Ezra 2:26

KJV

The children of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Ramah {H7414} and Gaba {H1387}, six {H8337} hundred {H3967} twenty {H6242} and one {H259}.

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Ramah and Geva

Berean Standard Bible

the men of Ramah and Geba, 621;

American Standard Version

The children of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:26 is a precise entry within the comprehensive census of Jewish exiles who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity following King Cyrus's decree. Stating "The children of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one," this verse, though seemingly a simple numerical notation, forms a crucial component of a meticulous register. This detailed documentation was foundational for identifying the lineage, tribal identity, and numerical strength of those embarking on the monumental and divinely orchestrated task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple, thereby underscoring the organized and deliberate nature of this significant historical and spiritual restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2 functions as a comprehensive genealogical and numerical register of the first wave of Jewish exiles who returned from Babylonian captivity to Judah, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, following Cyrus's decree in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree"). This chapter meticulously lists various families, groups, and towns, along with the precise number of individuals from each, culminating in a grand total of 42,360 people, excluding servants and singers (cf. [Ezra 2:64-65](/ezra/2-64-65 "Ezra 2:64-65 - Total Number of Returnees")). Ezra 2:26 fits directly into this extensive list, providing the specific count for the returnees associated with the towns of Ramah and Gaba. The placement of this detailed census immediately after the decree of Cyrus and before the commencement of rebuilding the altar and Temple (cf. [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Laying the Temple Foundation")) underscores its foundational importance. It serves as an authenticating document, establishing the identity, legitimacy, and collective strength of the community tasked with re-establishing the nation and its worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezra 2:26 is the pivotal post-exilic period, specifically the early years of the return from the 70-year Babylonian captivity, a period of exile prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years in Babylon")). King Cyrus's decree in 538 BC permitted and encouraged the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild their sacred Temple. In ancient Near Eastern societies, where lineage, tribal affiliation, and land inheritance were paramount, a precise census was not merely an administrative exercise; it was crucial for re-establishing social order, validating land claims, and ensuring religious purity. Ramah and Gaba (also known as Geba) were significant towns located in the ancient territory of Benjamin, strategically positioned just north of Jerusalem. Their inhabitants, like those from other listed towns, were returning to their ancestral lands, signifying a physical and spiritual re-possession of the covenant inheritance. The meticulous record-keeping reflects the cultural importance of maintaining identity and continuity, especially after generations of displacement and the profound disruption of exile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as an integral part of [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees"), contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. The primary theme is **Restoration and Return**, marking the physical re-gathering of God's people to their homeland after exile, which is foundational to their national and spiritual renewal. This return is a powerful testament to **Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, bringing His scattered people back to their inheritance as foretold by the prophets. The detailed listing of "the children of Ramah and Gaba" also highlights the theme of **Identity and Community**, emphasizing the preservation of Jewish lineage and the re-establishment of a cohesive community, which was essential for the daunting task of rebuilding a devastated land and society. Finally, the precision of the numbers, down to the single digit, underscores the theme of **Meticulous Record-Keeping**, reflecting the importance placed on documenting this pivotal moment in Israel's history, showcasing an organized and divinely guided effort to re-establish the nation. A parallel account of this census, with minor variations, can be found in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Parallel Census List of Returnees").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Children (Hebrew, בֵּן _bên_):** Derived from the root meaning "to build," this term primarily signifies "son" but is used broadly to denote descendants, members of a group, or inhabitants associated with a particular place or lineage. In this context, "the children of Ramah and Gaba" refers to the collective body of returnees who originated from or were identified with these specific towns, emphasizing their communal identity and familial connection rather than individual persons.
* **Ramah (Hebrew, רָמָה _Râmâh_):** Meaning "height" or "elevated place," Ramah was a historically significant town located in the territory of Benjamin, approximately five miles north of Jerusalem. It is frequently mentioned in prophetic literature, notably in [Jeremiah 31:15](/jeremiah/31-15 "Jeremiah 31:15 - Rachel Weeping in Ramah"), highlighting its deep roots in Israel's history and its strategic importance. Its inclusion signifies the return of inhabitants to a historically and geographically prominent location.
* **Gaba (Hebrew, גֶּבַע _Gebaʻ_):** Also meaning "hill," Geba was another Benjaminite town, closely associated with Ramah and situated about six miles north of Jerusalem. It served as a border town and a significant site in various biblical accounts, such as [1 Kings 15:22](/1_kings/15-22 "1 Kings 15:22 - Asa Fortifies Geba"). Its mention alongside Ramah indicates the return of a substantial contingent from this immediate region, reinforcing the re-population of the ancestral lands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Ramah and Gaba":** This opening phrase precisely identifies the specific group of returnees being enumerated. It signifies that 621 individuals who traced their origins or resided in the towns of Ramah and Geba were part of this initial wave of exiles returning from Babylon. This highlights the localized nature of the return, with people re-settling in or near their ancestral towns within the territory of Benjamin, just north of Jerusalem. The collective designation "the children of" underscores the communal identity and shared heritage of these individuals, emphasizing their connection to a specific place and lineage.
* **"six hundred twenty and one":** This precise numerical figure is characteristic of the entire census found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees"). The exactness, down to a single digit, underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the post-exilic community. This administrative rigor reflects the immense importance placed on documenting every individual involved in this monumental act of national and spiritual restoration. This precision also serves to authenticate the list, providing a tangible and verifiable record of the people God faithfully brought back to His land, demonstrating divine order amidst human displacement.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:26, as an integral part of the larger census in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees"), primarily employs **Enumeration** and functions as a **Historical Record** or **Register**. The device of **Enumeration** is strikingly evident in the precise listing of numbers associated with each returning group, emphasizing the meticulousness and comprehensiveness of the account. This detailed counting serves multiple purposes: to authenticate the returnees, establish their lineage, and validate their claims to land and participation in the crucial rebuilding efforts. As a **Historical Record**, the verse contributes significantly to the factual and verifiable nature of the narrative, providing concrete evidence of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to restore His people. The inclusion of specific town names like Ramah and Gaba, along with exact figures, grounds the theological narrative in historical reality, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan unfolds not in abstract terms, but through the tangible movements and lives of real people, meticulously accounted for by divine providence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly dry numerical entry is profoundly theological, underscoring God's meticulous care for His people and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. The very act of counting and listing each family and town, including "the children of Ramah and Gaba," reveals a God who is intimately involved in the details of His redemptive plan. It demonstrates that the restoration of Israel was not a chaotic scattering but an organized, divinely orchestrated return, fulfilling prophetic words and re-establishing the community for His purposes. This attention to detail foreshadows God's careful building of His spiritual kingdom, where every individual is known, valued, and has a designated place within His grand design.

* [Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1-3 "Numbers 1:1-3 - God Commands a Census"): Just as God commanded a meticulous census in the wilderness to organize His people for their journey to the Promised Land and for service, so too does this post-exilic census organize them for the rebuilding of the Temple and the re-establishment of their national and spiritual life.
* [Nehemiah 7:30](/nehemiah/7-30 "Nehemiah 7:30 - Parallel Census Entry for Ramah and Geba"): The presence of a nearly identical list in Nehemiah underscores the historical accuracy and immense importance of these records for the post-exilic community, confirming the identity and numbers of the returnees and reinforcing the divine oversight of the restoration.
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5-6 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His People from the Ends of the Earth"): This powerful prophetic passage speaks of God gathering His people from the east and west, demonstrating His sovereign power to bring His scattered children home, a promise concretely and precisely fulfilled in the return documented in Ezra 2.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 2:26, though a simple line in a long list, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is not a God of chaos, but of order, precision, and intentionality. Just as He meticulously orchestrated the return of the exiles, guiding each family and group back to their designated places, He continues to guide and provide for His church today. This verse encourages us to recognize our unique place within the larger body of believers, appreciating our spiritual heritage and understanding that every individual and every group, no matter how seemingly small or numerous, plays a vital part in God's grand narrative of redemption and spiritual renewal. It underscores the importance of faithfulness, community, and trusting in God's perfect timing for His plans to unfold, knowing that He oversees even the seemingly mundane details of our lives for His glorious purposes, ensuring that His will is accomplished.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this seemingly "dry" historical record reveal aspects of God's character and His intimate involvement in human history?**
* **In what ways does the meticulous record-keeping of the returnees encourage us to value our own spiritual heritage and the community of faith we belong to?**
* **How can we, as individuals and as a church, contribute to God's ongoing work of restoration and rebuilding in our own time and place, recognizing the significance of every part?**

### FAQ
**Why is this verse so specific about numbers?**

Answer: The specificity of numbers in [Ezra 2:26](/ezra/2-26 "Ezra 2:26 - The Children of Ramah and Gaba") and throughout the chapter served multiple crucial purposes for the returning exiles. Firstly, it provided an authentic and verifiable record of those who returned, establishing their legitimacy as the true descendants of Israel. This was vital for re-establishing land claims and tribal inheritances in a devastated land. Secondly, it helped determine who was eligible for various roles, particularly in the Temple service, as purity of lineage was paramount. Thirdly, it demonstrated the meticulous and organized nature of God's work of restoration, showing that the return was not a random migration but a divinely orchestrated movement. This precision underscores the historical reliability of the account and the importance of every individual in God's plan, as seen also in the detailed census records in [Numbers 1](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1 - Census of Israel").

**What is the significance of Ramah and Gaba in this context?**

Answer: Ramah and Gaba (Geba) were significant towns located in the territory of Benjamin, just a few miles north of Jerusalem. Their inclusion highlights the return of people to their ancestral lands, particularly those in close proximity to the capital and the Temple site. Historically, these towns were strategically important and frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often serving as border points or places of conflict. For the returning exiles, re-inhabiting these towns was a tangible act of reclaiming their heritage and re-establishing their presence in the Promised Land. It also signifies the re-population of the immediate vicinity of Jerusalem, which was crucial for the rebuilding efforts. The return of "the children of Ramah and Gaba" was a concrete step in the re-establishment of the Jewish community in its historical heartland, fulfilling ancient prophecies of return.

**Are there discrepancies between the numbers in Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7?**

Answer: Yes, there are minor numerical differences between the lists in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Parallel Census List of Returnees"), including for groups like "the children of Ramah and Gaba" (where [Nehemiah 7:30](/nehemiah/7-30 "Nehemiah 7:30 - Parallel Census Entry for Ramah and Geba") lists 621, same as Ezra 2:26, but other entries vary). These slight discrepancies are generally understood by scholars to be minor scribal variations, different stages of the return (e.g., counting those who initially registered versus those who actually arrived), or different methods of enumeration (e.g., heads of households vs. total individuals). These minor variations do not undermine the overall historical accuracy or the theological significance of the lists, which consistently demonstrate a large and identifiable group of returnees under Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The core message of God's faithfulness in bringing His people back remains powerfully affirmed by both accounts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous census in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees"), including the specific count for "the children of Ramah and Gaba," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual restoration and gathering of God's people through Jesus Christ. The physical return of a remnant to rebuild a physical temple foreshadows the spiritual return of all believers, both Jew and Gentile, to God through Christ, who is the true Temple (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of the Temple of His Body")). Just as God meticulously counted and gathered His physical Israel, so too does Christ, the Good Shepherd, know each one of His sheep by name and gathers them into His eternal kingdom (cf. [John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - I Am the Good Shepherd")). The re-establishment of a community in Ezra prefigures the building of the Church, the body of Christ, composed of "living stones" built into a spiritual house (cf. [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House") and [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The detailed record in Ezra assures us that God's redemptive plan is precise and intentional, culminating in Christ's work to gather a people for Himself from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, a multitude too vast to number, yet perfectly known to Him (cf. [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation")). The restoration initiated in Ezra points forward to the ultimate and complete restoration found in Christ, who builds His Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (cf. [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Christ Builds His Church")).

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 7:30

The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.

Joshua 18:24

And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:

Joshua 18:25

Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,