Ezra 2:57

KJV

The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Shephatiah {H8203}, the children {H1121} of Hattil {H2411}, the children {H1121} of Pochereth of Zebaim {H6380}, the children {H1121} of Ami {H532}.

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Sh'fatyah, descendants of Hatil, descendants of Pokheret-Hatzvayim, and descendants of Ami.

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Ami.

American Standard Version

the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the children of Ami.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:57 is a specific entry within the comprehensive census of Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon under Zerubbabel. This verse meticulously lists four family groups—the children of Shephatiah, Hattil, Pochereth of Zebaim, and Ami—who are explicitly identified as descendants of "Solomon's servants." Their inclusion underscores the diverse composition of the returning community and highlights the divine intention to restore all segments of God's people, regardless of their social standing or historical origin, to participate in the rebuilding of the Temple and the nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2:57 is situated within a lengthy and detailed roster of individuals and families who made up the first wave of returnees from Babylonian exile to Judah, following Cyrus's decree in 538 BC. This chapter serves as a vital record, establishing the identity and legitimacy of those who would rebuild the Temple and re-establish the community in Jerusalem. Specifically, verses 55-58 enumerate the "children of Solomon's servants" alongside the Nethinim (temple servants), distinguishing them from the more prominent priestly, Levitical, and tribal families listed earlier in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra Chapter 2 - The Returnees"). The meticulous nature of this list emphasizes the importance of lineage and communal identity in the post-exilic period, ensuring that all who returned had a recognized place and role in the nascent society.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, marking the beginning of the Second Temple period. King Cyrus's decree, recorded in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree"), permitted the exiled Jews to return and rebuild their Temple. In post-exilic Judah, lineage and tribal affiliation were crucial for establishing land claims, priestly rights, and overall community membership. "Solomon's servants" likely refers to the descendants of non-Israelite peoples whom King Solomon had conscripted for labor on the Temple and other royal projects, as mentioned in [1 Kings 9:20-21](/1_kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-21 - Solomon's Forced Labor"). Over centuries, these families had become integral to the temple service, performing essential, often manual, tasks. Their inclusion in Ezra's register signifies their continued, albeit humble, role in the sacred life of the community and the comprehensive nature of the restoration effort.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in Ezra 2:57, particularly of groups like "Solomon's servants," contributes to several key themes within Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **inclusivity of God's people**; the restoration was not limited to the elite or the "purest" lineages but embraced all who had a legitimate connection to Israel, even those with non-Israelite origins who served the Temple. Secondly, it highlights **divine faithfulness and meticulous care**; God's plan of restoration was comprehensive, remembering and bringing back every segment of His people, down to the seemingly obscure families. This attention to detail reflects God's intimate knowledge of His covenant people. Finally, the inclusion of these service-oriented families emphasizes the theme of **restoration of community and sacred service**. Rebuilding the Temple and the nation required not just priests and nobles, but also those who performed the vital, often unseen, work of maintenance and support, demonstrating that every role is essential for a thriving, worship-centered society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pochereth of Zebaim (Hebrew, _Pōḵereth haṣ-ṣəbā’îm'_):** "Pochereth" is a personal name, likely meaning "snarer" or "binder." The appended "of Zebaim" (צְבָאִים - _Tzeba'im_) is significant, as _Tzeba'im_ means "gazelles" or "roes." This could indicate a geographical origin—a place known for gazelles—or a descriptive nickname for the family, perhaps relating to swiftness or grace. Its inclusion highlights the meticulous detail of the census, providing specific identifiers even for these less prominent families, which was crucial for distinguishing individuals and groups in a time when precise lineage was paramount for establishing rights and roles within the returning community.
* **Children of (Hebrew, _bənê_):** The repeated phrase "the children of" (Hebrew: _bənê_) before each name emphasizes the family unit and lineage. This is not merely a list of individuals but of established family groups, indicating that the return from exile was a collective, familial endeavor. It signifies the continuity of identity and the importance of ancestral connection in the re-establishment of the Israelite community, where rights, responsibilities, and even land allocations were tied to family heritage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Shephatiah":** This identifies the first family group, descendants of an individual named Shephatiah. As part of "Solomon's servants," this family would have performed specific duties related to the Temple.
* **"the children of Hattil":** The second family group listed, also descendants of Solomon's servants, indicating another distinct lineage contributing to the temple's auxiliary services.
* **"the children of Pochereth of Zebaim":** This third group is uniquely identified with a place or descriptive epithet, suggesting a more specific or notable origin for this particular family among Solomon's servants. Their inclusion underscores the precise nature of the census.
* **"the children of Ami":** The final family group mentioned in this verse, completing the list of four specific families of Solomon's servants for this entry. Their presence, like the others, affirms the comprehensive scope of the return and the value placed on all who contributed to the sacred life of the nation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezra 2:57, and indeed throughout much of [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra Chapter 2 - The Returnees"), is **List** or **Genealogy**. This meticulous cataloging of names and family groups serves several crucial functions: it establishes the historical legitimacy of the returning community, validates their claims to land and temple service, and demonstrates the continuity of God's covenant people despite the exile. The **Repetition** of "the children of" ("_bənê_") before each family name reinforces the emphasis on lineage and collective identity, highlighting that the restoration was a communal, familial undertaking rather than merely an individual one. This repetitive structure lends a rhythmic, almost liturgical quality to the list, underscoring the divine order and precision in the re-gathering of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:57, though seemingly a dry list of names, carries profound theological weight. It demonstrates God's meticulous care for His people, even those in the most humble or historically complex positions. The inclusion of "Solomon's servants" alongside priests and nobles reveals that God's plan of restoration is comprehensive and inclusive, valuing every individual and every contribution to the building of His kingdom. It challenges human tendencies to categorize and elevate certain roles while diminishing others, reminding us that in God's eyes, all who serve Him faithfully are significant. This detailed record-keeping also testifies to God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and fulfilling His promises, even through the crucible of exile.

* [Nehemiah 7:59](/nehemiah/7-59 "Nehemiah 7:59 - Parallel List of Returnees"): Provides a parallel, though not identical, list of the same groups, reinforcing the historical accuracy and importance of these records for establishing community identity.
* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of Christ"): Illustrates the New Testament concept that every member of the body of Christ, regardless of perceived status or function, is vital and indispensable to the whole.
* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalm/139-1 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience"): Affirms God's intimate knowledge of every individual, knowing our names and our paths, echoing the meticulous detail of the census in Ezra.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 2:57 serves as a powerful reminder that in God's economy, no one is insignificant, and every contribution, no matter how humble or "behind-the-scenes," is valued and necessary for the flourishing of His kingdom. Just as the descendants of Solomon's servants were essential for the re-establishment of Temple worship in post-exilic Judah, so too are all members of the body of Christ today. This verse encourages us to look beyond superficial distinctions of status or visibility and to appreciate the diverse gifts and services that build up the church. It cultivates a spirit of humility, recognizing that true greatness in God's eyes often lies in faithful, quiet service. Furthermore, the meticulous record of names assures us of God's personal and intimate knowledge of each of His children. He knows our name, our history, and our place in His grand redemptive narrative, offering profound comfort and security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the inclusion of "Solomon's servants" in this list challenge our modern tendencies to value visible leadership over quiet service in the church?**
* **In what practical ways can we better affirm and honor those who serve in less prominent, "behind-the-scenes" roles within our faith communities?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you find in the idea that God keeps such meticulous records of His people, knowing each one by name and lineage?**

### FAQ
**Who were "Solomon's servants" and why are they listed here?**

Answer: "Solomon's servants" (Hebrew: _'abdê Šlōmōh_) were the descendants of non-Israelite peoples whom King Solomon had conscripted for various labor tasks, particularly in the construction and maintenance of the Temple and other royal buildings, as described in [1 Kings 9:20-21](/1_kings/9-20 "1 Kings 9:20-21 - Solomon's Forced Labor"). Over centuries, these families became integral, albeit in a subordinate role, to the temple service, performing essential, often manual, duties. They are listed in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra Chapter 2 - The Returnees") (specifically [Ezra 2:55-58](/ezra/2-55 "Ezra 2:55-58 - Children of Solomon's Servants and Nethinim")) because they were a recognized group with established roles in the pre-exilic temple system. Their inclusion in the census of returnees demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the restoration: all who had a legitimate connection to the Temple and the community, regardless of their original ethnic background or social standing, were brought back to re-establish the nation and its worship.

**Why is there such a detailed list of names in Ezra 2?**

Answer: The detailed list of names in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra Chapter 2 - The Returnees") served several crucial purposes in the post-exilic community. Firstly, it provided a **legitimate record** of those who had returned, establishing their identity as part of the covenant people of Israel. This was vital for distinguishing them from those who had remained in the land or intermarried with foreign populations. Secondly, it was essential for **establishing lineage and tribal affiliation**, which determined rights to ancestral land, participation in temple worship, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. Without such a record, the social and religious order of the returning community could not be properly re-established. Finally, the list functions as a **testimony to God's faithfulness** in preserving a remnant of His people and fulfilling His promises to restore them to their land, even down to the individual families and their specific roles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous record of names in Ezra 2:57, highlighting the inclusion of all, even the humble "Solomon's servants," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Ezra's list was concerned with earthly lineage and temple service, Christ's kingdom transcends such boundaries. He is the ultimate Shepherd who "[calls his own sheep by name](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")" and leads them, demonstrating an intimate knowledge and personal care that far surpasses any earthly census. In Christ, the distinctions of Jew and Gentile, master and servant, noble and humble, are dissolved, for "[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 - Unity in Christ")" (Galatians 3:28). The inclusivity seen in Ezra's list foreshadows the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, where all who believe are adopted into God's family, becoming heirs with Christ. Furthermore, Christ elevates all forms of faithful service, teaching that even the smallest acts done for "the least of these" are done for Him ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Serving the Least of These")). He is the one who meticulously records the names of His redeemed in the "[Lamb's book of life](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Book of Life")", ensuring their eternal place in the ultimate, perfect restoration of all things, where every member, no matter their earthly status, is vital to the completed body of Christ ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - Uniting All Things in 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.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 7:59

The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.