Ezra 2:30

KJV

The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Magbish {H4019}, an hundred {H3967} fifty {H2572} and six {H8337}.

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Magbish

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Magbish, 156;

American Standard Version

The children of Magbish, a hundred fifty and six.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:30 is a precise entry within the comprehensive genealogical record of Jewish exiles who returned to Judah from Babylon following King Cyrus's decree. This verse specifically enumerates "the children of Magbish," tallying their number at one hundred fifty and six individuals. As part of a larger census in Ezra chapter 2, this detail underscores the meticulous nature of the post-exilic restoration, highlighting the importance of identity, lineage, and community reconstruction as God faithfully re-gathers His people to rebuild the Temple and re-establish their presence in the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2:30 is situated within a lengthy and meticulously detailed register that spans nearly the entire second chapter of Ezra. This chapter serves as a critical historical document, enumerating the first wave of Jewish returnees from Babylonian captivity to Judah. Following the decree of King Cyrus in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree"), which permitted and encouraged the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, Ezra chapter 2 systematically lists various families, clans, towns, and groups, along with the number of individuals from each. The preceding verses (e.g., [Ezra 2:28-29](/ezra/2-28 "Ezra 2:28-29 - The Children of Beth-el and Ai, and Nebo")) and subsequent verses (e.g., [Ezra 2:31-32](/ezra/2-31 "Ezra 2:31-32 - The Children of the Other Elam, and Harim")) follow the identical pattern of identifying a group and stating its numerical size. This repetitive structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the census and the organized, albeit challenging, process of national re-establishment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezra 2:30 is the immediate aftermath of the seventy-year Babylonian exile, a period of profound national and spiritual trauma for the Jewish people. In 538 BC, King Cyrus of Persia issued his famous decree, marking a pivotal moment in biblical history and fulfilling prophetic predictions (e.g., [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd")). For ancient Israel, lineage and tribal affiliation were paramount, not merely for social standing but for land inheritance, participation in religious life, and especially for establishing the purity of the priestly and Levitical lines. The meticulous census in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees"), therefore, was not a bureaucratic formality but a foundational act for re-establishing the social, religious, and political identity of the returning community. These returnees were embarking on a challenging journey to a land that had lain desolate for decades, facing the daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem and its Temple, and re-cultivating their ancestral lands.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees"), including specific entries like Ezra 2:30, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it serves as tangible evidence of **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises to restore His people to their land after the exile, as prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return")). Every name and number is a testament to God's precise execution of His redemptive plan. Secondly, it underscores the **Importance of Identity and Genealogy**. For a people whose identity was deeply intertwined with their ancestry and tribal heritage, these records were crucial for maintaining continuity, ensuring proper land distribution, and validating claims to priestly service. Finally, the chapter highlights the theme of **Rebuilding and Restoration**. The individuals listed, including "the children of Magbish," were the foundational members of a new community tasked with the monumental work of rebuilding the Temple (as detailed in [Ezra 3:8](/ezra/3-8 "Ezra 3:8 - Beginning of Temple Rebuilding")) and the city of Jerusalem, marking the beginning of a significant period of national and spiritual renewal.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Magbish (Hebrew, _Maḡbîš'_):** This is a proper noun, likely referring to a family or clan name. Its precise etymology is uncertain, but it appears to be either a personal name of an ancestor or a place name from which this group originated. In the context of Ezra 2, it functions primarily as an identifier for a specific lineage returning from exile. The inclusion of such a specific, seemingly minor group underscores the meticulous nature of the census, indicating that every returning family, regardless of size or prominence, was accounted for in the divine plan of restoration.
* **Children (Hebrew, _bənê'_):** The term "children" (בְּנֵי, _bənê_) here signifies "descendants" or "members of the clan/family of." It indicates that the enumerated individuals are part of a collective identity tied to an ancestral figure or a place. This emphasizes the communal nature of the return, where individuals were not merely isolated units but belonged to established family structures and lineages that were being re-planted in the land.
* **One hundred fifty and six (Hebrew, _mēʾāh ḥămiššîm wāšēš'_):** This precise number, like all the numerical entries in Ezra 2, highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the ancient Near East and, more importantly, the divine precision in the re-gathering of God's people. The exact figures lend an air of historical veracity and underscore the tangible reality of the restoration. It signifies that the return was not a chaotic migration but an organized, divinely orchestrated movement where every individual counted and was known.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Magbish":** This phrase identifies a specific family or clan among the multitude of returnees. It signifies a distinct lineage, emphasizing the importance of family identity and continuity within the broader Israelite community. The inclusion of such specific names, even for smaller groups, highlights the comprehensive nature of the census and God's attention to every detail of His people's restoration.
* **"an hundred fifty and six":** This numerical entry provides the exact count of individuals belonging to the "children of Magbish." The precision of the number underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the returning exiles, which was crucial for re-establishing land claims, tribal inheritances, and the overall social and religious structure of the re-emerging nation. It serves as a concrete testament to the tangible reality of the post-exilic return and the divine orchestration behind it.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:30, like the entire chapter, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition**. The text systematically lists various groups and their corresponding numbers, creating a comprehensive census. This repetitive structure, where each verse or set of verses follows the pattern "The children of [name], [number]," serves to emphasize the sheer volume and diversity of the returning population. While seemingly dry, this detailed **Enumeration** lends historical authenticity and conveys the magnitude of God's faithful work in gathering His dispersed people. The meticulous record-keeping also functions as a form of **Symbolism**, representing the divine order and precision in the restoration process, where every individual and family is accounted for and has a place in the rebuilding of the nation. It subtly conveys the idea that God's plan is not haphazard but carefully orchestrated, down to the last person.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:30, though a single numerical entry, is profoundly significant within the broader biblical narrative of redemption and restoration. It stands as a concrete testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, specifically the prophecy of return from exile. The meticulous counting of each family, no matter how small, underscores God's personal attention to His people and His commitment to re-establish their identity and presence in the promised land. This act of re-gathering is a tangible display of divine sovereignty, demonstrating that even through periods of judgment and dispersion, God's ultimate purpose for His people remains steadfast. It reminds us that God's plans are precise and comprehensive, encompassing every individual who belongs to His covenant community.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return from Exile")
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His People from Afar")
* [Nehemiah 7:6-69](/nehemiah/7-6 "Nehemiah 7:6-69 - Parallel Census of Returnees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 2:30, initially appearing as a mere statistical detail, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It highlights God's meticulous attention to every individual and detail within His grand redemptive plan. Just as the "children of Magbish" were known and counted, so too are we, as individuals, known and valued by God. Our lives, seemingly small or insignificant in the vast tapestry of history, are intricately woven into God's ongoing story of restoration and purpose. This verse encourages us to recognize our unique place within the larger body of Christ, reminding us that every member, regardless of their perceived prominence, contributes to the collective work of God's kingdom. It calls us to embrace our identity in Christ and actively participate in the rebuilding and spiritual renewal of our communities, just as these ancient returnees faithfully contributed to the restoration of Jerusalem. Our participation, however humble, is part of God's precise and glorious design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Ezra 2:30, and the entire census, speak to God's character and His view of individuals?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals, see ourselves as part of God's larger story of restoration and rebuilding today?**
* **What does it mean to be "counted" by God, and how does that understanding impact our sense of identity and purpose?**

### FAQ

**Why is such a detailed list of names and numbers included in the Bible?**

Answer: The inclusion of such detailed lists, like the census in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees"), serves multiple crucial purposes. Historically, it authenticates the return from exile, providing concrete evidence of the individuals and families who participated in this pivotal event. Theologically, it demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His prophetic promises to restore His people to their land after seventy years of captivity (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Return")). Culturally, it was vital for establishing and maintaining tribal identity, ensuring proper land inheritance, and verifying the purity of priestly and Levitical lines, which were essential for the re-establishment of Temple worship. Spiritually, it underscores God's meticulous attention to every individual and His sovereign orchestration of history, showing that no detail, no person, is overlooked in His grand plan.

**What is the significance of "Magbish" specifically?**

Answer: The specific significance of "Magbish" is primarily its role as an identifier for a particular family or clan that returned from exile. While the etymology of the name itself is debated (possibly a personal name or a place name), its inclusion signifies that this group, like many others, maintained its distinct identity through the seventy-year exile and chose to participate in the restoration. It highlights the diversity of the returning community, comprising various family units, and reiterates the comprehensive nature of the census. The fact that a group of 156 individuals is specifically named and counted emphasizes that every returning family, regardless of its size, was important to the re-establishment of the nation and the fulfillment of God's purposes.

**Does this verse have any relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: Absolutely. While Ezra 2:30 details a historical census, its underlying principles resonate deeply with Christian faith. Firstly, it reminds us of God's meticulous care and attention to detail; just as He knew and counted every returning exile, He knows and values every individual believer today. Secondly, it underscores the importance of community and identity within God's people. Just as the "children of Magbish" were part of a larger collective working towards restoration, Christians are part of the body of Christ, each with a unique role in building up the church and advancing God's kingdom (e.g., [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")). Finally, it speaks to the theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, a cornerstone of Christian hope. The historical restoration in Ezra foreshadows the spiritual restoration and new creation found in Christ, where believers are gathered from all nations into His eternal kingdom (e.g., [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezra 2:30 is a precise historical record of returning exiles, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the grand narrative of God's meticulous gathering of His people into a new, spiritual community centered on Jesus Christ. The physical census of returning Jews foreshadows the spiritual census of those redeemed by the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the "children of Magbish" were counted and given a place in the rebuilding of the earthly temple and nation, so too are all believers, regardless of their earthly lineage, counted and incorporated into the spiritual temple, the Church, of which [Christ is the chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone"). The restoration of Israel from exile points to the greater spiritual restoration offered through Christ's atoning work, where humanity is reconciled to God and gathered into a new covenant community, the true Israel of God (cf. [Galatians 6:16](/galatians/6-16 "Galatians 6:16 - The Israel of God")). Jesus is the ultimate Zerubbabel, leading His people out of the bondage of sin and death into the freedom of His kingdom, meticulously gathering every individual chosen by the Father (cf. [John 6:37](/john/6-37 "John 6:37 - All that the Father gives me will come to me")). The precise numbering in Ezra 2:30 thus subtly prefigures God's perfect knowledge and sovereign election of every member of His eternal family, ensuring that none are lost (cf. [John 10:27-29](/john/10-27 "John 10:27-29 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")).

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.