Ezra 2:49

KJV

The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Uzza {H5798}, the children {H1121} of Paseah {H6454}, the children {H1121} of Besai {H1153},

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of 'Uza, descendants of Paseach, descendants of Besai,

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah, the descendants of Besai,

American Standard Version

the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:49 is a precise entry within the extensive register of those who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile, specifically naming "The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai." This verse is part of a larger section (Ezra 2:43-54) dedicated to the Nethinim, a group of non-Israelite temple servants. Its inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of the post-exilic community's re-establishment, highlighting God's faithfulness in gathering every component of His people, regardless of their background or perceived status, to rebuild and restore the worship life of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra chapter 2 provides a meticulous and exhaustive census of the Israelites and their families who returned to Judah from the Babylonian captivity under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This chapter serves as a foundational document for the re-establishment of the community, detailing who returned, their family affiliations, and their roles. Following lists of lay Israelites (Ezra 2:3-35), priests (Ezra 2:36-39), and Levites, singers, and gatekeepers (Ezra 2:40-42), verses 43-54 specifically enumerate the "Nethinim," who were dedicated temple servants. Ezra 2:49, by naming "The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai," is an integral part of this vital record, confirming the return of specific family lines among these essential temple functionaries. This list is remarkably consistent with a parallel register found in [Nehemiah 7:51-53](/nehemiah/7-51 "Nehemiah 7:51-53 - List of Nethinim"), reinforcing its historical accuracy and importance for the post-exilic community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile, initiated by Cyrus's decree in 538 BC, marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history, signifying the end of seventy years of captivity as prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")). For the returning community, re-establishing their identity, land claims, and the proper functioning of the temple was paramount. Lineage was crucial for tribal affiliation, land allocation, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. The Nethinim (Hebrew: נְתִינִים, _Netinim_, meaning "given ones" or "dedicated ones") were a distinct class of temple servants, likely descendants of non-Israelites like the Gibeonites, who were assigned to serve the sanctuary (cf. [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Woodcutters and Water Carriers")). Their inclusion in this detailed register underscores their indispensable role in supporting the Levites and priests in the daily operations of the rebuilt temple.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in Ezra 2, including Ezra 2:49, highlights several key themes. Firstly, it powerfully demonstrates **Divine Restoration and Faithfulness**, as God meticulously gathers His people, fulfilling His promises to bring them back to their land after exile. Every family, regardless of their specific role or origin, was part of this grand redemptive plan. Secondly, the emphasis on **Identity and Lineage** was critical for the re-establishment of a coherent society, ensuring proper tribal and family affiliations, land ownership, and the continuation of sacred duties. Lastly, the inclusion of the Nethinim highlights the theme of **Inclusion and Diverse Service** within God's community. Though not of Israelite descent, these "dedicated ones" were vital to the temple's operation, signifying that God values and uses all who are committed to His service, demonstrating a comprehensive vision for the restored community and its worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **children of (Hebrew, בְּנֵי, _b'nei_):** This common Hebrew construct literally means "sons of," but in genealogical lists and ancient Near Eastern contexts, it broadly signifies "descendants of," "members of the clan/family of," or "those belonging to" a particular individual or ancestral head. Its repeated use here emphasizes the familial or clan-based organization of the returnees and the meticulous tracing of their lineage.
* **Uzza (Hebrew, עֻזָּא, _'Uzza'_):** This name, meaning "strength" or "might," appears in various biblical contexts, most notably with the man who touched the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:6-7). Here, it signifies a specific family or clan among the Nethinim, highlighting their distinct identity within the larger group of temple servants.
* **Paseah (Hebrew, פָּסֵחַ, _Paseakh_):** This name means "lame" or "limping." While the etymology might seem unusual for a family name, it was not uncommon for individuals or families to be known by a characteristic or a significant event. Its inclusion here, alongside Uzza and Besai, reiterates the precise and comprehensive nature of the register, ensuring that every identified family unit, regardless of their name's meaning, was accounted for in the restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Uzza,"**: This phrase introduces the first of three specific family lines of the Nethinim mentioned in this verse. It signifies a distinct clan or household that had returned from exile, emphasizing the meticulous record-keeping that accounted for every family unit, no matter how seemingly minor their role. Their inclusion confirms their vital place in the re-established community and temple service.
* **"the children of Paseah,"**: Continuing the enumeration, this clause introduces another distinct family group among the Nethinim. The repetition of "the children of" underscores the importance of lineage and familial identity in the post-exilic period, where establishing one's ancestral ties was crucial for social order, land claims, and the proper functioning of religious duties.
* **"the children of Besai,"**: This final clause in the verse completes the specific list of three Nethinim families. The comprehensive nature of this list, extending even to these non-Israelite temple servants, highlights the divine attention to detail and the inclusive scope of God's restoration plan, ensuring that all who were dedicated to His service were brought back to the land.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezra 2:49, and indeed throughout much of Ezra chapter 2, is **List/Genealogy**. This meticulous enumeration of names and family lines serves several crucial functions in ancient Near Eastern literature. It establishes legitimacy, validates claims to land and status, and provides a historical record of a community's foundation. In Ezra, it underscores the careful and divinely orchestrated re-establishment of Israel after exile, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving His people. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the children of" (בְּנֵי, _b'nei_) before each name emphasizes the familial units as the foundational building blocks of the returning community and highlights the methodical nature of the census. This repetition also lends a rhythmic quality to the list, reinforcing the exhaustive nature of the record. Furthermore, the use of "children of" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the ancestral head or a prominent individual's name stands in for the entire clan or family descended from them, simplifying the extensive record while still conveying the full scope of the returning population.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:49, though seemingly a dry list of names, carries profound theological weight. It demonstrates God's meticulous care for every individual and family within His covenant community, even those in less prominent or non-Israelite roles like the Nethinim. The very act of recording these names signifies that every person, every contribution, and every family unit is seen and valued by God in His grand redemptive plan. This attention to detail reflects a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, ensuring their restoration and the proper functioning of His worship. It reminds us that in God's economy, there are no insignificant roles; every part contributes to the whole, and every individual is precious in His sight.

* [Nehemiah 7:51-53](/nehemiah/7-51 "Nehemiah 7:51-53 - Parallel List of Nethinim")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ and Diverse Gifts")
* [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Meticulous Knowledge of Individuals")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The inclusion of names like Uzza, Paseah, and Besai in Ezra's meticulous register serves as a powerful reminder that in God's grand design, every individual and every family, no matter how seemingly minor or specialized their role, is valued and has a place. The painstaking record-keeping reflects God's attention to detail and His remembrance of all who serve Him, even those whose contributions might be behind the scenes. For believers today, this passage encourages us to appreciate the diverse roles within the body of Christ, recognizing that every contribution, from the most visible to the most hidden, is vital for the flourishing of God's work. Just as the Nethinim were essential to the functioning of the temple, so are all members essential to the church, each with their unique gifts and calling. We are called to honor and esteem every member, understanding that our identity and value are not based on earthly status but on our belonging to God's family and our dedication to His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage affirm the value of every individual in God's community, regardless of their background or role?**
* **In what ways can we recognize and appreciate those who serve in less visible or "behind-the-scenes" roles within the church or our communities today?**
* **What does the meticulous record-keeping in Ezra teach us about God's attention to detail and His faithfulness to His people, even in seemingly mundane aspects of life?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: The Nethinim (Hebrew: נְתִינִים, _Netinim_) were a class of temple servants whose name literally means "given ones" or "dedicated ones." They were non-Israelites who had been assigned to perform various manual tasks and support services for the Tabernacle and later the Temple, such as cutting wood, drawing water, and assisting the Levites. Their origin is often traced back to groups like the Gibeonites, who were made "woodcutters and water carriers for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord" (cf. [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Temple Servants")). They are listed in Ezra 2 because, despite their non-Israelite descent, they were an integral and necessary part of the temple's functioning. Their return from exile, alongside the priests, Levites, and other Israelites, underscored the comprehensive nature of the restored community and the commitment to re-establishing all aspects of temple worship. Their inclusion highlights that God's plan of restoration encompassed all who were dedicated to His service, not just those of a particular lineage.

**Why is such a detailed list of names important in the Bible?**

Answer: Detailed lists of names, genealogies, and censuses, like the one in Ezra 2, served multiple crucial purposes in ancient Israelite society and within the biblical narrative. Historically and legally, they were vital for establishing identity, confirming tribal affiliations, validating claims to ancestral land, and determining eligibility for specific roles, particularly in the priesthood and temple service. Theologically, these lists demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through generations, even through periods of exile and dispersion. They show how God meticulously keeps track of individuals and families, fulfilling His promises to build a nation and restore His people. Furthermore, such lists underscore the importance of every individual within God's plan, emphasizing that each person, even those in seemingly minor roles, has a place and a purpose in the unfolding of divine history. They provide concrete evidence of God's sovereign hand guiding and restoring His community, ensuring that the lineage leading to the Messiah would be preserved.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2:49, listing the "children of Uzza, Paseah, and Besai" among the Nethinim, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. These temple servants, though not of Israelite lineage, were "given" or "dedicated" to the service of God's house, foreshadowing the radical inclusivity of the New Covenant. In Christ, the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile is broken down (cf. [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall of Hostility")), and all who believe, regardless of their earthly lineage or background, are brought near to God and become part of His spiritual house (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Jesus, as the ultimate Temple (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple")), fulfills the very purpose for which the Nethinim served. His sacrifice on the cross is the perfect and final temple service, making direct access to God possible for all who come to Him by faith (cf. [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ, the High Priest of the New Covenant")). The Nethinim, serving in the earthly temple, prefigure the diverse body of believers—the Church—who are now called to be living sacrifices, dedicated to serving the living God in the power of the Holy Spirit (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). Just as their names were carefully recorded for the earthly restoration, so too are the names of all believers "written in the Lamb's book of life" (cf. [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Names in the Book of Life")), signifying their eternal belonging and their vital place in God's eternal kingdom, all made possible through the saving work of Christ.

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.