Ezra 2:27

KJV

The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.

KJV (with Strong's)

The men {H582} of Michmas {H4363}, an hundred {H3967} twenty {H6242} and two {H8147}.

Complete Jewish Bible

people of Mikhmas

Berean Standard Bible

the men of Michmash, 122;

American Standard Version

The men of Michmas, a hundred twenty and two.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:27 is a concise yet profoundly significant entry within the extensive register of Jewish exiles returning to Judah from Babylonian captivity. It meticulously records the specific number of individuals from the town of Michmas who participated in this monumental return, symbolizing God's faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises, the re-establishment of a distinct Israelite identity, and the foundational steps toward the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its temple. This seemingly simple numerical detail underscores the divine precision and human dedication involved in the post-exilic restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2:27 is nestled within a comprehensive genealogical and numerical census that spans the entirety of [Ezra chapter 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The Census of Returnees"). This chapter meticulously lists the families, towns, and precise numbers of those who returned to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, following King Cyrus's decree (as detailed in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree and the First Return")). The inclusion of specific details like "The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two" serves to authenticate the historical event, emphasize the scale of the return, and establish the lineage and communal identity of the repatriated exiles. This register is not merely an administrative record; it is a theological statement, demonstrating the tangible fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land, setting the stage for the rebuilding efforts described in subsequent chapters, such as the reconstruction of the altar and the temple foundation in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Temple Foundation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra 2 occurred in the post-exilic period, specifically after the seventy-year Babylonian captivity prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years Exile")). In 538 BC, King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple. This was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, marking the end of a traumatic period of exile and the beginning of national restoration. For ancient Near Eastern peoples, meticulous genealogical records and censuses were not just historical accounts but vital legal and social documents. They validated claims to land, established tribal and family heritage, and determined who belonged to the covenant community, especially crucial for a people whose identity was deeply intertwined with their ancestral land and lineage. Michmas (also spelled Michmash) was a strategically important town in the territory of Benjamin, located northeast of Jerusalem, known for its military significance in earlier periods (cf. [1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul and Jonathan at Michmash")). Its inclusion signifies the broad geographical scope of the return, encompassing various regions of Judah.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 2:27, as part of this comprehensive list, contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**. The very existence of these lists, with their exact numbers and specified towns, is a tangible testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises to bring His people back to the land and restore their national identity, even after a period of judgment. Secondly, it underscores the critical importance of **Identity and Lineage**. For a people whose heritage was central to their understanding of themselves as God's chosen nation, these genealogies were indispensable for establishing who legitimately belonged to the covenant community and had the right to participate in the rebuilding of the nation and the temple. Thirdly, the verse highlights **God's Meticulous Care for Every Individual**. While a small number within a larger sum, the "hundred twenty and two" from Michmas represent real people, each valued by God and essential to His larger plan of restoration. This detail emphasizes that no individual or group is overlooked in God's sovereign purposes. Finally, the returnees listed, including those from Michmas, were the **Foundation of Rebuilding and Restoration**. Their presence was indispensable for the spiritual and physical renewal of Judah, beginning with the reconstruction of the altar and the temple, as chronicled in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Temple Foundation"), and later the city walls in [Nehemiah 4](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Michmas (Hebrew, _Mikmas_):** This is a geographical designation, referring to a town in the tribal territory of Benjamin, located north of Jerusalem. Its strategic location made it significant in Israel's history, notably as a site of military engagement during the time of Saul (1 Samuel 13-14). In the context of Ezra, its mention indicates the specific origin of a group of returnees, highlighting the diverse geographical areas from which the exiles were gathered and the re-establishment of Jewish presence in various parts of their ancestral land.
* **men (Hebrew, _'anashim_):** While a simple term, "men" in this context likely refers to the heads of households or adult males capable of contributing to the rebuilding efforts. The census typically counted adult males, who would then represent their families. This emphasizes the active, responsible participants in the return and the subsequent reconstruction of the community and the temple.
* **hundred twenty and two (Hebrew, _me'ah v'esrim u'shnayim_):** This precise numerical figure is characteristic of the entire second chapter of Ezra. The exactness of the number, rather than a round approximation, underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the scribes and the historical veracity of the account. Theologically, it can be seen as a reflection of God's detailed knowledge and sovereign oversight of every individual involved in His redemptive plan, even in seemingly mundane administrative lists.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The men of Michmas":** This phrase identifies a specific contingent of returnees by their town of origin. In a society deeply rooted in tribal and family identity, identifying individuals by their ancestral town was crucial for establishing their lineage, their right to inherit land, and their place within the re-forming community. It signifies the re-population of specific historical sites within Judah.
* **"an hundred twenty and two":** This precise numerical count indicates the exact number of individuals (likely adult males or heads of households) from Michmas who made the journey back from exile. The specificity highlights the administrative accuracy of the census and, on a deeper level, the tangible fulfillment of God's promise to gather His scattered people. Each number represents lives, families, and hopes dedicated to the restoration of their homeland and faith.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezra 2:27, and indeed throughout [Ezra chapter 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The Census of Returnees"), is the **Census** or **Register**. This meticulous listing of names, families, towns, and numbers serves several crucial functions. Firstly, it provides **Historical Authentication**, lending credibility to the narrative of the return by demonstrating the tangible, verifiable reality of the event. Secondly, it emphasizes **Precision and Detail**, reflecting the importance placed on lineage, tribal identity, and land claims in ancient Israelite society. The exact numbers underscore the divine oversight and the fulfillment of prophecy, as God is shown to be orchestrating the return of specific individuals. Thirdly, the **Repetition** of this census format throughout the chapter reinforces the collective nature of the return, highlighting that the restoration was a communal effort, with each group, no matter how small, playing a vital role in the larger tapestry of God's redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:27, though a single line in a long list, powerfully articulates the theological truth of God's meticulous care and faithfulness to His covenant promises. It demonstrates that God's plans are not vague generalities but specific, detailed orchestrations involving real people in real places. The return of "an hundred twenty and two" from Michmas is a testament to God remembering His people, fulfilling His prophetic word, and initiating the process of spiritual and physical restoration. It reminds us that even in what might seem like mundane records, the hand of God is evident, moving history toward His redemptive ends and valuing every individual contribution to His grand design.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years Exile")
* [Isaiah 43:5-7](/isaiah/43-5-7 "Isaiah 43:5-7 - God Gathers His People")
* [Psalm 139:16](/psalm/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Detailed Knowledge of Individuals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry list of numbers in Ezra 2:27 holds profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, attentive to every aspect of His plan and the lives of His people. Just as He precisely numbered the men of Michmas for the rebuilding of His physical temple, He is intimately aware of each of us, our unique gifts, and our place in His spiritual temple today. This verse encourages us to find significance in our seemingly small contributions to God's kingdom. Whether our role feels grand or mundane, whether we are "an hundred twenty and two" or just one, our faithful participation is vital to God's larger purposes. It calls us to trust in God's sovereign oversight, knowing that He is orchestrating events and gathering His people, and that our faithfulness, even in the ordinary, contributes to His extraordinary work of restoration in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of the numbers in Ezra 2:27 challenge my perception of God's involvement in the "small details" of my own life or the life of my community?**
* **In what ways might I be overlooking the significance of my "mundane" contributions to God's work, similar to how the individual numbers in this census contribute to a larger, divine purpose?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of identity and belonging within the community of faith, and how can I better foster a sense of belonging for others?**
* **How does the historical fulfillment of prophecy in Ezra, exemplified by the return of specific groups like the men of Michmas, strengthen my faith in God's promises for the future?**

### FAQ
**Why are these lists so detailed in Ezra, and what is their primary purpose?**

Answer: The detailed lists in Ezra, including Ezra 2:27, serve multiple crucial purposes. Historically, they provide an authentic record of the actual number of Jewish exiles who returned to Judah, validating the historical event of the post-exilic return and the fulfillment of prophecy (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years Exile")). Culturally, these genealogies and registers were essential for establishing tribal and family identity, land claims, and the right to participate in the temple service (e.g., priests and Levites). Theologically, the meticulous detail underscores God's sovereign and precise orchestration of events, demonstrating His faithfulness in gathering His scattered people and initiating the process of national and spiritual restoration. It shows that God's plan is not vague but involves specific individuals and groups, each playing a role in His redemptive narrative.

**What is the significance of Michmas being mentioned specifically in this verse?**

Answer: Michmas (or Michmash) was a town in the territory of Benjamin, northeast of Jerusalem, with historical significance, notably as a strategic location during the time of Saul (cf. [1 Samuel 13](/1_samuel/13 "1 Samuel 13 - Saul and Jonathan at Michmash")). Its specific mention in Ezra 2:27, alongside other towns, highlights several points. It indicates the geographical breadth of the return, showing that exiles from various regions of Judah were returning to their ancestral lands, not just Jerusalem. It also underscores the re-establishment of Jewish presence and community in these specific locations. For the returnees, identifying with their town of origin was a vital part of reclaiming their heritage and rebuilding their community structures.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 2:27, with its precise numbering of returnees from Michmas, foreshadows the meticulous and sovereign work of Christ in gathering His people. Just as God meticulously orchestrated the physical return of a remnant to Jerusalem, Christ, the ultimate Shepherd, precisely knows and gathers His sheep from every nation, tribe, and tongue into His spiritual kingdom (cf. [John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus Knows His Sheep") and [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). The return from Babylonian exile prefigures the greater spiritual "return" from the exile of sin and death to life in Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus rebuilds not a physical temple of stone, but a living temple composed of believers, each a "living stone" built into a spiritual house (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House") and [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The detailed census in Ezra emphasizes that every individual, no matter how seemingly small their contribution, is known and valued by God in His grand redemptive plan, a truth perfectly embodied in Christ's personal call and care for each of His followers (cf. [Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God Knows Every Hair on Your Head")). The restoration initiated in Ezra finds its ultimate and comprehensive fulfillment in the new creation wrought by Christ, where all who are "in Christ" are part of a new, eternal community, perfectly numbered and eternally secure.

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 7:31

The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.

1 Samuel 13:23

And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash.

1 Samuel 13:5

And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which [is] on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven.

Isaiah 10:28

He is come to Aiath, he is passed to Migron; at Michmash he hath laid up his carriages: