Ezra 2:29

The children of Nebo, fifty and two.

The children {H1121} of Nebo {H5015}, fifty {H2572} and two {H8147}.

descendants of N'vo

the descendants of Nebo, 52;

The children of Nebo, fifty and two.

Commentary

Ezra 2:29 is a concise verse from a vital chapter in the book of Ezra, which meticulously lists the Israelite families and their numbers who returned from the Babylonian exile to Judah.

Context of Ezra 2:29

This verse is part of a detailed census in Ezra chapter 2, which enumerates the first wave of Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This return was made possible by the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, as recorded in Ezra 1:1-4. The list served a crucial purpose: to establish the legitimate lineage and numbers of those who would rebuild the Temple and re-establish the community in the land of Israel. Each entry, like "The children of Nebo, fifty and two," identifies a specific family or group and the number of its male members participating in this significant restoration.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Restoration and Homecoming: The primary theme is the fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their land after seventy years of captivity, a prophecy vividly expressed in Jeremiah 29:10. This meticulous list highlights the tangible reality of this divine act.
  • Identity and Lineage: For the returning exiles, knowing one's family and ancestral town was paramount. It confirmed their Israelite identity, validated their right to inherit land, and was essential for maintaining tribal distinctions and, critically, for those qualified for priestly service. The precision of the numbers underscores the importance of this historical and spiritual record.
  • God's Faithfulness and Order: The very existence of this list, detailing the return of a remnant, testifies to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises, even through periods of judgment and exile. The careful enumeration also speaks to the organized and purposeful nature of God's work and the human effort involved in rebuilding a nation.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Nebo" (Hebrew: Χ Φ°Χ‘Χ•ΦΉ, Nəḇō) in this context refers to a specific town or locality in Judah, from which these families originated. It is important to distinguish this geographical reference from the Babylonian deity of the same name. Its inclusion here simply identifies the place of origin for these 52 individuals who participated in the return.

Practical Application and Reflection

While Ezra 2:29 might seem like a mere historical detail, it offers valuable insights for believers today:

  • God's Attention to Detail: Even seemingly small details and individual lives are important to God. He orchestrates grand plans through the participation of many.
  • The Value of Spiritual Heritage: Just as the exiles valued their lineage, believers today are called to appreciate their spiritual heritage and identity in Christ, understanding their place within God's larger story of redemption.
  • Hope in Restoration: The story of the return from exile is a powerful reminder that even after periods of difficulty, brokenness, or spiritual wandering, God is capable of bringing about restoration and renewal. This offers hope for personal and communal rebuilding.

This verse, though brief, contributes to the larger narrative of God's sovereign plan to restore His people and rebuild His dwelling place, a testament to His enduring love and faithfulness.

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 7:33

    The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.

  • Numbers 32:3

    Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

  • Deuteronomy 32:49

    Get thee up into this mountain Abarim, [unto] mount Nebo, which [is] in the land of Moab, that [is] over against Jericho; and behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel for a possession:

  • Jeremiah 48:22

    And upon Dibon, and upon Nebo, and upon Bethdiblathaim,

  • Jeremiah 48:1

    ΒΆ Against Moab thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto Nebo! for it is spoiled: Kiriathaim is confounded [and] taken: Misgab is confounded and dismayed.

  • Isaiah 15:2

    He is gone up to Bajith, and to Dibon, the high places, to weep: Moab shall howl over Nebo, and over Medeba: on all their heads [shall be] baldness, [and] every beard cut off.
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