This verse is a list of family names (clans or houses) and the number of their members who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile. It's essentially a census record.
"The sons of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three:" This means 623 male members of the family or clan known as "Bebai" returned.
"The sons of Astad, a thousand three hundred twenty and two:" This means 1322 male members of the family or clan known as "Astad" returned.
Context and Significance:
Historical Context: This passage is from 1 Esdras (also known as 3 Ezra in some traditions), which parallels some material found in the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It describes the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.
Importance of Genealogy: Genealogy was very important in ancient Israel. It established identity, land rights, and priestly lineage. These lists served to re-establish these things after the exile.
Rebuilding and Restoration: These numbers represent the manpower available to rebuild the city and the Temple, and to re-establish Jewish society in their ancestral land.
Community Formation: Listing these family groups emphasizes the community aspect of the return. It wasn't just individuals, but entire family units that were dedicated to the rebuilding effort.
In short, the verse provides a record of the returning families and their numbers, highlighting the scale of the return and the importance of these families in the rebuilding of Jewish society.
This verse is a list of family names (clans or houses) and the number of their members who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile. It's essentially a census record.
"The sons of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three:" This means 623 male members of the family or clan known as "Bebai" returned.
"The sons of Astad, a thousand three hundred twenty and two:" This means 1322 male members of the family or clan known as "Astad" returned.
Context and Significance:
Historical Context: This passage is from 1 Esdras (also known as 3 Ezra in some traditions), which parallels some material found in the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It describes the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple.
Importance of Genealogy: Genealogy was very important in ancient Israel. It established identity, land rights, and priestly lineage. These lists served to re-establish these things after the exile.
Rebuilding and Restoration: These numbers represent the manpower available to rebuild the city and the Temple, and to re-establish Jewish society in their ancestral land.
Community Formation: Listing these family groups emphasizes the community aspect of the return. It wasn't just individuals, but entire family units that were dedicated to the rebuilding effort.
In short, the verse provides a record of the returning families and their numbers, highlighting the scale of the return and the importance of these families in the rebuilding of Jewish society.
