Ezra 2:40

KJV

The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.

KJV (with Strong's)

The Levites {H3881}: the children {H1121} of Jeshua {H3442} and Kadmiel {H6934}, of the children {H1121} of Hodaviah {H1938}, seventy {H7657} and four {H702}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The L'vi'im: descendants of Yeshua and Kadmi'el, of the descendants of Hodavyah

Berean Standard Bible

The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel (through the line of Hodaviah), 74.

American Standard Version

The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:40 meticulously records the return of a specific segment of the Levites—the children of Jeshua, Kadmiel, and Hodaviah—totaling seventy-four individuals, who journeyed back to Judah from Babylonian exile. This verse, part of a comprehensive post-exilic census, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness in restoring His covenant people to their land and re-establishing the sacred order necessary for proper temple worship and community life in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2 is a crucial genealogical and numerical register, detailing the first wave of Jewish exiles who returned to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and High Priest Jeshua following King Cyrus's decree in 538 BC. This chapter meticulously lists families, individuals, and their numbers, serving as an official record of the remnant's return. It immediately precedes the account of the people settling in their towns and the subsequent re-establishment of the altar and foundational temple worship in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Temple Foundation"). The precision of this census, including the specific mention of Levites in [Ezra 2:40-42](/ezra/2-40 "Ezra 2:40-42 - List of Returning Levites"), was vital for verifying legitimate claims to land, priestly and Levitical service, and for organizing the nascent community. It establishes the foundational human resources for the monumental task of rebuilding the nation and its spiritual center.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra 2 occurred after seventy years of Babylonian captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")). King Cyrus of Persia, who conquered Babylon, issued a decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild their temple (cf. [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). This period was one of immense transition and challenge for the Jewish people, moving from exile to re-establishment in their homeland. Cultural norms of the ancient Near East placed high value on lineage and tribal identity, particularly for those involved in religious service. The meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2 was not merely administrative; it was a theological act affirming God's covenant faithfulness and ensuring the purity and legitimacy of the re-established religious hierarchy, especially the priests and Levites, who were essential for resuming proper sacrificial worship and temple administration.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous accounting of returning exiles in Ezra 2, including the Levites in [Ezra 2:40](/ezra/2-40 "Ezra 2:40 - Returning Levites"), highlights several profound themes. Foremost is the theme of **Restoration and Divine Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises despite Israel's disobedience and exile. The very act of this return, detailed in such precision, underscores that God remembered His people and brought them back to their land, fulfilling prophetic word. Secondly, the emphasis on **Order and Identity** is paramount. The exhaustive listing of families and numbers, particularly for those with specific roles like the Levites, underscores the importance of maintaining tribal and family identity for legitimacy and proper function within the re-established religious community. This meticulous record ensured that only those with legitimate lineage could serve in the temple. Finally, the return of the Levites emphasizes the **Importance of Sacred Service**. The Levites were divinely appointed to assist the priests in the Temple, performing duties such as guarding the sanctuary, preparing sacrifices, singing, and teaching the Law (cf. [Numbers 3:6-9](/numbers/3-6 "Numbers 3:6-9 - Duties of the Levites")). Their presence was vital for the resumption of organized and legitimate worship in Jerusalem, as further detailed in [Ezra 3:8-9](/ezra/3-8 "Ezra 3:8-9 - Levites Oversee Temple Rebuilding").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Levites (Hebrew, _Lewiyyim'_):** This term refers to the descendants of Levi, one of Jacob's twelve sons, who were set apart by God for special service in the tabernacle and later the temple. They assisted the priests (descendants of Aaron, also Levites) in various capacities, including guarding the sanctuary, preparing sacrifices, maintaining the temple, and leading worship. Their return was crucial for the re-establishment of organized worship in post-exilic Jerusalem.
* **Jeshua (Hebrew, _Yeshua'_):** Meaning "The Lord is salvation" or "He saves," this is a common Hebrew name. In the context of the return from exile, "Jeshua" is most prominently associated with Jeshua the High Priest, who returned with Zerubbabel and was instrumental in rebuilding the altar and temple. While this verse refers to "the children of Jeshua" as a family line of Levites, it likely indicates a prominent Levitical family associated with or descended from a significant figure named Jeshua, possibly distinct from the High Priest, or a branch of the priestly line that also performed Levitical duties.
* **Hodaviah (Hebrew, _Hodavyahu'_):** Meaning "Praise of Yahweh," this name identifies another specific family line or ancestral head among the returning Levites. The inclusion of such specific names highlights the meticulous nature of the census and the importance of ancestral lineage for establishing identity and roles within the restored community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Levites:"** This opening phrase categorizes the group being listed, immediately identifying them by their tribal designation and their divinely ordained role in Israelite society. It signals that the following names and numbers pertain to those dedicated to sacred service.
* **"the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah,"** This clause specifies the particular family lines or ancestral houses of Levites who were part of this initial return. "Children of" indicates descendants or a family group associated with a prominent ancestor. The mention of Jeshua and Kadmiel together, and then Hodaviah, suggests distinct, perhaps related, Levitical clans. This precision was vital for establishing their legitimate claim to Levitical service.
* **"seventy and four."** This numerical count provides the exact total of individuals from these specified Levitical families who returned. The precise number underscores the meticulous nature of the census, reflecting a concern for order, accountability, and the practical organization of the returning community.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Ezra 2:40, and indeed throughout much of Ezra 2, is **Enumeration** and **Genealogy**. The text functions as a detailed **Census**, meticulously listing names, family lines, and numerical counts. This is not merely a dry record; it serves several crucial purposes. It establishes **Legitimacy** for those claiming roles in the restored community, particularly the Levites, whose service required verifiable lineage. It underscores the **Order** that God was re-establishing among His people after the chaos of exile. Furthermore, this detailed accounting serves as a powerful testament to God's **Faithfulness** in fulfilling His promises to restore Israel, even down to the specific individuals who would rebuild the nation and its worship. The use of specific ancestral names like Jeshua, Kadmiel, and Hodaviah imbues the list with historical specificity and personalizes what might otherwise seem like an impersonal roster.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:40, seemingly a simple numerical entry, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and His sovereign orchestration of their restoration. The precise counting of Levites, designated for sacred service, underscores the divine emphasis on order, legitimacy, and the faithful continuation of covenant worship. It reveals that God's redemptive plan extends to the smallest details, ensuring that the right people are in the right place at the right time to fulfill His purposes. This attention to detail affirms His covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that even after seventy years of exile, He remembered His promises and meticulously brought His people back to re-establish His kingdom and worship in Jerusalem. The return of these Levites was not incidental; it was foundational to the spiritual rebuilding of Israel, signaling the renewal of their unique identity as a priestly nation.

* [Deuteronomy 10:8](/deuteronomy/10-8 "Deuteronomy 10:8 - Levites Set Apart")
* [Nehemiah 7:43](/nehemiah/7-43 "Nehemiah 7:43 - Parallel List of Levites")
* [1 Chronicles 23:24-32](/1_chronicles/23-24 "1 Chronicles 23:24-32 - Duties of the Levites")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane list in Ezra 2:40 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous detail, deeply invested not just in grand historical movements but also in the individual lives and specific roles of His people. Just as He carefully counted and brought back the Levites for a particular purpose, He has a unique calling and place for each of us within His kingdom today. This verse encourages us to recognize the divine intentionality behind our own lives and circumstances, understanding that our gifts, experiences, and even our lineage (spiritual or physical) are part of His sovereign design. It challenges us to embrace our specific roles within the body of Christ, knowing that every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or administrative, is vital for the flourishing of God's people and the advancement of His purposes. We are called to participate in God's ongoing work of restoration, whether it's rebuilding communities, nurturing faith, or serving in practical ways, always with a heart of faithfulness and a recognition of His guiding hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in this census encourage us regarding His care for our individual lives and roles within His broader plan?**
* **In what ways are we called to participate in God's ongoing work of restoration and rebuilding, both personally and communally, in our contemporary context?**
* **How can we identify and faithfully fulfill our unique calling and service within the body of Christ, recognizing its vital contribution to His kingdom and the flourishing of His people?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of names and numbers important in the Bible, especially in a book like Ezra?**

Answer: Detailed lists of names and numbers, like the one in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returning Exiles"), serve several crucial purposes in the biblical narrative. Firstly, they establish **legitimacy and lineage**, particularly for those claiming positions of religious authority like priests and Levites, ensuring that only those with verifiable ancestry could serve in the re-established temple. Secondly, they underscore **divine order and faithfulness**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in fulfilling His prophetic promises to restore His people. The precise accounting shows that God's plan is not vague but concrete, involving specific individuals. Thirdly, these lists provide **historical accuracy and accountability**, serving as a record for the community's organization, land distribution, and resource management. Finally, they affirm the **identity and continuity** of the covenant people, linking the returning remnant to their ancestral heritage and the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

**Who were Jeshua, Kadmiel, and Hodaviah in this context?**

Answer: Jeshua, Kadmiel, and Hodaviah were prominent heads of Levitical families or ancestral lines whose descendants returned from Babylonian exile. While "Jeshua" is a common name, the "children of Jeshua" here likely refers to a specific Levitical clan, possibly distinct from Jeshua the High Priest who led the return with Zerubbabel. Kadmiel and Hodaviah represent other significant Levitical family branches. Their inclusion highlights the importance of specific family units within the broader Levitical tribe for the purpose of re-establishing the various duties and services required for temple worship. These were the designated families responsible for assisting the priests in the post-exilic temple administration, music, and other sacred duties, as outlined in passages like [Ezra 3:9](/ezra/3-9 "Ezra 3:9 - Jeshua and Kadmiel Oversee Temple Work") and [Nehemiah 9:4-5](/nehemiah/9-4 "Nehemiah 9:4-5 - Levites Leading Worship").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 2:40, with its meticulous listing of returning Levites, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The Levites were divinely appointed to mediate between God and His people, serving in the earthly temple and facilitating worship through sacrifices and songs. This entire system, with its emphasis on lineage and ritual purity, ultimately pointed to the perfect and ultimate Mediator, Jesus Christ. He is the true and eternal High Priest, not of an earthly lineage but "after the order of Melchizedek" ([Hebrews 7:17](/hebrews/7-17 "Hebrews 7:17 - Christ a Priest Forever")). Through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, Christ fulfilled all the Levitical offerings, making a way for direct access to God for all believers ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The restoration of the Levites in Ezra foreshadows the establishment of a new spiritual temple, the Church, where all believers are now a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service. The precise counting of the Levites in Ezra highlights God's sovereign care in preparing for the re-establishment of worship; similarly, God meticulously orchestrates the gathering of His redeemed people from every tribe and tongue into the body of Christ, where true worship in "spirit and truth" is offered ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

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

Ezra 3:9

Then stood Jeshua [with] his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, [with] their sons and their brethren the Levites.

Nehemiah 7:43

The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, [and] of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.