Ezra Chapter 2
Please read: Ezra 2 –
This passage tells us some important things about the people that returned from captivity to Judah and Jerusalem. First, we can see that there were only a small number who returned and secondly their names were recorded so that the genealogy and family lines were continued of those original tribes of Israel.
Their leader for this great migration back to the land was of royal blood. He was a descendant of a king of Judah, and he is called by two different names. In the previous chapter he is known as Sheshbazzar, but in this chapter he is known as Zerubbabel. It may be that his name was changed during their captivity. He would not serve as king on a throne but more like a governor under the authority of the king of the Persians.
The most important thing we need to think about is that God had intervened and they were going home, their captivity had ended. I love how it says in the last verse of this chapter that they returned to their villages and homes. I am sure that many of them did not have homes to go home to, as many were probably destroyed. But at least they were settling in the towns they once occupied. They were starting over. It was a fresh start for them.
Let's Reflect
1. Bible scholars believe that the names of those who wanted to return to Judah and Israel were recorded but that not all actually left. Some may have passed away in that time, or some may have changed their minds about going. What is the number given that returned from captivity? See verse 64.
2. It would have been important for them to know who were of the Levite family of priests that would be going back. And even more important to know who were of the lineage of Aaron to serve as high priests. But there were some priests who could not prove their lineage. What did they search according to verse 62 to try to prove their lineage?
3. Having been under the hand of God’s judgement for many years a decision was made by the governor that these men could not do what? They would wait until a priest could determine the will of God concerning these men using the Urim and Thummim?
The Urim and Thummim, which mean "Lights and Perfections," were placed in the breastplate of judgment worn by the high priest. Most believe that they were two types of stones of two different colors. It is not known exactly how they were used other than we know that the priests used them when praying on a matter where they were seeking God’s will. The breastplate was an important part of the priest’s garments worn for making decisions and seeking God’s guidance. The Urim and Thummim were missing. Also missing was the Ark of the Covenant. These items were not listed in the items that were returned by King Cyrus.
4. According to verse 66 what else did the people take with them?
5. Imagine arriving in Jerusalem and looking at the spot where the temple used to stand. They found it totally destroyed. This would have been heartbreaking. What did the heads of the families do that would help rebuild the temple?
