Summary of the Verse

This verse lists the descendants of Hashum returning from Babylonian exile. It captures the numerical count of this family, emphasizing their role and contribution to the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The meticulous records of names and numbers reflect the importance of community and heritage in biblical narratives.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry highlights the significance of these names as a record of God's faithfulness in restoring His people. The genealogical lists serve to remind us that God preserves His remnant and fulfills His promises, with each number representing real lives and stories.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes that the lists represent reorganizing society after exile. The specific mention of Hashum’s descendants shows the importance of bloodlines in God's plan, depicting how community structure was vital for rebuilding the social and spiritual life of Israel.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke points out that the numbering reflects God's orderly nature and the necessity for organized worship. By counting families, Israel acknowledges their unity and responsibility in the re-establishment of the nation, indicating a rekindling of their covenant identity.

Cross-References

• 1 Chronicles 9:2: A record of genealogies showcasing the importance of family lines.
• Nehemiah 7:8: Similar enumeration of families returning to Jerusalem.
• Jeremiah 32:37: God's promise to gather His people back to their land.
• Ezra 1:5: The call of Israelite leaders to return and build.
• Ezra 3:1: The unity of the people in returning to worship God in Jerusalem.
• Hebrews 11:32-34: Remembers the faith of those who returned and rebuilt.
• Micah 4:6-7: Prophetic promise of restoration for the remnant of Israel.
• Revelation 21:12: The significance of names in God’s eternal city resembling the restored nation.
• Isaiah 43:5-6: God's assurance of gathering His people from the nations.
• Psalms 126:1-2: Joy expressed upon returning to Zion after captivity.

Thematic Connections

The listing in Ezra 2:19, and its accompanying themes, touches upon several key biblical narratives:

• Restoration: Reflects God’s promise to restore Israel, found in numerous prophetic writings.
• Identity: Emphasizes the importance of familial and tribal identities in the covenant community.
• Community: Links individuals to a collective purpose in rebuilding Jerusalem.
• Faithfulness: Displays God's faithfulness through history as families return to their homeland.
• Heritage: Connects to themes of heritage seen throughout the Old Testament, reminding believers of their roots.

Conclusion

Ezra 2:19 serves not just as a historical record, but as a window into the heart of God for His people. The significance of names and numbers reveals a pattern of faithfulness and restoration throughout scripture. By cross-referencing this verse with others, believers can see the extensive inter-Biblical dialogue that highlights God's enduring covenant with His people.

Studying these connections offers deeper insights into the biblical narrative, providing rich material for Bible study and sermon preparation.