Ezra 2:34

KJV

The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Jericho {H3405}, three {H7969} hundred {H3967} forty {H705} and five {H2568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Yericho

Berean Standard Bible

the men of Jericho, 345;

American Standard Version

The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:34 is a specific entry within the meticulous register of those who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile, precisely identifying "The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five." This seemingly simple statistic serves as a profound testament to God's precise care for His people, underscoring the vital importance of lineage and identity in the post-exilic community, and highlighting the collective effort integral to the divine plan for Israel's restoration after seventy years of captivity. It powerfully affirms the historical accuracy and theological significance of the biblical record, revealing the providential hand guiding the returnees back to their ancestral lands to rebuild their nation and spiritual life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2:34 is embedded within a comprehensive and highly detailed census found in [Ezra 2:1-70](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The Census of Returning Exiles"), which meticulously enumerates the families, cities, and groups comprising the first wave of Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem from Babylon. This chapter immediately follows the pivotal decree issued by King Cyrus of Persia (found in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")), which not only authorized but actively encouraged the Jews to return and commence the rebuilding of the Temple. The exhaustive list serves a dual purpose: it is both an administrative record establishing the legitimate identity and lineage of those who would repopulate Judah and reclaim their ancestral lands, and a theological affirmation of who was authorized to participate in the sacred service of the soon-to-be-rebuilt Temple. This foundational demographic data was crucial for the subsequent rebuilding efforts, particularly the laying of the Temple's foundation described in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Laying the Temple Foundation"). The inclusion of specific city groups, such as "the children of Jericho," underscores the re-establishment of a coherent, geographically rooted community, vital for the nation's spiritual and social reconstruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The initial return from exile, documented in Ezra 2, occurred around 538 BC, marking the fulfillment of Jeremiah's seventy-year prophecy concerning the Babylonian captivity (compare [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years' Exile")). Cyrus the Great, having conquered Babylon and established the vast Persian Empire, implemented a policy of allowing and even funding the return of various captive peoples to their homelands. This benevolent policy was likely aimed at fostering stability and loyalty within his diverse empire. For the Jewish people, this decree was nothing short of miraculous, signifying the end of a period of divine judgment and the dawn of national restoration. Culturally, lineage, tribal affiliation, and ancestral land were paramount in ancient Israelite society. Knowing one's "house" or family (Hebrew: *bet 'av*) and city of origin was indispensable for asserting claims to inherited property, participating in tribal distributions, and, most critically for priests and Levites, proving their legitimate right to serve in the Temple. The meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2 reflects this deep-seated cultural imperative, ensuring that the restored community would be built upon legitimate, covenantal foundations, preserving their unique identity amidst a pagan empire.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed enumeration in Ezra 2, including the specific mention of "the children of Jericho," contributes significantly to several overarching themes present in the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Restoration and Fulfillment of Prophecy**, serving as tangible evidence of God's unwavering faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land as promised by prophets like Isaiah (see [Isaiah 43:5-7](/isaiah/43-5-7 "Isaiah 43:5-7 - God Gathers His Exiles")). Secondly, the meticulous lists underscore the profound **Importance of Lineage and Identity**, which were absolutely vital for re-establishing the social, religious, and national structures of Israel. This census affirmed precisely who belonged to the covenant community and who possessed the right to participate in its monumental rebuilding. Thirdly, the sheer numbers highlight the **Community Effort** required for this daunting undertaking; the return was not a solitary act but a collective endeavor, with each individual and family contributing to the repopulation and reconstruction of Judah. Finally, the entire narrative, from Cyrus's decree in [Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree") to the precise counting of returnees in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The Census of Returning Exiles"), speaks powerfully to **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand orchestrating historical events and influencing human hearts to accomplish His detailed redemptive plan for His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Children (Hebrew, בֵּן, _bên_):** While literally meaning "son" or "sons of," in this context, _bên_ functions as a collective term signifying "descendants of," "inhabitants from," or "members of a community associated with." It denotes not just literal offspring but the entire household or family unit originating from a particular place. This emphasizes a shared ancestral identity and a collective return to the place from which their families had been exiled, highlighting continuity and belonging.
* **Jericho (Hebrew, יְרִיחוֹ, _Yᵉrîychôw_):** Jericho, a city with deep and complex historical roots in Israel's narrative (e.g., its miraculous fall in [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")), represents a specific geographical and historical point of origin for these returnees. Its inclusion highlights the re-establishment of a presence in a historically significant location, symbolizing the reclaiming of the land promised by God, despite the city's past curse (cf. [Joshua 6:26](/joshua/6-26 "Joshua 6:26 - Joshua's Curse on Jericho")). The city's name itself, possibly meaning "its month" (referring to the moon) or "fragrant," adds a layer of ancient significance to this re-establishment.
* **Five (Hebrew, חָמֵשׁ, _châmêsh_):** This numeral, part of the precise count, signifies the exactness of the census. The inclusion of specific numbers, down to the single digit, underscores the meticulousness of the record-keeping and the tangible reality of the return. It speaks to the administrative rigor necessary for re-establishing a legitimate community and implies that each individual counted was important to the overall divine plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Jericho":** This phrase identifies a specific contingent of returnees by their ancestral city. It signifies that these 345 individuals were not merely random people but those whose families had a historical connection to Jericho before the exile. Their return to Judah was not just a general migration but a specific re-establishment of a community tied to a particular heritage and geographical location within the promised land. This emphasis on origin was crucial for re-establishing tribal and family land claims and for the overall re-ordering of society after generations of displacement.
* **"three hundred forty and five":** This precise numerical figure underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the returning exiles. It reflects the administrative rigor of the census, which was vital for the legitimate re-establishment of the Jewish community in Judah. Each number represents a group of individuals, families, and their contributions to the collective effort of repopulating the land and rebuilding the nation. The specificity conveys authenticity and the tangible reality of God's restoration work, demonstrating that every individual counted in God's providential plan.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:34, as part of the broader chapter, primarily employs **Census/Genealogy** as its dominant literary device. This meticulous listing of names and numbers serves to establish legitimacy, confirm identity, and underscore the historical continuity of the covenant community after a period of severe disruption. The sheer **Precision/Detail** of the enumeration, down to specific numbers for each family or city group, lends an air of historical veracity and divine oversight to the narrative. It emphasizes that God's plan is not vague but involves specific individuals and groups, each accounted for. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism** in the mention of Jericho. As the first city conquered by Israel upon entering the Promised Land, and later cursed by Joshua, its re-population by a significant number of returnees symbolizes a new beginning, a reclaiming of heritage, and the reversal of past judgments, pointing to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant promises and His capacity to restore even what was once deemed lost or cursed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:34, though a simple numerical entry, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and His unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The detailed accounting of each family and city group returning from exile demonstrates that God's redemptive plan is not abstract but deeply personal, involving the lives and destinies of specific individuals. It underscores the importance of identity within the covenant community and highlights the collective effort required to rebuild what was broken. The return of "the children of Jericho" is a tangible manifestation of God's sovereign hand orchestrating historical events to bring about the restoration of His people to their land, thereby setting the stage for the continuation of His grand redemptive narrative, which ultimately points to Christ.

* [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 Exiles")
* [Nehemiah 7:36](/nehemiah/7-36 "Nehemiah 7:36 - Parallel Census List")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly dry statistics of Ezra 2:34 carry profound spiritual weight, reminding us that God's grand redemptive narrative is built upon the faithful participation of countless individuals. Just as He meticulously counted and cared for the 345 individuals from Jericho, ensuring their place in the restoration, so too does He know and value every person within His kingdom today. This verse calls us to recognize our own unique place in God's ongoing story, whether our contribution seems grand or small, public or hidden. It affirms that our identity in Christ connects us to a spiritual lineage far greater and more enduring than any earthly ancestry, making us part of a global, diverse community called to participate in His eternal purposes. We are invited to embrace our spiritual heritage and actively engage in the work of building His kingdom, knowing that our participation, however humble, is meticulously noted, deeply valued, and eternally significant in the eyes of our sovereign God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Ezra 2:34 affirm God's personal care for individuals within His larger redemptive plan?**
* **In what ways does your own identity in Christ connect you to a spiritual "lineage" or community, similar to how the "children of Jericho" identified with their heritage?**
* **What is your "Jericho"—the specific place, gifting, or role—that God has called you to contribute to His kingdom work today, knowing that your contribution, however small, is significant to Him?**

### FAQ
**Why is this list of numbers so important in the book of Ezra?**

Answer: This detailed list, including Ezra 2:34, is critically important for several reasons. First, it provides historical and legal legitimacy for the returning exiles. In ancient societies, lineage and place of origin were vital for asserting land claims, tribal inheritance, and the right to participate in religious functions, especially for priests and Levites. This census confirmed who truly belonged to the covenant community and had the right to rebuild the Temple and re-establish the nation. Second, it underscores the theme of divine faithfulness; the very existence of these returnees, meticulously counted, is proof that God fulfilled His promise to bring His people back from exile (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of the Seventy Years' Exile")). Third, it highlights the organized and collective nature of the restoration, showing that God's work is often accomplished through the willing participation of many individuals and families, each playing a vital role in the larger divine plan.

**What is the significance of Jericho being mentioned specifically?**

Answer: Jericho holds a unique and powerful place in Israel's history. It was the first city conquered by Joshua upon Israel's entry into the Promised Land, a miraculous victory that symbolized God's power and faithfulness (cf. [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")). Later, Joshua pronounced a curse on anyone who would rebuild its foundations (cf. [Joshua 6:26](/joshua/6-26 "Joshua 6:26 - Joshua's Curse on Jericho")). The mention of "the children of Jericho" returning signifies not just a geographical origin but a re-establishment of a presence in a place deeply tied to Israel's foundational history. It symbolizes the reclaiming of the land, the reversal of past judgments, and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people, even in a location with such a complex past. Their return demonstrates God's comprehensive restoration, touching every part of the land and every aspect of His people's heritage, showing His ability to redeem even places associated with past curses.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical return of the "children of Jericho" and other exiles to their ancestral land in Ezra foreshadows a greater, spiritual return and restoration found in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament return was to a geographical land and a physical temple, Christ inaugurates a new covenant where believers are brought into a spiritual kingdom and become living stones in a spiritual temple (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, a Spiritual House")). Just as the exiles were brought back from captivity to re-establish their identity and heritage, so too are believers, once alienated and enslaved by sin, brought back into fellowship with God through Christ's atoning work (cf. [Ephesians 2:12-13](/ephesians/2-12-13 "Ephesians 2:12-13 - Aliens and Strangers No More")). In Christ, the meticulous counting of families and lineages finds its ultimate fulfillment in the formation of the church, a new spiritual family where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (cf. [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")). He is the ultimate restorer, gathering His people from every nation, tribe, and tongue, not merely to a physical city, but into His eternal kingdom, where He himself is the Temple and the light (cf. [Revelation 21:22-23](/revelation/21-22-23 "Revelation 21:22-23 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")). The return of the children of Jericho points to the ultimate gathering of God's children into the new Jerusalem, secured by the Lamb of God (cf. [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation Before the Throne")).

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 Kings 16:34

In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest [son] Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.

Nehemiah 7:36

The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

2 Chronicles 28:15

And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.