Ezra 2:48

KJV

The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Rezin {H7526}, the children {H1121} of Nekoda {H5353}, the children {H1121} of Gazzam {H1502},

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Retzin, descendants of N'koda, descendants of Gazam,

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda, the descendants of Gazzam,

American Standard Version

the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:48 is part of a meticulous register detailing the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, following King Cyrus's decree. Specifically, this verse enumerates three families—the children of Rezin, Nekoda, and Gazzam—who belonged to the Nethinim, a class of temple servants. This precise accounting underscores the vital importance of identity, lineage, and the re-establishment of sacred service for the nascent community dedicated to rebuilding their lives and the Second Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra chapter 2 provides a comprehensive census of the first wave of Jewish exiles returning from Babylonian captivity, serving as a foundational document for the re-establishment of the community in Judah. The chapter meticulously lists various groups: the general populace (verses 3-35), priests (verses 36-39), Levites (verses 40-42), and then, from verses 43-58, the "Nethinim" and the "children of Solomon's servants." Ezra 2:48, by listing "The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam," continues this precise enumeration of families dedicated to the essential, though often overlooked, work of temple service. This detailed record highlights the organizational structure and the diverse contributions necessary for the restoration of worship in Jerusalem, paralleling the similar list found in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The List of Returnees").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile (538 BCE onwards) was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, marking the fulfillment of prophetic promises and the beginning of the Second Temple period. King Cyrus's decree allowed the Jews to return and rebuild their temple, necessitating a precise record of those who answered the call. In a society where lineage determined social standing, land rights, and eligibility for priestly service, a meticulous register like Ezra 2 was crucial for re-establishing order and identity. The Nethinim, to whom the families in Ezra 2:48 belonged, were a distinct class of temple servants. Historically, they were often non-Israelites, possibly descendants of the Gibeonites who were assigned to be "woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord" (as seen in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - The Gibeonites Become Servants")). Their inclusion in this vital census underscores their indispensable role in the daily functioning and maintenance of the temple, highlighting the diverse ethnic and social fabric of the returning community.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing of names, including those in [Ezra 2:48](/ezra/2-48 "Ezra 2:48 - The Children of Rezin, Nekoda, and Gazzam"), contributes to several key themes within Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Faithfulness and Preservation**. The very existence of a remnant returning to rebuild, despite decades of exile, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His promise to restore them. Secondly, the emphasis on **Importance of Lineage and Identity** is paramount. For the returning community, knowing one's family and ancestral role was crucial for re-establishing social order, land claims, and particularly for those designated for sacred service, ensuring the purity and legitimacy of the priestly and Levitical lines, as well as the continuity of temple support roles. Lastly, the inclusion of the Nethinim highlights the **Inclusivity of Temple Service**. While many names in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees") are Israelite, the families mentioned in this section were historically non-Israelites who served in the temple. Their presence in this vital register demonstrates that service to God, particularly in supporting the sanctuary, transcended strict ethnic boundaries, underscoring a broader vision of worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Children of (Hebrew, _bĕnê_):** This common Hebrew construct signifies "sons of" or "descendants of," indicating a family, clan, or lineage. In the context of Ezra 2:48, it emphasizes that "Rezin," "Nekoda," and "Gazzam" are not merely individuals but represent distinct family units or clans who are returning from exile and are identified by their ancestral head. This highlights the collective identity and the importance of familial continuity in the post-exilic community.
* **Rezin (Hebrew, _Reṣîn'_):** This name, meaning "prince" or "favor," identifies a specific family or clan among the Nethinim. While a King Rezin of Aram is mentioned in 2 Kings, this is distinct. Here, it functions purely as an identifier for a family dedicated to temple service, whose lineage was meticulously recorded.
* **Nekoda (Hebrew, _Nĕqôḏā'_):** Meaning "distinguished" or "shepherd," this name similarly denotes another family unit of Nethinim. The inclusion of such specific names, even for those in supportive roles, underscores the meticulousness of the census and the importance of every family's contribution to the re-establishment of the community and its worship.
* **Gazzam (Hebrew, _Gazzām'_):** This name, possibly meaning "locust" or "devourer," identifies a third family of Nethinim. Like the others, its primary significance in this context is as a unique identifier for a family group contributing to the temple's operations. The very act of listing these names, regardless of their individual etymological meanings, validates their presence and their vital role in the restored community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Rezin":** This phrase introduces the first of three distinct family units or clans mentioned in this verse. These "children" are the descendants of an individual named Rezin, and their inclusion signifies their return from exile and their specific identification within the larger group of temple servants known as the Nethinim. It establishes their lineage as a recognized and recorded entity within the returning community.
* **"the children of Nekoda":** Following the same pattern, this clause introduces a second family or clan. The descendants of Nekoda are likewise identified as part of the Nethinim, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the census. Their presence confirms their participation in the post-exilic restoration and their designated role in supporting the temple's functions.
* **"the children of Gazzam":** This final clause in the verse names the third family or clan. The descendants of Gazzam are also counted among the Nethinim. The repetition of "the children of" across these three clauses underscores the familial basis of the census and the collective identity of these groups, all of whom were vital for the re-establishment of sacred worship and community life in Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:48, like much of the chapter, primarily employs **Catalog** or **List** as its overarching literary device. This meticulous enumeration of names and family units serves to establish historical accuracy, validate lineage, and provide a foundational record for the returning community. The repetitive use of **Anaphora** with "the children of" at the beginning of each clause ("The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam") creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, quality to the list. This repetition emphasizes the familial basis of the return and the collective identity of these groups, reinforcing the idea that individuals are part of larger, established lineages. Furthermore, the names themselves function as a form of **Metonymy**, where "Rezin," "Nekoda," and "Gazzam" stand in for the entire family units and their collective contribution to the Nethinim, rather than just individual persons. The dry, factual nature of the list belies its profound theological significance, serving as a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and the human effort required for restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous listing of names in Ezra 2:48, though seemingly mundane, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's sovereign care and attention to detail, demonstrating that no individual or family, no matter how humble their assigned role, is overlooked in His grand plan for redemption and restoration. The inclusion of the Nethinim, a group often of non-Israelite origin, highlights the expansive nature of God's work, which transcends ethnic boundaries and embraces all who are "given" or dedicated to His service. This detailed record-keeping underscores the divine commitment to order, identity, and the re-establishment of proper worship, emphasizing that every part of the community, from priests to temple servants, is essential for the flourishing of God's people and the functioning of His sanctuary. It reminds us that even in the seemingly ordinary aspects of life and community organization, God's hand is at work, preserving His people and preparing them for His purposes.

* [Ezra 2:43](/ezra/2-43 "Introduction to the Nethinim")
* [Nehemiah 7:46](/nehemiah/7-46 "Parallel List of Nethinim")
* [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Gibeonites as Woodcutters and Water Carriers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 2:48, a seemingly dry list of names, offers powerful insights for contemporary faith. It reminds us that in God's kingdom, every role, no matter how seemingly small or behind-the-scenes, is indispensable. Just as the Nethinim were vital for the functioning of the temple, so too is every member of the body of Christ essential for the church's health and mission. This verse also beautifully illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His personal knowledge of each individual. The fact that these families were recorded by name underscores that no one is overlooked or forgotten by God; He knows us intimately and values our unique contributions. Furthermore, the entire narrative of the return from exile, of which this verse is a part, is a testament to the community's resilience and determination to restore their spiritual heritage. It encourages us to persevere in our own spiritual journeys, to embrace the work of rebuilding and restoration in our lives and communities, trusting that God is faithful to bring His purposes to fruition through every willing heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous listing of names in Ezra 2:48 challenge our modern tendency to overlook or devalue seemingly "small" contributions within the church or community?**
* **In what ways does God's attention to detail, as seen in this census, encourage you about His care for your own life and unique identity?**
* **What "behind-the-scenes" roles or tasks in your church or community might be vital but often go unnoticed, and how can you affirm their importance?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Nethinim and why are they listed here?**

Answer: The Nethinim (Hebrew: *nĕthînîm*) were a specific class of temple servants in ancient Israel, whose name literally means "given ones" or "those who are dedicated." They were responsible for the more menial tasks associated with the temple, such as drawing water, cutting wood, and other general maintenance duties, allowing the priests and Levites to focus on their sacred liturgical responsibilities. While some scholars suggest they may have been descendants of foreign captives or those dedicated to temple service, a prominent tradition links their origin to the Gibeonites, who were made "woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord" by Joshua (as recorded in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - The Gibeonites Become Servants")). They are listed in Ezra 2:48—and more broadly in [Ezra 2:43-58](/ezra/2-43-58 "Ezra 2:43-58 - The Nethinim and Solomon's Servants")—because they were an essential part of the returning community, vital for the re-establishment and proper functioning of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Their inclusion highlights that all roles, even those considered humble, were necessary for the restoration of worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 2:48, with its meticulous listing of the Nethinim, these "given ones" dedicated to temple service, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. While the Nethinim served in the earthly temple, Jesus Christ is the ultimate and perfect temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, as declared in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple"). He not only fulfills the role of the High Priest, offering the perfect sacrifice (as detailed in [Hebrews 8:1-2](/hebrews/8-1-2 "Hebrews 8:1-2 - Christ, Our High Priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary")), but also establishes a new spiritual temple, His body, the Church, where all believers are now "living stones" built into a spiritual house (as described in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). The Nethinim's inclusion, regardless of their origin, foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the gospel, where in Christ, there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Every believer, regardless of their background or earthly status, is now a "given one," dedicated to Christ's service, part of a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")) called to offer spiritual sacrifices. The meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2:48, affirming the identity and role of each family, points to Christ's perfect knowledge and care for every member of His body, ensuring that none are forgotten in His eternal book of life ([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.