Ezra 2:46

KJV

The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Hagab {H2285}, the children {H1121} of Shalmai {H8073}, the children {H1121} of Hanan {H2605},

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Hagav, descendants of Salmai, descendants of Hanan,

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Hagab, the descendants of Shalmai, the descendants of Hanan,

American Standard Version

the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:46 is a concise entry within the extensive register of returnees from Babylonian exile, specifically identifying three family lines—Hagab, Shalmai, and Hanan—who were part of the Nethinims. These Nethinims were a distinct group of dedicated Temple servants, whose inclusion in this meticulous census underscores the comprehensive nature of God's post-exilic restoration and the vital, though often humble, contributions required to re-establish a worshipping community in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2:46 is situated within a lengthy and detailed census that comprises the majority of [Ezra chapter 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The Returnees from Exile"). This chapter meticulously lists the various groups and families who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The preceding verses (Ezra 2:1-35) enumerate the various Israelite families, while verses 36-42 list the priests and Levites. Verses 43-54, where Ezra 2:46 is found, specifically detail the Nethinims, followed by the "children of Solomon's servants" (Ezra 2:55-58), and then those whose lineage was uncertain (Ezra 2:59-63). This careful enumeration emphasizes the orderliness of the return and the importance of each group's role in the re-establishment of the community, particularly in relation to the rebuilding of the Temple. The inclusion of the Nethinims, a group dedicated to Temple service, highlights the practical needs of the restored worship life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra 2 occurred around 538 BC, following King Cyrus's decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland after seventy years of Babylonian exile ([2 Chronicles 36:22-23](/2_chronicles/36-22 "2 Chronicles 36:22-23 - Cyrus's Decree")). This period was marked by immense challenges, including the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple, and the spiritual re-establishment of the covenant community. The Nethinims, a term meaning "given ones," were a class of Temple servants, often descendants of foreign captives (like the Gibeonites in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Woodcutters and Water Carriers")) or those dedicated to Temple service. They performed the more menial, yet essential, tasks such as fetching water, cutting wood, and general maintenance, thereby freeing the priests and Levites for their more sacred duties. Their presence in the list signifies the diverse composition of the returning community and the necessity of all roles for the functioning of the Temple and the re-establishment of corporate worship in a post-exilic world.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees") and specifically Ezra 2:46 contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness and Remembrance**, demonstrating God's precise fulfillment of His promises to restore His people to their land after exile ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - God's Promise of Restoration")). The detailed record-keeping also reflects God's intimate knowledge of and care for each individual, even those in seemingly humble roles, echoing the sentiment of [Psalm 139:16](/psalm/139-16 "Psalm 139:16 - God's Foreknowledge and Meticulous Care"). Secondly, the inclusion of the Nethinims highlights the theme of **Faithful Service and Humility**. These individuals, though not of priestly lineage, dedicated themselves to the essential, often unglamorous, work of the Temple, demonstrating a commitment vital to the community's spiritual renewal. Lastly, the presence of the Nethinims, who were historically non-Israelite in origin, subtly points to **Inclusivity within God's People**. It illustrates that God's work utilizes individuals from diverse backgrounds and roles, emphasizing that all who willingly serve contribute to the body, a principle later expanded in the New Testament regarding the church ([1 Corinthians 12:28](/1_corinthians/12-28 "1 Corinthians 12:28 - Diversity of Gifts in the Body of Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hagab (Hebrew, _ḥāḡāḇ_):** This name, meaning "locust" or "grasshopper," is an example of a common ancient practice where names could be derived from animals or natural phenomena. While its etymology doesn't directly convey a theological message, its inclusion here signifies the specific identity of a family line, emphasizing the meticulous detail of the census. It reminds us that even names with seemingly unusual origins are part of God's comprehensive record of His people.
* **Shalmai (Hebrew, _šalmay_):** The meaning of Shalmai is debated, possibly "my garments" or "my recompense." Like Hagab, its primary significance in this context is its function as a unique identifier for another family line among the Nethinims. The very act of listing these distinct family names underscores the individual identity and contribution of each group to the larger community of returnees, ensuring that their participation in the restoration effort was formally recognized and preserved.
* **Hanan (Hebrew, _ḥānān_):** This name means "gracious" or "he has shown favor." Among the names listed, "Hanan" carries a particularly fitting connotation for a family dedicated to Temple service. It could reflect a family's character, a parent's hope, or even a divine blessing. In the context of the Nethinims, who were "given ones" for the Temple, a name signifying grace or favor might subtly point to the divine provision of such servants or the graciousness required for their humble, yet essential, work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Hagab":** This phrase identifies the first of three family lines of Nethinims mentioned in this specific verse. "Children of" (בְּנֵי, _bĕnê_) is a common Hebrew idiom denoting descendants or members of a particular clan or guild. The listing of this family signifies their participation in the post-exilic return and their designated role as Temple servants, highlighting the precise and comprehensive nature of the census.
* **"the children of Shalmai":** Following the same pattern, this clause introduces the second family line. The repetition of "the children of" underscores the genealogical focus of the list, emphasizing the continuity of these families and their inherited roles within the community of returnees. Their inclusion further reinforces the idea that diverse family units, each with its own history, contributed to the collective effort of rebuilding.
* **"the children of Hanan":** This final clause in the verse names the third family. The cumulative effect of these simple listings is to create a detailed record, not just of individuals, but of family units committed to the restoration of worship. The meticulousness of this record-keeping reflects the importance placed on every contributor, no matter how seemingly minor their role, in the re-establishment of the Temple and the community's spiritual life.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:46, along with the broader chapter, primarily employs **Listing** and **Genealogy** as its core literary devices. The entire chapter functions as a detailed register, and this verse is a specific entry within that comprehensive list. The repetitive phrase "the children of" serves as a form of **Anaphora** and **Parallelism**, creating a rhythmic and systematic enumeration that reinforces the meticulous nature of the record. This **Repetition** emphasizes the distinct identity of each family while simultaneously binding them together under the common designation of "Nethinims." The very act of compiling such a list serves as a **Historical Record**, validating the returnees' claims to their heritage and roles, and providing an authoritative account for future generations. Furthermore, the inclusion of these names, particularly in a sacred text, imbues them with **Symbolism**; they represent the countless individuals, known and unknown, whose faithful, often humble, service was indispensable to God's redemptive plan for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:46, though a simple enumeration, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and the value He places on every act of service within His kingdom. The Nethinims, including the families of Hagab, Shalmai, and Hanan, were integral to the functioning of the Temple, performing essential tasks that enabled the priests and Levites to fulfill their sacred duties. Their inclusion in this divinely inspired record signifies that no contribution to God's work is insignificant, and every faithful servant is known and remembered by Him. This passage highlights the principle that the strength of God's community lies in the diverse contributions of all its members, from the most prominent leaders to those performing the most humble tasks.

* [Nehemiah 7:49](/nehemiah/7-49 "Nehemiah 7:49 - Parallel List of Nethinims")
* [Ezra 8:20](/ezra/8-20 "Ezra 8:20 - Ezra's Request for Nethinims")
* [1 Corinthians 12:20-22](/1_corinthians/12-20 "1 Corinthians 12:20-22 - Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 2:46 serves as a profound reminder that God's work thrives on the collective, often unseen, contributions of many. In a world that often values prominence and public recognition, this verse elevates the significance of humble, faithful service. The families of Hagab, Shalmai, and Hanan, as Nethinims, performed the necessary but unglamorous tasks that kept the Temple operational. Their inclusion in the sacred text assures us that God sees and values every act of dedication, no matter how small or hidden. For believers today, this means embracing our roles within the body of Christ with humility and diligence, knowing that our service, whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes, is indispensable to the flourishing of God's kingdom. It encourages us to find dignity and purpose in every calling, trusting that our names, like theirs, are known and cherished by our Heavenly Father.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "behind-the-scenes" roles in your church or community do you tend to overlook, and how might you better appreciate them?**
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2:46 encourage you about God's awareness of your own contributions, even when they feel unnoticed by others?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a spirit of humble service, willing to take on tasks that may not bring public recognition but are essential for the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific names listed in the Bible?**

Answer: These names are listed in [Ezra 2:46](/ezra/2-46 "Ezra 2:46 - The Children of Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan") as part of a comprehensive census of those who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. The meticulous record-keeping served several crucial purposes: to establish the identity and lineage of the returnees, to confirm their right to reside in the land and participate in the rebuilding efforts, and to identify individuals designated for specific roles, such as the Nethinims (Temple servants). Listing these names, even those of families performing humble tasks, underscores the divine meticulousness in overseeing the restoration of Israel and the importance of every individual's contribution to God's plan. It also provides a historical and theological anchor, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to bring His people back.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezra 2:46 primarily functions as a historical record of Temple servants, it subtly points to Christ in several profound ways. The Nethinims, as "given ones" dedicated to the physical Temple, foreshadow the ultimate "given one," Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the role of servant. He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Furthermore, the inclusion of non-Israelite Nethinims in the Temple service prefigures the radical inclusivity of the New Covenant, where all who believe, regardless of ethnic background, become part of God's spiritual Temple, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets")). Just as the Nethinims performed essential, often humble, tasks for the Old Testament Temple, so too does Christ's work establish a new priesthood of all believers, where every member is called to serve in diverse capacities, contributing to the building up of the body of Christ ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Ultimately, the meticulous record of names in Ezra points to the Lamb's Book of Life, where the names of all who are redeemed by Christ are eternally inscribed, known and cherished by God ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Only Those Written in the Lamb's Book of Life")).

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.