1 Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;

Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mizpar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.

The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.

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

The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.

The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.

10 The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.

11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.

12 The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two.

13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.

14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.

15 The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.

16 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.

17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.

18 The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.

19 The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.

20 The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.

21 The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.

22 The men of Netophah, fifty and six.

23 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.

24 The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.

25 The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.

26 The children of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.

27 The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.

28 The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.

29 The children of Nebo, fifty and two.

30 The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.

31 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

32 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.

33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.

34 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

35 The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.

36 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.

37 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.

38 The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.

39 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.

40 The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.

41 The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.

42 The children of the porters: 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 an hundred thirty and nine.

43 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

44 The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,

45 The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub,

46 The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,

47 The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,

48 The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,

49 The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,

50 The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,

51 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,

52 The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,

53 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,

54 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

55 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,

56 The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

57 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.

58 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.

59 And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

60 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.

61 And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:

62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

64 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,

65 Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.

66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;

67 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.

68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:

69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.

70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The province - Of Judah, called a province, (Ezra 5:8) . And he calls it thus emphatically to mind himself and his brethren of that sad change which their sins had made among them, that from an illustrious, independent, and formidable kingdom, were fallen to be an obscure, servile, and contemptible province, first under the Chaldeans, and now under the Persians.
McArther Bible Commentary
This list is given almost identically in Neh 7:6-73 (see note there).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 24:14 2 Kings 25:11 2 Chronicles 36:20 Ezra 1:11 Ezra 2:2 Ezra 8:35 Nehemiah 7:6 Nehemiah 12:1 Jeremiah 52:28

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Who came, &c. - This catalogue, differs in some names and numbers from that (Nehemiah 7:6-64), which might be because several names were given to the same persons; and because of the many changes which might happen in the same families between the time of the first making of this catalogue by Ezra, and the making it anew so many years after.
McArther Bible Commentary
Zerubbabel. This man was the rightful leader of Judah in that he was of the lineage of David through Jehoiachin (cf. 1Ch 3:17). He did not serve as king (cf. the curse on Jehoiachin's line, Jer 22:24-30), but was still in the messianic line because the curse was bypassed (cf. Mat 1:12; Luk 3:27) in Luke's genealogy by tracing the lineage through David's son, Nathan. His name means "offspring of Babylon," indicating his place of birth. He, rather than Cyrus' political appointee Sheshbazzar (cf. Ezr 1:11), led Judah according to God's will. Jeshua. The high priest of the first return whose name means "Jehovah saves." He is called Joshua in Hag 1:1 and Zec 3:1. His father Jozadak (Ezr 3:2) had been exiled (cf. 1Ch 6:15). He came from the lineage of Levi, Aaron, Eleazar, and Phinehas; thus he was legitimately in the line of the high priest (cf. Num 25:10-13). Nehemiah … Mordecai. These are not the same men in Nehemiah or Esther.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:1 Ezra 2:3 Ezra 3:2 Nehemiah 7:7 Haggai 1:1

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The children - The posterity, as that word is constantly taken in this catalogue. Of Parosh - That descend either from Parosh, or from that family whereof Parosh was the chief. And so for the rest.
McArther Bible Commentary
Various Jewish families are listed.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:2 Ezra 2:4 Ezra 8:3 Ezra 10:25

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:3 Ezra 2:5

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Seven hundred, &c. - In (Nehemiah 7:10) , they were only six hundred and fifty two, it seems seven hundred and seventy five marched out of Babylon, but some of them died, others were hindered by sickness, or other casualties, and so there came only six hundred and fifty two to Jerusalem. And the like is to be said in the like differences: which it suffices to hint once for all.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:4 Nehemiah 7:10

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:7 Ezra 8:4 Ezra 10:30 Nehemiah 7:11

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:6 Ezra 2:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:7 Ezra 2:9 Ezra 10:27

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:8 Ezra 2:10 Nehemiah 7:14

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:9 Ezra 2:11

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:10 Ezra 2:12

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:11 Ezra 2:13

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:12 Ezra 2:14 Ezra 8:13

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:13 Ezra 2:15

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:14 Ezra 2:16 Ezra 8:6

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:15 Ezra 2:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:16 Ezra 2:18

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:17 Ezra 2:19

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:18 Ezra 2:20

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:19 Ezra 2:21

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Beth - lehem - And so these were the remainders of the inhabitants of that city. (And the like may be said of the two following names, Netophah and Anathoth, or others of the like nature.) So little was Beth - lehem among the thousands of Judah! Yet thence must the Messiah arise.
McArther Bible Commentary
These were people from various Judean cities.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 2:6 Genesis 35:19 Ezra 2:20 Ezra 2:22

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:21 Ezra 2:23 Jeremiah 40:8

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:22 Ezra 2:24

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:23 Ezra 2:25

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Joshua 9:17 Ezra 2:24 Ezra 2:26

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Joshua 18:24 Joshua 18:25 Ezra 2:25 Ezra 2:27

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:26 Ezra 2:28

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:27 Ezra 2:29 Jeremiah 49:3

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:28 Ezra 2:30 Ezra 10:43

Verse 30

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:29 Ezra 2:31

Verse 31

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:30 Ezra 2:32

Verse 32

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:31 Ezra 2:33

Verse 33

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Acts 9:32 Acts 9:35 Ezra 2:32 Ezra 2:34

Verse 34

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 16:34 2 Chronicles 28:15 Ezra 2:33 Ezra 2:35

Verse 35

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers that returned.
An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:34 Ezra 2:36

Verse 36

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
McArther Bible Commentary
Priests and Levites. See Neh 12:1-9 for additional details.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 24:7 Ezra 2:35 Nehemiah 10:28

Verse 37

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 24:14 Jeremiah 20:1

Verse 38

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 9:12 Jeremiah 20:1

Verse 39

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Harim - The head of one of the twenty four courses which David appointed, (1 Chronicles 24:8) , of all which courses, some observe here are not above four or five that returned. There is another Harim mentioned above, (Ezra 2:32) , but that was no priest, as this was (Ezra 2:36) .
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 24:8 Ezra 2:40

Verse 40

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:39 Ezra 2:41 Ezra 3:9

Verse 41

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:40 Ezra 2:42

Verse 42

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 7:10 Ezra 2:41 Ezra 2:43 Nehemiah 7:45

Verse 43

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Nethinims - Persons devoted to the inferior services of the priests and Levites. Commonly supposed to be the Gibeonites, given, (so their name signifies) by Joshua first, and again by David, when Saul had expelled them, to the priests and Levites, for those services.
McArther Bible Commentary
Nethinim. These were temple servants, descendants of the Gibeonites who performed servile duties at the temple.
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 9:2 Ezra 2:42 Ezra 2:44 Ezra 8:17 Ezra 8:20 Nehemiah 11:3

Verse 44

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:43 Ezra 2:45 Nehemiah 7:47

Verse 45

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:44 Ezra 2:46

Verse 46

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:45 Ezra 2:47 Nehemiah 7:48

Verse 47

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:46 Ezra 2:48 Nehemiah 7:49

Verse 48

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:47 Ezra 2:49

Verse 49

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:48 Ezra 2:50

Verse 50

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:49 Ezra 2:51

Verse 51

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:50 Ezra 2:52 Nehemiah 7:53

Verse 52

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:51 Ezra 2:53 Nehemiah 7:54

Verse 53

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:52 Ezra 2:54 Nehemiah 7:55

Verse 54

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:53 Ezra 2:55 Nehemiah 7:56

Verse 55

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Servants - Who had lived in Solomon's family, and after his death, called themselves and their families by that name, esteeming it a great honour that they had been servants to so great a prince.
McArther Bible Commentary
Here are descendants of Solomon's servants.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 9:21 Ezra 2:54 Ezra 2:56 Nehemiah 7:57

Verse 56

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:55 Ezra 2:57

Verse 57

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:56 Ezra 2:58 Nehemiah 7:59

Verse 58

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 9:21 1 Chronicles 9:2 Ezra 2:57 Ezra 2:59

Verse 59

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
McArther Bible Commentary
Those whose genealogical information could not be verified.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 1:18 Ezra 2:58 Ezra 2:60 Nehemiah 7:61

Verse 60

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:59 Ezra 2:61

Verse 61

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 17:27 1 Kings 2:7 Ezra 2:60 Nehemiah 7:63

Verse 62

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Genealogy - The Jews were generally very exact in their genealogies from their own choice and interest, that they might preserve the distinctions of the several tribes and families, which was necessary both to make out their titles to offices or inheritances, and to govern themselves thereby in the matter of marriages, and from the special providence of God, that so it might be certainly known of what tribe and family the Messiah was born.
Bible Cross References
Numbers 16:39 Numbers 16:40

Verse 63

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The numbers of the priests and Levites.
Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests unto God, through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christians.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Tirshatha - The governor, Zerubbabel. With Urim, &c. - That this point which could not be found out by human skill, might be determined by Divine direction. Hereby it appears that the Urim and Thummim were lost in the destruction of the city and temple, tho' the Jews fed themselves with hopes of recovering them, but in vain. And by the want of that oracle, they were taught to expect the great oracle, the Messiah.
McArther Bible Commentary
Urim and Thummim. See note on Exo 28:30. These objects, kept in the breastplate of the high priest, were used to determine God's will.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 28:30 Leviticus 2:3 Leviticus 2:10 Leviticus 8:8 Numbers 27:21 Ezra 2:64

Verse 64

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The offerings for the temple.
Let none complain of the needful expenses of their religion. Seek first the kingdom of God, his favour and his glory, then will all other things be added unto them. Their offerings were nothing, compared with the offerings of the princes in David's time; yet, being according to their ability, were as acceptable to God. The Lord will carry us through all undertakings entered on according to his will, with an aim to his glory, and dependence on his assistance. Those who, at the call of the gospel, renounce sin and return to the Lord, shall be guarded and guided through all perils of the way, and arrive safely at the mansions provided in the holy city of God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The whole, &c. - The particular sums here recited, come only to twenty and nine thousand eight hundred and eighteen. Unto whom are added in this total sum twelve thousand five hundred and forty two. Which, either were of the other tribes beside Judah and Benjamin: or were such as were supposed to be Israelites, but could not prove their pedigree by their genealogies.
McArther Bible Commentary
This gross amount is 12,000 more than the particular numbers given in the catalogue, when added together. Reckoning up the smaller numbers, they amount to 29,818 in this chapter, and to 31,089 in the parallel chapter of Nehemiah. Ezra also mentions 494 persons omitted by Nehemiah, and Nehemiah mentions 1,765 not noticed by Ezra. If, therefore, Ezra's surplus is added to the sum in Nehemiah, and Nehemiah's surplus to the number in Ezra, they will both become 31,583. Subtracting this from 42,360, there is a deficiency of 10,777. These are omitted, because they did not belong to Judah and Benjamin, or to the priests, but to the other tribes. The servants and singers, male and female, are reckoned separately (Ezr 2:65) so that, putting all these items together, the number of all who went with Zerubbabel amounted to 50,000 with 8,000 beasts of burden.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:63 Ezra 2:65

Verse 65

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The offerings for the temple.
Let none complain of the needful expenses of their religion. Seek first the kingdom of God, his favour and his glory, then will all other things be added unto them. Their offerings were nothing, compared with the offerings of the princes in David's time; yet, being according to their ability, were as acceptable to God. The Lord will carry us through all undertakings entered on according to his will, with an aim to his glory, and dependence on his assistance. Those who, at the call of the gospel, renounce sin and return to the Lord, shall be guarded and guided through all perils of the way, and arrive safely at the mansions provided in the holy city of God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Women - For women as well as men were employed in this exercise in the temple - service.
Bible Cross References
Luke 12:45 2 Samuel 19:35 2 Chronicles 35:25 Ezra 2:64 Ezra 2:66

Verse 66

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The offerings for the temple.
Let none complain of the needful expenses of their religion. Seek first the kingdom of God, his favour and his glory, then will all other things be added unto them. Their offerings were nothing, compared with the offerings of the princes in David's time; yet, being according to their ability, were as acceptable to God. The Lord will carry us through all undertakings entered on according to his will, with an aim to his glory, and dependence on his assistance. Those who, at the call of the gospel, renounce sin and return to the Lord, shall be guarded and guided through all perils of the way, and arrive safely at the mansions provided in the holy city of God.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:65 Ezra 2:67 Nehemiah 7:68

Verse 67

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The offerings for the temple.
Let none complain of the needful expenses of their religion. Seek first the kingdom of God, his favour and his glory, then will all other things be added unto them. Their offerings were nothing, compared with the offerings of the princes in David's time; yet, being according to their ability, were as acceptable to God. The Lord will carry us through all undertakings entered on according to his will, with an aim to his glory, and dependence on his assistance. Those who, at the call of the gospel, renounce sin and return to the Lord, shall be guarded and guided through all perils of the way, and arrive safely at the mansions provided in the holy city of God.
Bible Cross References
Ezra 2:66 Ezra 2:68 Nehemiah 7:69

Verse 68

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The offerings for the temple.
Let none complain of the needful expenses of their religion. Seek first the kingdom of God, his favour and his glory, then will all other things be added unto them. Their offerings were nothing, compared with the offerings of the princes in David's time; yet, being according to their ability, were as acceptable to God. The Lord will carry us through all undertakings entered on according to his will, with an aim to his glory, and dependence on his assistance. Those who, at the call of the gospel, renounce sin and return to the Lord, shall be guarded and guided through all perils of the way, and arrive safely at the mansions provided in the holy city of God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The house - That is, to the ruins of the house; or to the place were it stood.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 25:2 Ezra 2:67 Ezra 2:69

Verse 69

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The offerings for the temple.
Let none complain of the needful expenses of their religion. Seek first the kingdom of God, his favour and his glory, then will all other things be added unto them. Their offerings were nothing, compared with the offerings of the princes in David's time; yet, being according to their ability, were as acceptable to God. The Lord will carry us through all undertakings entered on according to his will, with an aim to his glory, and dependence on his assistance. Those who, at the call of the gospel, renounce sin and return to the Lord, shall be guarded and guided through all perils of the way, and arrive safely at the mansions provided in the holy city of God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sixty one thousand drams - Sixty one thousand drams of gold amount to something more than so many pounds of our money. So bishop Cumberland, who likewise supposes five thousand pounds of silver, to be about thirty seven thousand pounds sterling.
McArther Bible Commentary
drachmas … minas. Drachma probably refers to a Persian coin, the daric, named after Darius I. This would have amounted to approximately 1,100 lbs. of gold. A mina weighed about one and two-tenths of a pound, so this would represent three tons of silver (cf. 1Ch 29:7).
Bible Cross References
1 Chronicles 26:20 1 Chronicles 29:7 Ezra 2:68 Ezra 8:25

Verse 70

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The offerings for the temple.
Let none complain of the needful expenses of their religion. Seek first the kingdom of God, his favour and his glory, then will all other things be added unto them. Their offerings were nothing, compared with the offerings of the princes in David's time; yet, being according to their ability, were as acceptable to God. The Lord will carry us through all undertakings entered on according to his will, with an aim to his glory, and dependence on his assistance. Those who, at the call of the gospel, renounce sin and return to the Lord, shall be guarded and guided through all perils of the way, and arrive safely at the mansions provided in the holy city of God.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And all Israel in their cities - And they dwelt in peace, in perfect harmony, a blessed presage of their settlement, as their discord in the latter times of that state, was of their ruin.
McArther Bible Commentary
Nethinim. See note on vverse Ezr 2:43-54.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 7:10 1 Chronicles 9:2 Nehemiah 11:3