Ezra 2:8

Commentary on Ezra 2:8

Ezra 2:8, stating "The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five," is a concise entry within a comprehensive list of Jewish families and individuals who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile. This verse specifically identifies the descendants of Zattu as numbering 945, highlighting the meticulous record-keeping maintained by the scribes during this crucial period of restoration. It underscores the importance of lineage and identity for the returning community as they sought to re-establish their lives and rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.

Historical and Cultural Context

The book of Ezra chronicles the return of the Jewish people from their 70-year captivity in Babylon, following the decree of King Cyrus of Persia (see Ezra 1:1). Ezra chapter 2 provides a detailed census of the first wave of returnees, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This list was vital for several reasons: it established the legitimacy of the returnees' claims to ancestral lands, helped organize the community, and ensured the purity of priestly and Levitical lines. The inclusion of specific family names like "Zattu" and their exact numbers reflects the administrative precision of the time and the divine providence guiding the restoration of Israel. This detailed record underscores the divine fulfillment of prophecies regarding the return from Babylonian exile.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Faithfulness: The very act of the return, enumerated in verses like Ezra 2:8, testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness in keeping His covenant promises, even after a period of judgment and exile.
• Importance of Identity and Lineage: For the Jewish people, knowing one's tribal and family identity was paramount. These genealogical records were not mere statistics but a affirmation of their place within God's chosen people and their inheritance in the land.
• Meticulous Record-Keeping: The precision of the numbers, down to specific families like Zattu, demonstrates the care taken in documenting the return. This attention to detail reflects both human diligence and the divine orchestration of the post-exilic community.
• Foundation for Rebuilding: This census provided the organized manpower and resources needed for the monumental task of rebuilding the Temple and the city of Jerusalem, signaling a new beginning for the nation.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Zattu" (Hebrew: זַתּוּא, Zattû') is a personal or family name. In Hebrew biblical texts, such lists of names and numbers are common, particularly in books like Numbers, Ezra, and Nehemiah. They serve as foundational historical records, emphasizing the concrete reality of God's interaction with His people and the tangible fulfillment of His plans. While there isn't a deep linguistic nuance to the specific name "Zattu" itself in this context, its presence signifies the individual and communal significance of every family involved in the restoration.

Practical Application

While Ezra 2:8 might seem like a simple statistical entry, it carries profound lessons for today. It reminds us that God cares about individuals and details, even within large movements and communities. Each person, each family, contributed to the larger story of God's redemptive plan. This verse encourages us to value our own identity within God's family and to recognize the importance of every member in the collective work of the church. Just as the returning exiles were counted and known, so too are we known by God (see John 10:14). It also highlights the significance of historical records and community structure in maintaining continuity and purpose through generations.