Ezra 2:6

The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua [and] Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.

The children {H1121} of Pahathmoab {H6355}, of the children {H1121} of Jeshua {H3442} and Joab {H3097}, two thousand {H505} eight {H8083} hundred {H3967} and twelve {H8147}{H6240}.

descendants of Pachat-Mo'av, from the descendants of Yeshua and Yo'av 2,812

the descendants of Pahath-moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab), 2,812;

The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of JeshuaandJoab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.

Commentary

Ezra 2:6 KJV is a specific entry within a detailed census of Jewish families who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This verse records the number of descendants belonging to the family of Pahathmoab, specifically mentioning "the children of Jeshua [and] Joab," totaling two thousand eight hundred and twelve individuals.

Context

The book of Ezra chronicles the initial wave of Jewish exiles returning to Judah after the decree of Cyrus the Great, allowing them to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Chapter 2 provides a meticulous list of the families and individuals who made this significant journey back to their ancestral land. This detailed registration was crucial for several reasons: establishing legitimate claims to land and heritage, organizing the community for the monumental rebuilding efforts, and affirming their identity as the people of God after generations in exile. The inclusion of specific family lines like Pahathmoab underscores the importance of genealogical records in ancient Israel, particularly for maintaining tribal and family distinctions and for determining eligibility for various roles, such as the priesthood.

Key Themes

  • Restoration and Return: The verse is a testament to God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land, fulfilling prophetic promises of restoration after the seventy years of Babylonian captivity. Each number represents individuals who chose to answer God's call to return.
  • Divine Providence and Order: The meticulous numbering of each family, down to specific branches like Jeshua and Joab within Pahathmoab, highlights God's sovereignty and His careful attention to detail in orchestrating the return and re-establishment of His people. It suggests that every individual played a part in His larger plan.
  • Identity and Heritage: For the returning exiles, these genealogies were vital. They confirmed who belonged to the covenant community, who had rights to ancestral lands, and who was eligible for priestly or Levitical service (as seen in later verses of this chapter). It was a reaffirmation of their unique identity as God's chosen people.

Significance

Ezra 2:6, like the rest of the chapter, emphasizes the concrete reality of the return from exile. It wasn't just a general movement; it was a carefully organized migration of specific families, each counted and recorded. The mention of "Jeshua and Joab" within Pahathmoab indicates either prominent sub-families or perhaps distinct branches that were closely associated with the main Pahathmoab lineage, highlighting the depth of the genealogical record. This level of detail reinforces the authenticity of the historical account and the administrative precision involved in the post-exilic community's re-establishment. The parallel list in Nehemiah 7:11 further confirms the importance and accuracy of these records, though with slight variations in numbers which are common in ancient texts due to different counting methods or later transcriptions.

Practical Application

While a list of names and numbers might seem dry, Ezra 2:6 offers several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness in Detail: Just as God meticulously orchestrated the return of His people, knowing each family and their numbers, He is intimately involved in the details of our lives. No one is overlooked by Him, and His plans are precise.
  • The Value of Community and Identity: The emphasis on family and collective return highlights the importance of community in God's plan. Our individual stories are part of a larger narrative of God's people, and belonging to a spiritual family provides strength and purpose.
  • The Foundation for Future Generations: The careful record-keeping laid the groundwork for the future of Israel, ensuring continuity and the fulfillment of God's promises through specific lineages, ultimately leading to Christ (Matthew 1:1). This reminds us that our faithfulness and the preservation of our spiritual heritage today can impact generations to come.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 7:11 (4 votes)

    The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred [and] eighteen.

  • Ezra 8:4 (2 votes)

    Of the sons of Pahathmoab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males.

  • Ezra 10:30 (2 votes)

    And of the sons of Pahathmoab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.

  • Ezra 8:9 (2 votes)

    Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males.

  • Ezra 10:14 (2 votes)

    Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.