and animals in this list reflects the meticulous record-keeping essential for the organization and re-establishment of a cohesive community in a devastated land.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Ezra 2:17 within this detailed register powerfully illustrates several key themes. Primarily, it speaks to **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises despite Israel's disobedience and subsequent exile. The return of these families signifies a new beginning and the initial steps towards the rebuilding of the Temple ([Ezra 3:8](/ezra/3-8 "Ezra 3:8 - Rebuilding the Temple Foundation")). Secondly, it highlights the **Importance of Identity and Lineage**, emphasizing how God works through specific families and individuals, meticulously preserving their heritage as part of His larger redemptive plan. Finally, the list underscores **Corporate Identity and Community**, showing that the restoration was a collective endeavor, with each family unit contributing to the strength and vitality of the renewed Jewish community in Judah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bezai (Hebrew, _betzai'_):** The name "Bezai" (בֶּצָי) is of Hebrew origin, though its precise etymology is debated. Possible meanings include "my eggs" (suggesting offspring or progeny) or "my armor/stronghold." In the context of Ezra 2:17, the significance of "Bezai" lies not in its etymological root but in its function as a specific family designation. It serves as a marker of a distinct lineage, identifying a particular group of returnees within the larger census. This meticulous naming underscores the importance of individual family units in the collective restoration of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Bezai":** This phrase identifies a specific family unit, "the children of Bezai," indicating a lineage or clan rather than just a single individual. In ancient Israelite society, identity was strongly tied to family and tribal affiliation. The inclusion of family names like Bezai in this register was crucial for establishing the legitimacy of the returnees, their ancestral land claims, and their roles within the re-forming community. It emphasizes the corporate nature of the return from exile, where entire households participated in this act of faith and obedience.
* **"three hundred twenty and three":** This precise number quantifies the size of the Bezai family contingent that returned. The exact figures throughout Ezra 2 highlight the meticulous record-keeping of the scribes and the importance placed on numerical accuracy. Beyond mere statistics, these numbers represent the tangible fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to the land. Each number signifies individuals who chose to leave the relative comfort of Babylon to participate in the arduous task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple, demonstrating their faith and commitment to the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:17, as part of a larger chapter, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Cataloguing**. The entire chapter is a detailed list, systematically recording the names of families and their numerical strength. This literary technique serves to provide a comprehensive and verifiable account of the returning exiles, lending an air of historical authenticity and precision to the narrative. The consistent repetition of the format "The children of [Family Name], [Number]" creates a rhythmic pattern that emphasizes the sheer volume of people involved in this significant historical event. Furthermore, the meticulous detail reflects an underlying **Emphasis on Detail** and **Accuracy**, which was crucial for establishing legal and religious legitimacy in the post-exilic community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:17, though a simple numerical entry, is deeply embedded in the larger theological narrative of God's faithfulness and the restoration of His covenant people. It stands as a testament to God's meticulous care for every individual and family within His plan, demonstrating that even seemingly insignificant details are part of His grand design. The return of the Bezai family, alongside hundreds of others, represents the tangible fulfillment of divine promises, showcasing God's power to bring His people back from desolation and re-establish them in their land for His purposes. This act of restoration lays the groundwork for the rebuilding of the Temple and the re-establishment of proper worship, emphasizing the ongoing covenant relationship between God and Israel.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return from Exile")
* [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1 - God Calls His People by Name")
* [Nehemiah 7:6](/nehemiah/7-6 "Nehemiah 7:6 - Parallel List of Returnees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Even a seemingly mundane verse like Ezra 2:17 carries profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's grand redemptive plan is meticulously detailed, encompassing every individual and family. Just as the children of Bezai were known and counted, so too are we known by God, not merely as a statistic but as cherished individuals within His vast family. This verse encourages us to recognize our place within the larger body of Christ, understanding that our unique contributions, no matter how small they may seem, are vital to the collective mission of the church. It calls us to embrace our spiritual lineage, to participate actively in the ongoing work of God's kingdom, and to trust in His unwavering faithfulness to fulfill His promises across generations, even when the journey is arduous or the task of rebuilding seems overwhelming.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2:17 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's attention to detail in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you see yourself as part of a larger "family" or community of faith, and how does your individual presence contribute to its collective strength?**
* **What "return" or "rebuilding" project is God calling you to participate in today, and how does the faithfulness of the Bezai family inspire your own commitment?**
* **How does the idea of being "counted" by God impact your sense of worth and purpose within His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why does the book of Ezra include such detailed lists of names and numbers, like the one for the children of Bezai?**

Answer: The inclusion of detailed lists of names and numbers in Ezra, such as the one for the children of Bezai in [Ezra 2:17](/ezra/2-17 "Ezra 2:17 - The Children of Bezai"), served several critical purposes for the returning Jewish community. Firstly, these lists provided **validation of identity and lineage**, which was paramount in ancient Israel. For priests and Levites, it confirmed their rightful claim to serve in the rebuilt Temple. For all returnees, it established their tribal and family affiliations, crucial for re-establishing land ownership and social order. Secondly, the lists served as a record for **accountability and organization**, enabling the leaders to know exactly who had returned, how many people were available for the rebuilding efforts, and how resources should be allocated. Thirdly, from a theological perspective, these meticulous records underscore **God's faithfulness** in fulfilling His prophetic promises to bring His people back to their land after exile ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return from Exile")). Each name and number represents a tangible demonstration of God's covenant loyalty and His active involvement in the restoration of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezra 2:17 is a historical record of a physical return, it profoundly foreshadows the greater spiritual return and restoration found in Christ. The meticulous accounting of families like Bezai highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant people, a faithfulness that culminates in the person and work of Jesus. Just as the returning exiles formed the nucleus of a renewed community, Christ establishes a new covenant community, the Church, composed of those who are spiritually "returned" to God through faith in Him. The emphasis on lineage in Ezra points forward to the ultimate lineage of the Messiah, traced through Abraham and David, demonstrating God's sovereign plan unfolding through history ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus")). Moreover, while Ezra's list is exclusive to a specific ethnic group, Christ's work transcends such boundaries, bringing all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike, into the family of God, making them "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The rebuilding of the physical Temple by the returnees points to Christ as the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")) and believers as living stones built into a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")), where God's presence truly dwells. Thus, the humble entry of the children of Bezai in a list of returnees is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people, a commitment fully realized in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who gathers a far greater multitude into His eternal kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 7:23

The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.