Question 1

Who are the priestly families named in this passage?

Accepted Answer

This passage names four priestly families who came back from exile. They are the children of Jedaiah, linked with the house of Jeshua, the children of Immer, the children of Pashur, and the children of Harim. Each of these names refers to a family line of priests, descended from earlier priestly groups in Israel. The men from these families would serve at the altar, offer sacrifices, and lead in the formal worship of God once the temple service was started again in Jerusalem.

Question 2

Why does this passage give numbers for each priestly family?

Accepted Answer

The passage gives exact numbers to show how many men from each priestly family returned to the land. The children of Jedaiah were 973, Immer 1,052, Pashur 1,247, and Harim 1,017. Together they make a little over four thousand. This careful counting shows that the priesthood was not just an idea but a real group of families God had preserved. It also shows there were enough priests to restart regular sacrifices and service in the rebuilt temple.

Question 3

What is meant by the children of Jedaiah of the house of Jeshua?

Accepted Answer

“The children of Jedaiah of the house of Jeshua” means a priestly family line that was connected to Jeshua’s household. Jedaiah is the family name, and “of the house of Jeshua” points to a particular branch within that family. In earlier times, priestly families were divided into organized groups or courses for service. This phrase shows that this family still knew its line and its ties, even after years in exile, and was ready to step back into its place in serving God.

Question 4

What does this list of priests teach about God’s faithfulness?

Accepted Answer

This list shows that, even through exile, God did not let the priestly line die out. When the people returned, four priestly families could still trace their line and be counted for service. Around a tenth of the whole returning group were priests. That hints that God not only brought His people back, but also kept the structure needed for proper worship. The list reminds readers that God keeps His promises and preserves what is needed for His people to meet with Him as He has commanded.

Question 5

How does this passage fit into the larger story of returning from exile?

Accepted Answer

This passage is part of a longer list that names those who came back from Babylon to Judah. It moves from the general people to the tribe of Levi and begins with the priests. Naming these four priestly families shows that worship was a key part of the return. The people were not only going back to live in their land, but to restore the altar, the sacrifices, and the daily service of God. The counted priests were a sign that God was rebuilding His people as a worshiping community.

Question 6

Why were only four priestly families mentioned here?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, only four priestly families are named, even though there had once been more groups of priests. The point here is to show which families actually returned from exile and were present to serve when worship began again. These four lines, Jedaiah, Immer, Pashur, and Harim, formed the priestly core of the returning group. The focus is not to give the full history of the priesthood, but to record the families God brought back and counted for active service at that time.

Question 7

How might this list of priests speak to believers today?

Accepted Answer

For readers today, a list like this can seem dry at first, but it quietly shows God’s care in details. God knew each family by name and number, and He made sure there were people set apart for His worship after a long season of judgment. This can encourage believers that God does not forget His people or His purposes, even in hard times. He keeps track, He restores, and He provides what is needed so that His people can gather, worship, and serve Him again.

Ezra 2:36

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

The List of Returning Exiles

Priests Returning

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Ezra 2:36

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

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The List of Returning Exiles

Priests Returning

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