Ezra 2:47

KJV

The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Giddel {H1435}, the children {H1121} of Gahar {H1515}, the children {H1121} of Reaiah {H7211},

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Giddel, descendants of Gachar, descendants of Re'ayah,

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar, the descendants of Reaiah,

American Standard Version

the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:47 meticulously records the families of Giddel, Gahar, and Reaiah among the Nethinims who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity. This concise verse, part of a comprehensive register, highlights the vital role of these temple servants in the post-exilic community's restoration. Their inclusion underscores the profound importance of lineage, identity, and the diverse contributions essential for re-establishing both the nation and its sacred worship in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2 serves as a foundational register, meticulously documenting the initial wave of Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This chapter immediately follows [King Cyrus's decree](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree for Return") permitting the Jews to return and rebuild the temple. Far from a mere census, this list is a crucial document establishing the identity, lineage, and eligibility for temple service of the restored community. Verses 1-35 enumerate families by their patriarchal heads, including priests, Levites, singers, and doorkeepers. Verses 36-42 specifically detail the priestly and Levitical families, emphasizing their indispensable roles in the renewed worship. Ezra 2:47 is situated within verses 43-58, which specifically list the Nethinims and the children of Solomon's servants, highlighting their often-overlooked yet crucial role in the temple's daily operations. This precise record-keeping provided the authoritative basis for the community's structure and the legitimacy of its religious functions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile, a momentous event prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")), marked a pivotal turning point in Israelite history. After seventy years of displacement, the Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, implemented a policy that contrasted sharply with Babylonian practices, allowing conquered peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. This return occurred in waves, with Zerubbabel leading the first. The meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2 was culturally imperative for several reasons: to re-establish ancestral land claims, to verify priestly and Levitical lineage for legitimate temple service, and to organize the community for the daunting task of rebuilding. The Nethinims, whose origins were often non-Israelite (e.g., the Gibeonites in [Joshua 9](/joshua/9 "Joshua 9 - The Gibeonite Covenant")), were integrated into temple service, reflecting a long-standing practice of utilizing dedicated servants for the sanctuary's more laborious tasks. Their inclusion in this official register underscores their recognized and essential status within the post-exilic Jewish community.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2, including the specific mention in Ezra 2:47, underscores several profound themes. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration**, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises by bringing His people back from exile, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5-6 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His Scattered People"). Secondly, the chapter profoundly emphasizes **Identity and Lineage**, which were absolutely crucial for the re-establishment of the nation and its religious functions, particularly for roles like the priesthood and temple service. This precise census ensured the purity of the temple service and the proper allocation of resources. Thirdly, the inclusion of the Nethinims, such as the families mentioned in this verse, speaks to **Inclusion and Diverse Service**. It illustrates that every individual, regardless of their specific role or even their full Israelite lineage, was valued and had a place in God's comprehensive plan for the restored community and the temple's operation. This challenges any notion that only prominent roles hold significance, affirming the dignity and necessity of all contributions to God's work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term signifies a son or descendant, emphasizing the continuity and building of a family name. In the context of Ezra 2:47, "children" highlights the genealogical nature of the returning community, underscoring that the return was not merely of individuals but of established family units, preserving their identity and historical connection to the land and the temple. The repetition of this term emphasizes the importance of lineage in the re-establishment of the community and its sacred institutions.
* **Giddel (Hebrew, _Giddêl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "stout" or "great," Giddel is the name of a family head among the Nethinims. His inclusion in this list signifies the importance of every family, even those performing more humble tasks, in the overall restoration of Israel. The naming of specific family lines like Giddel's validates their historical presence and their ongoing dedication to temple service upon their return from exile.
* **Reaiah (Hebrew, _Rᵉʼâyâh'_):** This name means "Jah has seen" or "Yahweh has seen." The inclusion of Reaiah's family among the Nethinims, whose name carries such a profound theological meaning, subtly reinforces the theme of God's watchful care and sovereign hand over the returnees. It suggests that even the seemingly minor details of who returned were part of God's divine plan, seen and ordained by Him, further emphasizing the divine oversight of the entire restoration process.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Giddel":** This initial phrase introduces the descendants of the family head Giddel, identifying them as a distinct lineage contributing to the returning exiles. The emphasis on "children" underscores the continuity of generations and the collective identity of the family unit, which was foundational to ancient Israelite society and crucial for the re-establishment of the nation's structure and land claims after the exile.
* **"the children of Gahar":** Following the same pattern, this clause names the family line descended from Gahar. The repetition of "the children of" reinforces the genealogical focus of the entire chapter, highlighting the meticulous record-keeping that ensured proper identification and legitimacy for participation in the rebuilding efforts and temple service. It signifies the breadth of families dedicated to supporting the temple's functions.
* **"the children of Reaiah":** This final clause in the verse completes the listing of three specific Nethinim families. The consistent structure of naming "the children of" before each family head's name emphasizes that the return was not merely of scattered individuals but of organized family units, preserving their ancestral identity and their historical connection to the land and the temple. Their presence among the Nethinims further illustrates the diverse composition of those committed to the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem and its temple.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:47, as an integral part of a larger genealogical register, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition**. The **enumeration** of specific family names—Giddel, Gahar, and Reaiah—serves to meticulously document the individuals and families who participated in the return from Babylonian exile. This precise listing reinforces the historical accuracy and divine oversight of the restoration process, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The **repetition** of the phrase "the children of" before each name emphasizes the genealogical continuity and the collective identity of these families, highlighting the importance of lineage in establishing social, religious, and land-ownership rights in the post-exilic community. This repetitive structure is characteristic of ancient Near Eastern census documents, lending authority and weight to the record. Furthermore, the inclusion of these names within the Nethinim section of the list functions as a form of **Inclusionary Listing**, underscoring that even those performing less prominent but essential tasks were considered vital members of the restored covenant community, demonstrating the comprehensive and holistic nature of God's plan for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:47, despite its seemingly simple nature as a list of names, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and the intrinsic value He places on every individual within His redemptive plan. The inclusion of the Nethinims, often non-Israelite in origin and performing humble tasks, powerfully underscores that God's kingdom values all forms of service and includes a diverse array of individuals. This detailed record-keeping reflects God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of restoration and His commitment to rebuilding His people, not just as a nation, but as a worshipping community where every part contributes to the whole. It teaches us that in God's economy, there are no insignificant roles, only essential ones, all contributing to the greater work of His glory and the establishment of His purposes.

* [1 Corinthians 12:22-24](/1_corinthians/12-22-24 "The Body of Christ, No Insignificant Parts")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4-5 "Many Members, One Body")
* [Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "God Knows Every Hair on Your Head")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane list of names in Ezra 2:47 carries a powerful and enduring message for contemporary believers: every individual and every contribution matters immensely in God's grand design. Just as the Nethinims, performing essential but often overlooked tasks, were meticulously recorded and valued in the rebuilding of the temple, so too are our lives and labors, no matter how humble or hidden, known and cherished by God. This verse challenges us to embrace humility in service, recognizing that true significance lies not in the prominence or visibility of our roles but in our faithfulness to God's call, whether we serve in the spotlight or behind the scenes. It encourages us to appreciate the diverse gifts and services within our own communities and churches, fostering a spirit of unity and mutual respect, knowing that God delights in the collective efforts of His people to build His kingdom. Ultimately, it serves as a profound reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness to restore and rebuild, giving us hope and assurance that He is actively at work in our lives and in the world, attending even to the smallest details.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2:47 challenge our modern tendency to value only prominent or visible contributions?**
* **In what ways might we be overlooking or devaluing "behind-the-scenes" roles within our own communities or churches, and how can we better affirm them?**
* **What specific "humble" tasks or services in your life or community do you believe God values, even if they go unnoticed by others?**
* **How does the inclusion of the Nethinims, many of whom were not ethnically Israelite, speak to the inclusiveness of God's plan for His people and the church today?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Nethinims, and why are they listed in Ezra 2:47?**

Answer: The Nethinims (from the Hebrew _nāthîn_, meaning "given" or "dedicated ones") were a class of temple servants primarily responsible for the more laborious and menial tasks associated with the sanctuary, such as drawing water, cutting wood, and general upkeep. Their origins are often traced back to non-Israelites, like the Gibeonites who were dedicated to temple service (cf. [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Woodcutters and Water Carriers")), though some may have been Israelites who dedicated themselves. They are listed in Ezra 2:47, along with other families, to provide a comprehensive and authoritative register of all who returned from Babylonian exile and were eligible to participate in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. Their inclusion underscores their essential and recognized role in the restored community and highlights the meticulous nature of the census, which valued every contributor to God's work, regardless of their specific task.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous listing of every family, including the Nethinims, in Ezra 2:47 profoundly foreshadows the comprehensive and inclusive nature of God's new covenant community established through Jesus Christ. Just as every servant, regardless of their specific role, was vital for the functioning of the earthly temple, so too is every believer a cherished and essential member of the spiritual temple, the Church, whose cornerstone is Jesus Christ Himself (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as the Temple of God")). Christ, the ultimate servant, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - Jesus the Servant King")), elevates all forms of humble service. In Him, the distinction between "prominent" and "menial" tasks is dissolved, as every act done in faith and love contributes to the building up of His body (cf. [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - One Body, Many Members")). The divine record-keeping in Ezra anticipates the heavenly book of life, where every name known to God is written, emphasizing that in Christ, every individual is deeply known, supremely valued, and given a unique purpose in His eternal kingdom (cf. [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Names Written in the Book of Life") and [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The 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.