Ezra 2:38

KJV

The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Pashur {H6583}, a thousand {H505} two hundred {H3967} forty {H705} and seven {H7651}.

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Pash'chur

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247;

American Standard Version

The children of Pashhur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:38, a concise entry within the comprehensive register of post-exilic returnees, meticulously records the number of "the children of Pashur" who journeyed from Babylonian captivity back to Judah. This verse, like others in Ezra chapter 2, underscores the profound importance of lineage and precise accounting in the re-establishment of the Jewish community, particularly for priestly families vital to the restoration of Temple worship and the nation's spiritual identity. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of return and rebuilding His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2:38 is situated within a lengthy and detailed genealogical list in [Ezra chapter 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees from Exile"), which enumerates the families and their numbers who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This chapter immediately follows [Cyrus's decree](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree and the First Return") permitting the exiles to return and rebuild the Temple. The meticulous nature of this census provides the foundational demographic data for the subsequent re-establishment of the community, the rebuilding of the altar and Temple in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Temple Foundation"), and the reordering of religious and civic life. The inclusion of priestly families like Pashur's is crucial, as their legitimate lineage was paramount for resuming sacred duties.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the post-exilic period, specifically the first wave of returnees from Babylon to Judah, following nearly 70 years of captivity. This return was initiated by the decree of Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, around 538 BC. For the Jewish people, genealogy was not merely a record of ancestry but a vital component of identity, land claims, and, most critically, eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. The "children of Pashur" represent a significant priestly family, whose presence was essential for the legitimate resumption of Temple worship. The meticulous census was a practical necessity for reorganizing society, allocating land, and ensuring the purity of the priesthood, reflecting ancient Near Eastern administrative practices combined with Israelite theological emphasis on covenant and lineage.
* **Key Themes:** The verse, embedded within Ezra 2, contributes to several overarching themes. First, it highlights **Restoration and Return**, serving as tangible evidence of God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their homeland, fulfilling prophetic promises made through prophets like Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return")). Second, it emphasizes **Identity and Genealogy**, particularly the critical importance of pure lineage for the priestly class, ensuring their eligibility for sacred duties in the rebuilt Temple. This focus on family identity was central to Jewish societal and religious structure. Third, the precise numbering underscores **Order and Organization**, reflecting the disciplined and structured efforts required to rebuild not only physical structures but also the societal and religious fabric of the post-exilic community. Finally, even in seemingly mundane lists of numbers, there is an underlying message of **Divine Meticulousness**, revealing God's detailed care for His people and the precision of His overarching redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pashur (Hebrew, _Pashchur'_):** This name identifies a specific, prominent priestly clan. While a different Pashur (son of Immer) is known for persecuting Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 20:1-6](/jeremiah/20-1 "Jeremiah 20:1-6 - Pashur Persecutes Jeremiah")), the "children of Pashur" in Ezra refers to a distinct, legitimate priestly family that returned from exile. Their inclusion signifies the re-establishment of the priestly order and the importance of their lineage for the resumption of Temple service.
* **Children (Hebrew, בְּנֵי, _b'nei'_):** This term, literally "sons of," denotes descendants, a clan, or a family unit. Its use here emphasizes the corporate identity and continuity of the family line, rather than just individual members. It highlights the tribal and familial structure through which the returning community was organized and identified.
* **A thousand two hundred forty and seven:** The precise numerical count is significant. It demonstrates the meticulous record-keeping of the returnees, emphasizing the careful organization and administration of the post-exilic community. This exactitude underscores the importance of each individual and family in the divine plan of restoration, reflecting a divine attention to detail in the re-gathering of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Pashur":** This phrase identifies a specific, prominent priestly family unit. Their inclusion in this register signifies their legitimate claim to priestly lineage and their participation in the foundational act of returning to the land. It highlights the importance of the priestly order in the re-established community, as they were essential for the resumption of Temple worship and the spiritual life of the nation.
* **"a thousand two hundred forty and seven":** This precise numerical figure provides the exact count of individuals belonging to the Pashur family who returned. The specificity of the number emphasizes the meticulous nature of the census, reflecting a divinely ordered and humanly executed effort to account for every person involved in the restoration. It underscores the value of each individual and family in God's grand plan for His people, demonstrating that the rebuilding was a collective effort, precisely measured and recorded.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Ezra 2:38, and indeed throughout much of [Ezra chapter 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees from Exile"), is the **Census** or **Genealogical List**. This device serves multiple functions: it provides a historical record, establishes legitimacy (especially for priestly claims), organizes the community for resettlement and service, and demonstrates the fulfillment of God's promises of return. The repetitive structure of "The children of [family name], [number]" throughout the chapter creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, effect, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the return and the importance of each family's contribution. Furthermore, the sheer volume of precise numbers, including that in Ezra 2:38, can be seen as a form of **Symbolism**, representing God's meticulous care for His people, His faithfulness in preserving a remnant, and the re-establishment of order and identity out of the chaos of exile. The act of counting itself signifies the divine act of re-gathering and re-forming a people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:38, though a simple numerical entry, is rich with theological significance. It testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, bringing His people back from exile as prophesied, even down to the meticulous accounting of each family. This precision highlights God's sovereign hand in history, orchestrating the return and the re-establishment of His people, not as a chaotic migration, but as an ordered, divinely sanctioned movement. The emphasis on priestly lineage, exemplified by the "children of Pashur," underscores the enduring importance of proper worship and the sacrificial system in Israel's relationship with God, a system that foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice. The very act of counting and listing serves as a theological statement: every individual, every family, is known and valued by God in His grand redemptive narrative.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile")
* [Nehemiah 7:41](/nehemiah/7-41 "Nehemiah 7:41 - The Priestly Line of Pashur")
* [Numbers 1:2](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2 - Moses' Census of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 2:38 invites us to look beyond the seemingly mundane nature of a numerical list and discern profound spiritual truths. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, whose faithfulness extends even to the precise accounting of His people. Just as He knew each family returning from exile, He knows each of us intimately, valuing every individual's place in His grand redemptive story. This verse encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage, understanding that we are part of a continuous lineage of faith, built upon the faithfulness of those who have gone before. It also speaks to the importance of order and intentionality in community, whether in our families or our churches, recognizing that every member contributes to the collective "rebuilding" of God's kingdom. Ultimately, it is a powerful reminder that God fulfills His promises, often in ways that require patient waiting and diligent participation from His people, transforming chaos into a divinely ordered restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2:38 encourage your faith in God's attention to detail in your own life?**
* **What "heritage" or "lineage" (spiritual or communal) do you identify with, and how does it shape your sense of belonging and purpose within God's larger story?**
* **In what ways can we contribute to the "rebuilding" and "restoration" of God's community today, even in seemingly small or numerical ways?**

### FAQ

**Who were the "children of Pashur" and why are they listed?**

Answer: The "children of Pashur" refer to a specific, prominent priestly family clan who were among the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Judah. They are listed in [Ezra chapter 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees from Exile") as part of a comprehensive census of all families who made the journey. Their inclusion was crucial for several reasons: it established their legitimate priestly lineage, which was essential for resuming sacred duties in the rebuilt Temple. The purity of their ancestry was vital for their eligibility to serve, as highlighted by other priestly families whose records were unclear ([Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Those Excluded from Priestly Service")). Their return signified the re-establishment of the priestly order, a cornerstone of Israel's spiritual life.

**Why are these lists of names and numbers so important in Ezra?**

Answer: These detailed lists, like the one in [Ezra chapter 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees from Exile") and its parallel in [Nehemiah chapter 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of the Returnees"), served multiple critical functions for the post-exilic community. Firstly, they provided **legitimacy** for the returnees, establishing their identity as the true descendants of Israel and rightful inheritors of the land. Secondly, they were essential for the **re-establishment of community**, enabling the proper organization of society, distribution of land, and allocation of resources. Thirdly, for priestly and Levitical families, the lists ensured **purity of lineage**, guaranteeing that only those with confirmed ancestry could serve in the sacred offices of the Temple. Finally, these meticulous records served as a tangible record of God's **fulfillment of prophecy**, demonstrating His faithfulness in bringing His people back to their homeland in an orderly and precise manner, underscoring His divine oversight in every detail of their restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 2:38, with its meticulous counting of the returning "children of Pashur," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual restoration and new community inaugurated by Jesus Christ. The physical return from Babylonian exile foreshadows the spiritual return from the bondage of sin and death, which is made possible through Christ's atoning work. Just as the precise numbers in Ezra reflect God's careful re-gathering of His people, so too does Christ meticulously gather His elect from every tribe and nation, knowing each one by name ([John 10:14](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). The priestly lineage of Pashur's family, essential for the old covenant worship, points to Jesus as our great [High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), whose perfect sacrifice forever cleanses us from sin and grants us direct access to God ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). The rebuilding of the physical Temple, for which the returnees were counted, finds its spiritual reality in Christ Himself, who declared His body to be the true Temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Resurrection of the Temple")), and in the Church, which is built upon Him as the cornerstone, becoming a spiritual house and a "[holy priesthood](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - A Spiritual House and Holy Priesthood")" composed of all believers ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). Thus, the detailed census of Ezra 2:38 ultimately points to God's meticulous plan for the redemption and re-gathering of His people into a new covenant community, perfectly fulfilled in Christ and His Church.

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 Chronicles 9:12

And Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer;

Ezra 10:22

And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah.

Nehemiah 7:41

The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.