Ezra 2:21 - The children of Bethlehem, one hundred twenty-three.
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What does "Ezra 2:21" mean?
Ezra 2:21 is a verse from the biblical book of Ezra, specifically a section that lists the families who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel. The verse "The children of Bethlehem, one hundred twenty-three" simply means that 123 descendants or members of the family group originating from the town of Bethlehem returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile.
Here's a breakdown:
"The children of Bethlehem": This refers to the people who traced their lineage or origin back to the town of Bethlehem. It doesn't necessarily mean they were born in Bethlehem, but rather that they were associated with that community. The Hebrew term "children" can also be translated as "people of," "descendants of," or "inhabitants of."
"one hundred twenty-three": This is a numerical count of the individuals belonging to the Bethlehem group who were part of the returning exiles.
Significance:
This verse, along with the rest of Ezra 2, serves several purposes:
Record of Return: It provides a historical record of the individuals and families who chose to return to their homeland after decades of exile in Babylon. This highlights the commitment of these people to rebuild their nation and religious practices.
Re-establishment of Identity: By listing these families and their places of origin, the text emphasizes the continuity of the Israelite community and their connection to the land of Israel. It helps to re-establish their identity after a period of displacement.
Basis for Reconstruction: The list of returning exiles was likely used to allocate land, assign responsibilities, and organize the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas.
In essence, Ezra 2:21 is a simple statement of fact: a group of 123 people from Bethlehem returned from exile. It is a small but important detail within the larger narrative of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the restoration of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile.
Ezra 2:21 - The children of Bethlehem, one hundred twenty-three.
What does "Ezra 2:21" mean?
Ezra 2:21 is a verse from the biblical book of Ezra, specifically a section that lists the families who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel. The verse "The children of Bethlehem, one hundred twenty-three" simply means that 123 descendants or members of the family group originating from the town of Bethlehem returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile.
Here's a breakdown:
"The children of Bethlehem": This refers to the people who traced their lineage or origin back to the town of Bethlehem. It doesn't necessarily mean they were born in Bethlehem, but rather that they were associated with that community. The Hebrew term "children" can also be translated as "people of," "descendants of," or "inhabitants of."
"one hundred twenty-three": This is a numerical count of the individuals belonging to the Bethlehem group who were part of the returning exiles.
Significance:
This verse, along with the rest of Ezra 2, serves several purposes:
Record of Return: It provides a historical record of the individuals and families who chose to return to their homeland after decades of exile in Babylon. This highlights the commitment of these people to rebuild their nation and religious practices.
Re-establishment of Identity: By listing these families and their places of origin, the text emphasizes the continuity of the Israelite community and their connection to the land of Israel. It helps to re-establish their identity after a period of displacement.
Basis for Reconstruction: The list of returning exiles was likely used to allocate land, assign responsibilities, and organize the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas.
In essence, Ezra 2:21 is a simple statement of fact: a group of 123 people from Bethlehem returned from exile. It is a small but important detail within the larger narrative of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the restoration of the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile.