Ezra 2:64

¶ The whole congregation together [was] forty and two thousand three hundred [and] threescore,

The whole congregation {H6951} together {H259} was forty {H702}{H7239} and two thousand {H505} three {H7969} hundred {H3967} and threescore {H8346},

The entire assembly numbered 42,360 -

The whole assembly numbered 42,360,

The whole assembly together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,

Commentary

Context of Ezra 2:64

Ezra 2:64 concludes a meticulously detailed census of the first wave of Jewish exiles who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity. This return, authorized by King Cyrus's decree, marks a pivotal moment in Israelite history. The preceding verses (Ezra 2:1-63) list various families, clans, and individuals who made the journey, along with their respective numbers. Verse 64 provides the grand total of this returning "congregation," emphasizing the collective identity and the sheer scale of the exodus back to their homeland under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Fulfillment of Prophecy: The return from exile, meticulously documented here, signifies the faithfulness of God in bringing His people back to the land, echoing prophecies such as Jeremiah's prediction of a seventy-year captivity. This verse highlights God's sovereignty over nations and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people.
  • Divine Providence and Restoration: The precise enumeration underscores that this was not a random migration but a divinely orchestrated restoration. God moved the heart of Cyrus and gathered His scattered people, demonstrating His power to restore what was lost.
  • Community and Identity: The detailed census reaffirms the identity of the returning exiles as the people of God, preserving their tribal and family lineages. The phrase "the whole congregation together" emphasizes their unity and collective purpose in rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple.
  • Meticulous Record-Keeping: The careful accounting reflects the importance of order and accountability in God's plan. It also served practical purposes for resettlement, land allocation, and the rebuilding efforts.

Linguistic Insights

The term "threescore" in the King James Version is an archaic English term meaning sixty. Thus, "forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore" translates to 42,360. While this verse is primarily numerical, the emphasis on precise numbers in the ancient world, especially in sacred texts, often conveyed not just quantity but also significance and divine oversight. The meticulous counting signifies a divinely ordered return, not a chaotic scattering.

Significance and Reflection

Ezra 2:64 is more than just a statistic; it's a testament to God's enduring faithfulness and His power to bring about restoration, even after periods of judgment and exile. For the returning exiles, this number represented hope, a new beginning, and the tangible fulfillment of God's promises. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the details of history and the lives of His people. He remembers His covenants and orchestrates events to bring about His perfect will, often through a remnant that is faithful to His call.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 7:66

    The whole congregation together [was] forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,

  • Nehemiah 7:69

    [Their] camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.

  • Jeremiah 23:3

    And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

  • Ezra 9:8

    And now for a little space grace hath been [shewed] from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.

  • Isaiah 10:20

    ¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

  • Isaiah 10:22

    For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, [yet] a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.
← Back