The sons of Immer, 1,052.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to see this as just a dry number, but "the sons of Immer" points to a specific priestly family line. This family, known from other passages as being part of a significant priestly lineage, had a notable presence among those returning to rebuild Jerusalem, carrying their heritage and responsibilities with them.
The sons of Immer, 1,052.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a long list detailing the families returning from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. The Immer family is identified here as the sixteenth priestly line, following other ancestral groups like Jedaiah. This enumeration is crucial for understanding the restoration of temple service and societal structure for the Jewish community rebuilding their lives and worship in Jerusalem.
When the people of God returned from exile, their lineage mattered. But why focus on specific family lines?
Ezra chapter 2 lists families returning to Jerusalem, and a significant portion are priests. The mention of 'The sons of Immer' (Ezra 2:37) isn't just a headcount. It points to the re-establishment of temple service.
Restoring Worship
Immer was recognized as the head of one of the 24 priestly divisions established by King David (1 Chronicles 24:14). His descendants, numbering 1,052, were crucial for rebuilding and resuming the daily sacrifices and rituals in the rebuilt Temple. Their return signified more than just geographical relocation; it was about restoring their sacred function and national identity.
A Legacy of Service
This wasn't an abstract honor; it was a functional role. The presence of these families underscores that the spiritual health of the community was tied directly to the proper functioning of the Temple and its ministers.
Sometimes, historical records hint at struggles we might not immediately see. What does a famous prophet's conflict reveal about this priestly family?
While Ezra 2 focuses on the return and rebuilding, other Scriptures provide deeper context. The family of Immer, to which verse 37 refers, had a complex history.
A Notorious Member
Jeremiah 20:1 mentions a priest named Pashur, who was the son of Immer. Pashur was a chief officer in the Temple and actively opposed the prophet Jeremiah, even striking and imprisoning him for his God-given prophecies. This shows that even within a lineage dedicated to God's service, there could be significant internal conflict and resistance to God's will.
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Bearing the Name
For the 1,052 sons of Immer returning with Ezra, they carried the name of a significant priestly line, but also the shadow of Pashur's actions. Their return was an opportunity to distinguish themselves through faithful service and to perhaps seek forgiveness and restoration for any past failings associated with their family name.
The listing of priestly families like Immer in Ezra's census highlights the persistence of ancient Israelite religious structures and the efforts to re-establish them in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, even amidst the challenges of rebuilding.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the exile of many Israelites and the scattering of the ten northern tribes. This event significantly impacts the southern Kingdom of Judah, increasing its awareness of the threat from foreign empires.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonian Empire begins its conquest of Judah. The first wave of exiles, including members of the royal family and educated elite like Daniel, is taken to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
A further wave of exiles is deported to Babylon, including the prophet Ezekiel and King Jehoiachin. This further diminishes the population and leadership of Jerusalem.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar finally destroys Jerusalem and its sacred Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and scattering the remaining population throughout the Babylonian Empire. This marks the end of the Southern Kingdom of Judah as an independent entity.
538 BC
Cyrus Cylinder Issued
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues a decree, allowing exiled peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their religious centers. This sets the stage for the return of the Jewish exiles.
516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
After returning from exile and facing significant opposition, the Jewish community in Jerusalem completes and dedicates the Second Temple. This rebuilding effort is a central focus of the post-exilic period.
c. 458 BC— this verse
Ezra's Arrival in Jerusalem
Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, leads a second major wave of returnees from Babylon to Jerusalem. He comes with royal authority to restore religious and civil order, focusing on adherence to the Law of Moses.
This passage lists the families of priests established by David, identifying Immer as the sixteenth family, just as Ezra does. It highlights the ancient lineage and order of the priestly service that these individuals were returning to.
Nehemiah 7:40This verse in Nehemiah records the same list of returning exiles, confirming the number of the sons of Immer (1,052). It provides a parallel account that reinforces the historical accuracy of this census and the importance of these families in the rebuilding effort.
Jeremiah 20:1This verse mentions Pashur, a priest who struck the prophet Jeremiah and was later renamed. The commentaries note that Pashur was from the house of Immer, showing that this family, though a priestly line, had members who opposed God's prophets, adding a layer of complexity to their legacy.
1 Corinthians 12:12Just as the Old Testament lists specific families and roles within the community, Paul uses the metaphor of the human body to illustrate how diverse individuals function as one in Christ. This connects the idea of distinct family lines contributing to the whole with the New Testament understanding of the church as a unified body with varied gifts.
henryEzra 2:36-63: "The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three."
2:36-63 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.
cambridgeEzra 2:37: "The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two."
37 . Immer ] The sixteenth priestly house ( 1 Chronicles 24:14 ). Pashur, the enemy of Jeremiah, is mentioned as a member of this house ( Jeremiah 20:1 ). See also Nehemiah 3:29 .
It's easy to see this as just a dry number, but "the sons of Immer" points to a specific priestly family line. This family, known from other passages as being part of a significant priestly lineage, had a notable presence among those returning to rebuild Jerusalem, carrying their heritage and responsibilities with them.
This passage is part of a long list detailing the families returning from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. The Immer family is identified here as the sixteenth priestly line, following other ancestral groups like Jedaiah. This enumeration is crucial for understanding the restoration of temple service and societal structure for the Jewish community rebuilding their lives and worship in Jerusalem.
This passage is part of a long list detailing the families returning from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. The Immer family is identified here as the sixteenth priestly line, following other ancestral groups like Jedaiah. This enumeration is crucial for understanding the restoration of temple service and societal structure for the Jewish community rebuilding their lives and worship in Jerusalem.
"The sons of Immer, 1,052." — It's easy to see this as just a dry number, but "the sons of Immer" points to a specific priestly family line. This family, known from other passages as being part of a significant priestly lineage,…
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Last reviewed October 2026