Ezra 2:42 - The children of the gatekeepers: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty-nine.

Generated Verse: Ezra 2:42

What does "Ezra 2:42" mean?


This verse, Ezra 2:42, is a section of a larger list in Ezra Chapter 2. This chapter details the Israelites who returned from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The list is primarily concerned with establishing the lineage and numbers of the returning exiles.

Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:

"The children of the gatekeepers": This identifies the individuals listed as descendants of gatekeepers. Gatekeepers were important officials in the temple. Their role was to guard the temple entrances, control access, and maintain order. This was a hereditary position.
"the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai": These are the names of the heads of the families or ancestral figures from whom the gatekeepers descended. The verse is listing the specific families of gatekeepers.
"in all one hundred thirty-nine": This is the total number of men (presumably adult men) who returned from these gatekeeper families. The purpose of this number is to show the total contribution of this specific group to the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem.

In summary, the verse is part of a census of the returning exiles and specifically identifies the gatekeeper families who returned and the total number of their men who participated in the return.

Significance:

Historical Record: The verse provides a historical record of the families and numbers of people who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
Re-establishment of Temple Service: The presence of the gatekeepers is significant because it shows the re-establishment of the temple and its associated services. Gatekeepers were essential for the proper functioning of the temple.
Continuity and Identity: The list of names highlights the continuity of families and their specific roles within the Israelite community. It helped maintain their identity and ensure the proper allocation of responsibilities in the rebuilt society.
Importance of Lineage: Lineage was very important in ancient Israel, particularly for those involved in religious service. Knowing the families and their functions helped maintain order and ensure that the proper people were serving in their designated roles.

What categories does "Ezra 2:42" have?