Ezra 2:34

The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

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

descendants of Yericho

the men of Jericho, 345;

The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezra 2:34

Ezra 2:34 is a precise, numerical entry within a significant historical document: the list of families and individuals who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile. This verse specifically states, "The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five." While seemingly just a statistic, it carries important historical and theological weight, highlighting the meticulous record-keeping and the divine hand in Israel's restoration.

Context

This verse is part of Ezra chapter 2, which meticulously details the names and numbers of the first wave of Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This return occurred after the seventy years of Babylonian captivity prophesied by Jeremiah. The list serves as a census, outlining the various families, cities, and groups (such as priests, Levites, temple servants) who participated in this monumental journey back to their homeland. The purpose of this detailed record was to establish legitimate lineage for those claiming land, temple service, and national identity in the post-exilic community, crucial for the subsequent rebuilding of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Restoration and Fulfillment of Prophecy: The very existence of this list testifies to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to bring His people back to their land after judgment.
  • Importance of Lineage and Identity: For the returning exiles, knowing one's ancestral city and family was vital for re-establishing the nation's social and religious structures. It affirmed their place within the covenant community.
  • Community Effort: The return was not a solitary act but a collective endeavor. Each number represents a contribution to the repopulation and rebuilding of Judah.
  • Divine Providence: God orchestrated the hearts of kings (Cyrus) and the circumstances that allowed this mass return, demonstrating His detailed care for His people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "children of Jericho" is from the Hebrew `bene Yeriแธฅo` (ื‘ึฐึผื ึตื™ ื™ึฐืจึตื—ื•ึน). The term `bene` literally means "sons of," but in this context, it broadly signifies "descendants of" or "inhabitants from" Jericho. This emphasizes that these were individuals whose families had historical roots in the city of Jericho before the exile, and they were now returning to claim their heritage.

Significance and Application

While a simple numerical entry, Ezra 2:34 reminds us of several profound truths:

  • God's Meticulous Care: Even in what seems like a dry list of names and numbers, God's hand is evident. He cares about every individual and every family involved in His redemptive plan.
  • The Value of Participation: Each of the 345 individuals from Jericho, along with all the others, played a vital role in God's great work of national restoration. Their willingness to return, leave the comforts of exile, and participate in the rebuilding was an act of faith.
  • Our Place in God's Story: Just as these individuals had a specific place and contribution to God's plan for Israel, so too does every believer have a unique part to play in the ongoing story of God's kingdom. We are called to participate in His work, whether it's grand or seemingly small.
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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.
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