Ezra 2:39

KJV

The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Harim {H2766}, a thousand {H505} and seventeen {H7651}{H6240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Harim 621 122 223 52 156 1,254 320 725 345 3,630 973 1,052 1,247 1,017

Berean Standard Bible

and the descendants of Harim, 1,017.

American Standard Version

The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:39, stating "The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen," is a precise entry within the meticulous census of Jewish exiles returning from Babylonian captivity to Judah. This verse, like others in Ezra 2, serves as a vital record of the families and individuals who formed the initial wave of returnees, underscoring the re-establishment of the covenant community, the re-population of the land, and the foundational steps towards rebuilding the Temple and Jerusalem. It highlights the importance of every family's contribution to the national and spiritual restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2 is a detailed register of the first wave of Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This chapter immediately follows the decree of King Cyrus, as recorded in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree"), which permitted the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. The exhaustive list, stretching from [Ezra 2:1](/ezra/2-1 "Ezra 2:1 - The Returnees") to [Ezra 2:67](/ezra/2-67 "Ezra 2:67 - Total Number of Returnees"), meticulously enumerates families, individuals, priests, Levites, temple servants, and even animals, culminating in a total count. Ezra 2:39 is one such entry, providing the specific number of male adults from the family of Harim, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this foundational record for the re-established community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezra 2:39 is the post-exilic period, specifically the initial return from the seventy-year Babylonian captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years")). After the fall of Babylon to Persia, King Cyrus issued a decree (c. 538 BC) allowing the exiled Jews to return. This census was not merely a historical record but a crucial administrative document for the nascent community. Genealogies and family lists were paramount in ancient Israel for establishing identity, confirming tribal affiliations, validating claims to land inheritance, and determining eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. The "children of Harim" in this verse refers to a lay family or clan, distinct from the priestly family of Harim mentioned elsewhere (e.g., [Ezra 2:32](/ezra/2-32 "Ezra 2:32 - Children of Harim (Priests)") or [Nehemiah 7:42](/nehemiah/7-42 "Nehemiah 7:42 - Priestly Harim")), underscoring the meticulous categorization of the returnees for various societal and religious roles.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Ezra 2:39 within this detailed census highlights several key themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Restoration and Divine Faithfulness**. The very act of counting and returning a remnant testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, bringing His people back to the land after judgment. Secondly, the emphasis on **Identity and Lineage** is central; these lists confirmed who belonged to the covenant community, ensuring their rightful place and participation in the rebuilding efforts. For the "children of Harim," their inclusion signifies their legitimate standing within the returned remnant. Lastly, the meticulous numbering underscores the theme of **Community Building**. Each individual and family, like the "thousand and seventeen" from Harim, represented a vital component of the collective effort to rebuild Jerusalem, the Temple, and the social fabric of Judah, demonstrating the importance of every member in God's overarching plan for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, this word literally means "son," but in this context, "children of Harim" refers to the male descendants, members, or a collective clan unit belonging to the patriarch or family head named Harim. This usage is common in biblical genealogies and censuses, indicating the entire family group or lineage that traces its origin back to a common ancestor, rather than just immediate offspring. It signifies their corporate identity and shared heritage within the returned community.
* **Harim (Hebrew, _Chârim'_):** From H2766, this proper noun denotes a specific Israelite family or clan. The name itself, derived from a root meaning "devoted" or "consecrated," appears multiple times in Ezra and Nehemiah, referring to distinct groups. In Ezra 2:39, it specifically identifies a lay family, separate from the priestly family of the same name. This distinction highlights the careful and precise record-keeping of the ancient census, ensuring that each group's identity and role within the community were clearly defined, particularly concerning temple service and land allocation.
* **Thousand and seventeen (Hebrew, _ʼeleph_ and _shebaʻ_ and _ʻâsâr'_):** This precise numerical count combines the Hebrew words for "thousand" (H505, _ʼeleph_), "seven" (H7651, _shebaʻ_), and "ten" (H6240, _ʻâsâr_). This signifies the exact number of male adults from the Harim family who participated in the initial return. The meticulous detail of these numbers throughout Ezra 2 underscores the administrative thoroughness of the census, which was crucial for allocating resources, organizing the community, and establishing the demographic foundation for the re-settlement of Judah. It also subtly emphasizes the tangible reality of God's fulfillment of His promise to bring a remnant back.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Harim":** This clause identifies a specific family or clan unit among the returning exiles. It signifies their lineage and corporate identity, essential for their place within the re-established community of Judah.
* **"a thousand and seventeen":** This phrase provides the exact numerical count of male adults from the Harim family who were part of this first wave of returnees. It highlights the meticulous record-keeping of the census, which was vital for the administrative and social organization of the post-exilic community.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:39, as part of a larger **Census/List**, functions as a critical administrative and theological document. The pervasive use of **Numeration** throughout the chapter, including the specific count for the "children of Harim," emphasizes the meticulous detail and precision with which the returning community was recorded. This is not merely a dry historical record but a testament to the tangible reality of God's faithfulness in bringing a specific, countable remnant back to the land. The **Repetition** of the formula "The children of [Name], [Number]" across the chapter reinforces the comprehensive nature of the census, highlighting that every family and individual was accounted for in God's plan for restoration. This literary structure underscores the foundational importance of these returnees for the future of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:39, though a simple numerical entry, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The very act of counting and listing each family, including the "children of Harim," demonstrates that God's plan for restoration was not an abstract concept but a concrete reality involving specific individuals and families. This census laid the administrative and demographic groundwork for the re-establishment of the nation, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the resumption of covenant life. It serves as a powerful reminder that God values every person and family within His divine economy, meticulously orchestrating their return to fulfill His redemptive purposes.

* [Nehemiah 7:42](/nehemiah/7-42 "Nehemiah 7:42 - The Priestly Family of Harim")
* [Numbers 1:2](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2 - Instructions for a Census")
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Promises to Gather Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane listing in Ezra 2:39 offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's grand redemptive plan is meticulously detailed, valuing every single individual and family. Just as the "children of Harim" were counted and given their place in the physical restoration of Israel, so too are we, as believers, counted and cherished within God's spiritual kingdom. This verse calls us to appreciate the importance of our own unique place and contribution within the body of Christ, recognizing that even seemingly small or unglamorous acts of faithfulness contribute to the larger work of God. It encourages us to embrace our identity within the covenant community, understanding that belonging to God's people carries both privilege and responsibility in building up His church and extending His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in Ezra 2, even in counting seemingly ordinary families, encourage you in your own life and sense of value to Him?**
* **In what ways can you contribute to the "rebuilding" of God's community today, even in roles that might seem mundane or behind-the-scenes?**
* **How does understanding your spiritual lineage and identity in Christ shape your sense of belonging and purpose within the broader family of God?**

### FAQ
**Why is this verse, seemingly just a number, included in the Bible?**

Answer: Ezra 2:39, along with the entire census in Ezra 2, is included for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it serves as a vital historical and administrative record, documenting the specific families and their numbers who participated in the initial return from exile. This was essential for establishing land claims, verifying lineage for priestly service, and organizing the re-settlement of Judah. Secondly, it provides theological affirmation of God's faithfulness; the return of a specific, countable remnant fulfills prophetic promises (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years")). Thirdly, it underscores the importance of every individual and family in God's plan. Even seemingly ordinary groups like the "children of Harim" were significant enough to be counted, demonstrating God's meticulous care for His people and their collective role in the restoration of His covenant community.

**Is this "Harim" the same as the priestly Harim mentioned elsewhere in Ezra and Nehemiah?**

Answer: No, the "children of Harim" mentioned in Ezra 2:39 refers to a lay family or clan, distinct from the priestly family of Harim. The priestly family of Harim is listed separately in the census (e.g., [Ezra 2:32](/ezra/2-32 "Ezra 2:32 - Children of Harim (Priests)") and [Nehemiah 7:42](/nehemiah/7-42 "Nehemiah 7:42 - Priestly Harim")). This distinction highlights the meticulous nature of the biblical census, which carefully categorized individuals and families based on their lineage and their roles within the community, particularly concerning eligibility for temple service. The presence of two distinct groups with the same name underscores the administrative precision required for the re-establishment of the post-exilic community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous counting of the "children of Harim" and other families in Ezra 2, marking their return to the promised land, prefigures the ultimate and greater gathering of God's people in Christ. Just as a physical remnant was called out of exile to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple, so too are believers, through faith in Jesus, called out of spiritual exile and brought into the new covenant community, the Church. This physical restoration foreshadows the spiritual redemption and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom through the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). In Christ, the meticulous genealogies and family lists find their ultimate fulfillment, as all who believe, regardless of their earthly lineage, become [children of God](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God") and [heirs according to the promise](/galatians/3-29 "Heirs of Abraham's Promise"). The re-population of Judah by a specific number of families points forward to the countless multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language who will stand before the throne, redeemed by Christ (cf. [Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")), demonstrating God's sovereign and inclusive plan to gather His people into His eternal presence.

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 24:8

The third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,

Ezra 10:21

And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.

Nehemiah 7:42

The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.