Ezra 2:21

KJV

The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Bethlehem {H1035}, an hundred {H3967} twenty {H6242} and three {H7969}.

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Beit-Lechem 123

Berean Standard Bible

the men of Bethlehem, 123;

American Standard Version

The children of Beth-lehem, a hundred twenty and three.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:21 meticulously records the return of "The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three" from Babylonian exile to Judah. This verse is part of a comprehensive census in Ezra chapter 2, which lists the families, their ancestral towns, and the precise number of individuals who embarked on the arduous journey back to their homeland under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. It highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of restoration and underscores the importance of identity and community in the re-establishment of the Jewish nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2 functions as a vital register within the broader narrative of the post-exilic return. It immediately follows the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, which permitted and encouraged the Jewish exiles to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, as detailed in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree"). This chapter meticulously documents the first major wave of returnees, serving as a foundational census for the re-establishment of the community. The detailed enumeration of families, including the "children of Bethlehem," was crucial for re-affirming tribal and family identities, determining legitimate land claims, and organizing the populace for the monumental task of rebuilding the temple and the city walls, which is the focus of subsequent chapters like [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Temple Foundation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra follows seventy years of Babylonian exile, a period of profound national and spiritual distress for the Jewish people, as prophesied by Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile"). The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, adopted a policy of allowing conquered peoples to return to their homelands and worship their gods, a stark contrast to Babylonian policy. For the Jews, this return was not merely a political event but a divine act of restoration. The meticulous record-keeping, as seen in Ezra 2:21, was culturally significant. Lineage and ancestral town affiliations were paramount for maintaining the purity of the Israelite identity, ensuring proper temple service, and re-establishing the social and religious order in the land of Judah. Bethlehem, specifically, held deep historical and prophetic significance as the ancestral home of King David, as noted in [1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "1 Samuel 17:12 - David's Family in Bethlehem"), and later as the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Messiah's Birth in Bethlehem").
* **Key Themes:** The verse, embedded within Ezra 2, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Return and Restoration**, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land, thereby fulfilling ancient prophecies of restoration after judgment. This tangible return lays the groundwork for the physical and spiritual rebuilding of the nation, as seen in the subsequent construction efforts detailed in [Ezra 3:1-7](/ezra/3-1 "Ezra 3:1-7 - Rebuilding the Altar and Temple Foundation"). Secondly, the precise enumeration of families, such as the "children of Bethlehem," emphasizes the critical importance of **Identity and Lineage**. Preserving ancestral heritage and tribal identity was central to the Jewish understanding of their covenant relationship with God and their place in His redemptive plan. Finally, even in what appears to be a simple demographic detail, the theme of **Divine Providence** is evident. God's sovereign hand is seen guiding the return and re-establishment of His people, orchestrating events to set the stage for future biblical developments and the ultimate unfolding of His redemptive purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Children (Hebrew, _bēnê_):** The Hebrew term בְּנֵי (_bēnê_), derived from בֵּן (_ben_), literally means "sons of." However, in this context, it functions as a broader collective noun, signifying "descendants of," "inhabitants of," or "members of a community associated with" a particular place or patriarch. It encompasses both men and women who belonged to the familial or geographical group identified with Bethlehem, indicating a comprehensive count of those returning.
* **Bethlehem (Hebrew, _Bêṯ Lāḥem_):** The name בֵּית לָחֶם (_Bêṯ Lāḥem_) translates to "House of Bread" or "House of Food." This seemingly mundane name belies its profound significance in biblical history. It was the hometown of David, Israel's greatest king, and later, prophetically designated as the birthplace of the Messiah. Its inclusion here is not merely geographical but carries a weight of historical and theological continuity, connecting the returning exiles to their rich heritage.
* **An hundred twenty and three (Hebrew, _mêʾâ ʿeśrîm ûšəlōšâ_):** This precise numerical count (123) underscores the meticulous nature of the census recorded in Ezra 2. Such detailed enumeration was not arbitrary; it served crucial administrative, genealogical, and logistical purposes for the returning community. It allowed for the proper allocation of resources, the re-establishment of land ownership, the organization of temple service, and the verification of lineage, all vital for reconstructing a functioning society and religious life after decades of exile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Bethlehem":** This phrase serves as a clear and concise identifier, linking a specific group of returnees to their ancestral town. It highlights the deeply rooted geographical and familial ties that defined the identity of the Jewish people, even after generations in exile. Their return to Bethlehem was not just a physical relocation but a re-establishment of their historical and covenantal connection to the land and their heritage.
* **"an hundred twenty and three":** This exact number provides a concrete detail, emphasizing the comprehensive and accurate nature of the census. It signifies that each individual and family was accounted for, reflecting the importance placed on order, accountability, and the re-constitution of the community. This precision underscores the divine oversight and human diligence involved in the process of national restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:21, as part of a larger register, primarily employs the literary device of **List/Census**. This meticulous enumeration serves multiple purposes: it establishes historical veracity and authenticity, providing a verifiable record of the returnees. It also functions as a **Genealogical Record**, emphasizing the importance of lineage and tribal identity for the post-exilic community, which was crucial for re-establishing land claims and temple service. The **Specificity** of the numbers (e.g., 123 from Bethlehem) lends a sense of realism and meticulousness to the account, reinforcing the idea that this was a carefully orchestrated and documented event. Furthermore, the mention of Bethlehem, a town laden with historical and prophetic significance, adds a layer of **Symbolism**, connecting the present return to the glorious past of David and the future hope of the Messiah. The very act of listing demonstrates the re-creation of order out of chaos, a foundational step in the nation's restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:21, though a seemingly simple demographic detail, carries profound theological weight. It serves as a tangible testament to God's meticulous care for His people and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The precise counting of individuals from specific towns like Bethlehem underscores that God's plan of restoration is not a vague generality but involves every single person and family. It demonstrates that even in the midst of national upheaval and exile, God keeps track of His elect, orchestrating their return and re-establishment for His glory. This attention to detail reflects a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, fulfilling His word even when circumstances seem impossible. The return from exile is a powerful narrative of God's redemptive grace, bringing His people out of bondage and back into their inheritance, setting the stage for the unfolding of His greater purposes.

* [Nehemiah 7:26](/nehemiah/7-26 "Nehemiah 7:26 - Parallel List of Returnees from Bethlehem")
* [Isaiah 43:5-7](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-7 - God Gathers His Scattered People")
* [Jeremiah 32:37-41](/jeremiah/32-37 "Jeremiah 32:37-41 - Promise of Return and Replanting")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list in Ezra 2:21 offers rich spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every individual, no matter how small their number or seemingly insignificant their role, is precious in God's sight and plays a part in His grand redemptive narrative. Just as the 123 "children of Bethlehem" were vital to the rebuilding of ancient Israel, so too are we, as individuals and families, integral to God's ongoing work in the world today. This verse encourages us to value our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ, recognizing that we are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated story. The return to ancestral towns can symbolize our own need for spiritual "returns"—returning to foundational truths, biblical principles, and our first love for Christ when we have strayed. Ultimately, Ezra 2:21 is a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness: He keeps His promises, even across generations and through periods of adversity, providing hope and assurance for our own lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2:21 encourage us about His attention to detail and care for each individual in our own lives?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, need to "return to our roots" or foundational truths in our spiritual journey today, much like the exiles returned to their ancestral towns?**
* **How does the faithfulness of God in bringing the exiles home, as evidenced by this detailed census, strengthen our trust in His promises for our future and His ultimate plan for humanity?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of names and numbers important in the Bible?**

Answer: Detailed lists like Ezra 2:21 serve several crucial purposes. Firstly, they provide historical and genealogical accuracy, authenticating the narrative and establishing the legitimate lineage of the returning exiles, which was vital for re-establishing tribal identities, land claims, and the priestly order. Secondly, they underscore the theme of divine providence, demonstrating that God meticulously oversees the fulfillment of His promises, even down to the precise number of individuals returning from specific towns. This level of detail emphasizes God's active involvement in human history. Finally, these lists highlight the importance of community and identity for the Jewish people, showing how they reconstituted themselves after exile, laying the groundwork for the future of the nation and the coming of the Messiah.

**What is the significance of Bethlehem in this context?**

Answer: Bethlehem, meaning "House of Bread," holds profound significance beyond being just another town. It was the ancestral home of King David, Israel's greatest king, as recorded in [1 Samuel 17:12](/1_samuel/17-12 "1 Samuel 17:12 - David's Family in Bethlehem"). Its mention in Ezra 2:21 connects the returning exiles directly to this rich heritage, reinforcing their continuity with the covenant people of God. More significantly, Bethlehem was later prophesied by Micah as the birthplace of the Messiah in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Messiah's Birth in Bethlehem"). Thus, the return of its "children" in Ezra's time subtly points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, reminding readers of the town's pivotal role in salvation history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 2:21, with its meticulous counting of the "children of Bethlehem" returning from exile, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical return to Bethlehem, the "House of Bread," foreshadows the coming of the true "Bread of Life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")) who would be born in that very town, as prophesied in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Messiah's Birth in Bethlehem") and fulfilled in [Matthew 2:1-6](/matthew/2-1 "Matthew 2:1-6 - The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem"). Just as the exiles returned to their physical homeland, Christ initiates a spiritual return and restoration for all humanity, bringing us out of the exile of sin and into the kingdom of God's beloved Son ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")). The careful enumeration of each returning family member in Ezra 2 reflects God's meticulous care for every individual, a care supremely demonstrated in Christ, who came to seek and to save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus gathers His people not by physical lineage or geographical location, but by faith, making them "children of God" ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12 "John 1:12-13 - Becoming Children of God")) and fellow citizens with the saints in His heavenly kingdom ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The restoration of Israel in Ezra points to the ultimate and eternal restoration found in Christ, who perfectly fulfills all the promises of God.

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

1 Chronicles 2:50

These were the sons of Caleb the son of Hur, the firstborn of Ephratah; Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim,

1 Chronicles 2:52

And Shobal the father of Kirjathjearim had sons; Haroeh, [and] half of the Manahethites.