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 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse, meticulously listing the families of Giddel, Gahar, and Reaiah among those who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity. These individuals are identified as Nethinims, a class of temple servants, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the post-exilic community's restoration. The inclusion of these specific family names highlights the divine and human importance placed on lineage, identity, and the diverse roles essential for the re-establishment of both the nation and its sacred worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2 functions as a vital register, meticulously documenting the first wave of Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This chapter follows Ezra 1, which details King Cyrus's decree permitting the Jews to return and rebuild the temple. The list in chapter 2 is not merely a dry census but a foundational document establishing the identity, lineage, and eligibility for temple service of the restored community. Verses 1-35 list families by their patriarchal heads, including priests, Levites, singers, and doorkeepers. Verses 36-42 detail the priestly and Levitical families, emphasizing their roles in the restored worship. Verses 43-58, where Ezra 2:47 is found, specifically enumerate the Nethinims and the children of Solomon's servants, highlighting their crucial, albeit often overlooked, role in the temple's daily operations. This precise record-keeping provides the authoritative basis for the community's structure and the legitimacy of its religious functions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile, prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of the Seventy Years of Exile")), marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history. After seventy years of displacement, the Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, adopted a policy of allowing conquered peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples, a stark contrast to Babylonian policy. This return was not a mass migration but a series of waves, with the first being led by Zerubbabel. The meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2 was culturally imperative for several reasons: to re-establish land claims, verify priestly and Levitical lineage for temple service, and 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 Deception")), were integrated into the 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 Ezra 2:47, underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration**, demonstrating 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 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His Scattered People"). Secondly, the chapter emphasizes **Identity and Lineage**, crucial for the re-establishment of the nation and its religious functions, particularly for roles like the priesthood. The 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 plan for the restored community and the temple's operation. This challenges any notion that only prominent roles hold significance, affirming the dignity of all contributions to God's work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nethinims (Hebrew, _nāthîn'_):** While not explicitly stated in Ezra 2:47, the families of Giddel, Gahar, and Reaiah are implicitly identified as Nethinims by their placement within the broader list (Ezra 2:43-54). The Hebrew term _nāthîn_ (נָתִין) means "given" or "dedicated ones." This class of temple servants performed the more menial tasks associated with the sanctuary, such as drawing water, cutting wood, and general upkeep. Their origin is often traced back to non-Israelites who were dedicated to the service of the tabernacle and later the temple, such as the Gibeonites (cf. [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Woodcutters and Water Carriers")). Their inclusion in this post-exilic register signifies their continued and essential role in the restored temple service, highlighting their dedication and the community's reliance on their labor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Giddel":** This phrase introduces the descendants of a specific family head named Giddel. The emphasis on "children" (Hebrew _bĕnê_) underscores the continuity of lineage and the collective identity of the family unit. In the context of Ezra 2, this family is part of the Nethinims, indicating that their ancestral head, Giddel, had a historical connection to temple service, and his descendants continued this tradition upon their return. Their inclusion signifies the comprehensive nature of the return, encompassing all who had a role in the former temple structure.
* **"the children of Gahar":** Similarly, this refers to the family line descended from Gahar. Like Giddel's family, they are identified as Nethinims, demonstrating the breadth of families dedicated to the temple's support functions. The repetition of "the children of" reinforces the genealogical focus of the entire chapter, emphasizing the importance of ancestral identity in the re-establishment of the community and its sacred institutions.
* **"the children of Reaiah":** This final clause in the verse names the descendants of Reaiah. The consistent pattern of listing "the children of" highlights that the return was not merely of individuals but of established family units, preserving their identity and their historical connection to the land and the temple. The presence of Reaiah's family among the Nethinims further solidifies the diverse composition of those who committed to the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem and its temple, underscoring that every family, regardless of their specific service, was counted and valued.

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

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:47, though a simple listing of names, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and the value He places on every individual within His redemptive plan. The inclusion of the Nethinims, often non-Israelite in origin and performing humble tasks, underscores that God's kingdom values all forms of service and includes a diverse array of individuals. This detailed record-keeping reflects God's 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.

* [1 Corinthians 12:22-24](/1_corinthians/12-22 "1 Corinthians 12:22-24 - The Body of Christ, No Insignificant Parts")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Matthew 10:30](/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 message for contemporary believers: every individual and every contribution matters 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 known and cherished by God. This verse challenges us to embrace humility in service, recognizing that true significance lies not in the prominence of our roles but in our faithfulness to God's call, whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes. It encourages us to appreciate the diverse gifts and services within our own communities, 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 reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness to restore and rebuild, giving us hope and assurance that He is at work in our lives and in the world, even in 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?**

### 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 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. 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 role in the restored community and the meticulous nature of the census, which valued every contributor to God's work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous listing of every family, including the Nethinims, in Ezra 2:47 foreshadows the comprehensive and inclusive nature of God's new covenant community established through Christ. Just as every servant, regardless of their 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 (cf. [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "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")), 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 "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, valued, and given a 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.