Ezra 2:70

KJV

So the priests, and the Levites, and [some] of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the priests {H3548}, and the Levites {H3881}, and some of the people {H5971}, and the singers {H7891}, and the porters {H7778}, and the Nethinims {H5411}, dwelt {H3427} in their cities {H5892}, and all Israel {H3478} in their cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So the cohanim, the L'vi'im, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers and the temple servants lived in their towns and all Isra'el in their towns.

Berean Standard Bible

So the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants, along with some of the people, settled in their own towns; and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns.

American Standard Version

So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:70 serves as the concluding statement to the detailed census of the first wave of Jewish exiles who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity. This verse marks the successful culmination of their arduous journey and the initial phase of resettlement, establishing the diverse components of the community—priests, Levites, various people groups, and temple servants—into their ancestral cities, thereby setting a foundational stage for the monumental task of rebuilding the Temple and re-establishing communal life in the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2:70 acts as the climactic conclusion to a lengthy and meticulously detailed register of returnees, spanning from [Ezra 2:1](/ezra/2-1 "Ezra 2:1 - List of Returnees Begins") to [Ezra 2:69](/ezra/2-69 "Ezra 2:69 - Summary of Offerings"). This extensive list, which includes specific family heads, numbers of individuals, and even their animals and offerings, underscores the divine providence and meticulous organization involved in the return from exile. Verse 70 transitions the narrative from the *arrival* and *enumeration* of the people to their *settlement*, effectively bridging the census with the subsequent chapters that detail the rebuilding efforts, particularly the re-establishment of the altar and the laying of the Temple's foundation in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Temple Foundation"). It signifies that the return was not merely an act of migration but a deliberate re-population and re-establishment of God's people in their land.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Ezra 2:70 is the post-exilic period, specifically the early years following Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BC, which permitted the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). After seventy years of Babylonian captivity, this return was a profound fulfillment of prophecy (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")). The returnees, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, faced a desolate land and a challenging task. Culturally, settling into their cities was a critical step for re-establishing the social, economic, and religious fabric of Israelite life, which had been severely disrupted by the exile. The mention of specific groups like priests, Levites, singers, porters, and Nethinims highlights the immediate need to restore the infrastructure for Temple worship and communal order, reflecting the theocratic nature of their society where religious roles were central to identity and function.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises by bringing His people back to their land after a period of judgment and displacement. Their ability to "dwell in their cities" is a tangible sign of divine provision and protection, echoing ancient promises of secure dwelling in the land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:10](/deuteronomy/12-10 "Deuteronomy 12:10 - Dwelling Securely in the Land")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Re-establishment of Order and Community**. The meticulous enumeration of diverse groups—from the priestly class to the temple servants—and their settlement in designated cities, signifies a deliberate re-formation of Israelite society. Each group, with its specific function, was essential for the impending restoration of Temple worship and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of corporate unity and specialized roles within God's people. Finally, it serves as a theme of **Preparation for Rebuilding**. The act of settling was not an end in itself but a crucial prerequisite for the collective national effort to reconstruct the Temple and the city walls, tasks that would dominate the narratives of Ezra and Nehemiah, demonstrating that order and stability are foundational for spiritual and physical reconstruction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nethinims (Hebrew, _nᵊṯînîm'_):** This term, derived from the verb _nātan_ meaning "to give" or "to dedicate," refers to a class of temple servants. They were likely non-Israelites, possibly descendants of the Gibeonites who were made "hewers of wood and drawers of water" for the sanctuary ([Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites Become Servants")). Their inclusion in the list of returnees and their settlement in cities underscores the comprehensive nature of the community's restoration, ensuring all necessary functions, including the more menial tasks associated with Temple service, were accounted for. Their presence highlights the diverse composition of the post-exilic community and the structured organization required for the resumption of worship.
* **Dwelt (Hebrew, _yāšab'_):** This verb signifies "to sit," "to remain," or "to settle." In this context, it denotes a stable, permanent residency, contrasting sharply with the transient nature of exile and the journey back. It implies not just physical occupation but the re-establishment of homes, livelihoods, and communal life. The act of "dwelling" in their cities marks a return to normalcy and security, a fulfillment of prophetic promises for a people who had been uprooted and dispersed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the priests, and the Levites, and [some] of the people":** This initial clause identifies the primary, foundational components of the returning community. The "priests" and "Levites" represent the religious and cultic leadership, essential for the restoration of Temple worship and instruction in the Law. "[Some] of the people" (literally "the people") refers to the general populace, the lay Israelites who formed the bulk of the community, indicating a broad-based return encompassing all segments of society.
* **"and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims":** This phrase further specifies distinct groups within the broader community, particularly those with specialized roles related to the Temple. "Singers" were responsible for musical worship, "porters" (gatekeepers) maintained security and order at the Temple gates, and "Nethinims" performed various support duties. Their specific mention emphasizes the detailed and comprehensive nature of the return, ensuring that all necessary personnel for the functioning of the sacred space were present and accounted for.
* **"dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities":** This concluding clause summarizes the outcome of the census and journey. The repetition of "in their cities" (Hebrew, _bəʿārêhem_) emphasizes the successful re-establishment of territorial and communal identity. It signifies that each group and indeed "all Israel" found their designated place, settling back into the ancestral lands and urban centers, thereby laying the groundwork for the physical and spiritual rebuilding of the nation. The phrase "all Israel" broadens the scope beyond the specifically listed groups, indicating a complete and unified resettlement.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:70 primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Repetition**. The verse concludes a long list by summarizing the various categories of returnees: priests, Levites, general people, singers, porters, and Nethinims. This detailed **Enumeration** serves to highlight the comprehensive nature of the return, emphasizing that every essential component of Israelite society, from religious leaders to temple servants, was present and accounted for. This meticulous listing underscores the divine order and the purposeful re-establishment of the community. The **Repetition** of the phrase "in their cities" (appearing twice in the KJV text, though the Hebrew uses the singular "in their cities" and "in their cities" for the collective "all Israel") powerfully reinforces the theme of resettlement and the re-establishment of a stable, territorial identity. It signifies the successful end of their nomadic journey and the beginning of a new, rooted existence in the Promised Land, emphasizing security, belonging, and the fulfillment of God's promise to bring them back to their heritage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:70 is a profound theological statement, affirming God's unfailing faithfulness to His covenant promises. After the devastating judgment of exile, this verse marks a tangible manifestation of divine grace and restoration. The re-establishment of the community, with its diverse roles and functions, in their ancestral cities, speaks to God's commitment not only to individuals but to the corporate body of His people. It demonstrates that divine judgment is not final, but that God's ultimate purpose is redemptive, bringing His scattered flock back together and re-instituting order and worship. The meticulous detail of the census and the organized settlement underscore God's sovereignty over history and His providential care in orchestrating the return and rebuilding of His people for His glory.

* [Jeremiah 32:41](/jeremiah/32-41 "Jeremiah 32:41 - God's Promise to Plant Israel Again")
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His People from the Ends of the Earth")
* [Ezekiel 36:33](/ezekiel/36-33 "Ezekiel 36:33 - The Rebuilding of Ruined Cities")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 2:70 offers a powerful message of hope and the importance of finding one's place within the community of faith. Just as the diverse groups in Ezra found their designated cities and roles, believers today are called to recognize their unique contributions within the body of Christ. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order and restoration; even after periods of spiritual wandering, displacement, or brokenness, He is faithful to bring His people back to a place of belonging and purpose. It challenges us to embrace our specific callings—whether prominent or seemingly humble, like the Nethinims—understanding that every role is vital for the collective flourishing and mission of God's people. Our individual settlement within the church community is not an end in itself, but a preparation for the greater work of building God's kingdom and participating in His redemptive plan for the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I experienced God's faithfulness in bringing order or restoration to a chaotic or broken area of my life?**
* **How do I see my unique gifts and calling contributing to the "dwelling" and "rebuilding" of my local church community or the broader body of Christ?**
* **What does it mean for me to "settle" into my spiritual identity and purpose, rather than remaining in a state of spiritual wandering?**
* **How can the story of the returnees, including those in seemingly minor roles like the Nethinims, encourage me to value every member and function within the church?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of listing so many different groups of people in Ezra 2, culminating in Ezra 2:70?**

Answer: The detailed listing of various groups—priests, Levites, singers, porters, and Nethinims—in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Those Who Returned") and its culmination in [Ezra 2:70](/ezra/2-70 "Ezra 2:70 - Resettlement of Returnees") is highly significant. It serves several purposes:
1. **Validation and Legitimacy:** It provides an official record, validating the identity and lineage of those who returned, especially crucial for priests and Levites whose roles were tied to their ancestry.
2. **Order and Structure:** It demonstrates the meticulous organization and divine providence behind the return. God was not merely bringing people back; He was re-establishing a functional society with specific roles necessary for the restoration of Temple worship and civic life.
3. **Comprehensive Restoration:** The inclusion of diverse groups, from spiritual leaders to support staff (like the Nethinims), emphasizes that the restoration was comprehensive, encompassing all aspects required for a thriving community centered on God's commands. It shows that everyone, regardless of their perceived status, had a vital place in God's plan for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 2:70, with its emphasis on the return to ancestral cities and the re-establishment of a diverse community, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant. The physical return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple foreshadow the spiritual restoration and new dwelling place found in Christ. While the Old Testament people returned to earthly cities, believers in Christ are brought into a spiritual city, the [heavenly Jerusalem](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem"), and become citizens of God's eternal kingdom ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). The diverse groups settling in their cities prefigure the unified body of Christ, where believers from "every tribe and language and people and nation" are gathered and given their place within the spiritual Temple, which is the Church itself ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints, a Holy Temple")). Just as the Nethinims served in the physical Temple, all believers are now "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession," called to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim God's excellencies ([1 Peter 2:9](/1-peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). The ultimate "dwelling" for all Israel, and indeed for all who believe, is found in Christ, who is our true rest and the one in whom all things are made new, culminating in the promise that God Himself will "dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God" in the New Heavens and New Earth ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")).

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 7:73

So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and [some] of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel [were] in their cities.

Nehemiah 11:3

Now these [are] the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, [to wit], Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.

Nehemiah 11:36

And of the Levites [were] divisions [in] Judah, [and] in Benjamin.

1 Chronicles 9:2

Now the first inhabitants that [dwelt] in their possessions in their cities [were], the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.

1 Chronicles 11:2

And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou [wast] he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.

Ezra 6:16

And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,

Ezra 6:17

And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.