Ezra 2:55
The sons of Solomon’s servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Even in the most detailed lists of who returned to Jerusalem, you find people who trace their lineage back to the "servants of Solomon." This highlights how even those initially brought into service from conquered nations, and their descendants, were seen as part of God's ongoing plan for His people and the Temple. Their inclusion underscores that God's restoration isn't just for the "chosen few" but encompasses everyone who finds their place within His work.
This passage is part of a long list detailing the families returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile to rebuild the Temple. These "sons of Solomon's servants" were descendants of a servile class originally appointed by Solomon for various labors, likely including temple upkeep, and are closely associated with the Nethinim, another group serving in the Temple. Their inclusion highlights the diverse backgrounds of those who participated in this monumental restoration project.
Have you ever felt like your contribution is too small or too obscure to matter? This list might surprise you.
This verse lists the descendants of 'Solomon's servants.' While their names might not be as prominent as priests or Levites, their heritage was rooted in service.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Ezra 2:55 is available in the Sola app.
When we read lists of names in the Bible, who do we expect to see? This verse reminds us God's people are more diverse than we might imagine.
Ezra's register is a testament to God's inclusive nature. It's not just the prominent families returning, but also those who served faithfully in the background.
Understand the original words
avdey Shelomoh · Hebrew Noun phrase
A title or category denoting a group of individuals whose ancestors were historically assigned to perform duties for King Solomon, often associated with temple service or administrative roles within the royal household.
The descendants of Solomon's servants, a group originally conscripted for labor from the indigenous Canaanites, maintained their distinct identity through the Babylonian exile and returned with the Jewish people to aid in the rebuilding of the Temple, showing how even those outside the direct lineage of Israel were part of God's redemptive plan.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction
King Solomon's extensive building projects, including the First Temple, required a large labor force, utilizing a class of servants derived from the remaining Canaanite populations.
931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom of Israel split into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquered the northern Kingdom of Israel, leading to the deportation of many of its inhabitants.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
The Neo-Babylonian Empire, under Nebuchadnezzar II, destroyed Jerusalem and the First Temple, exiling many of the Jewish population to Babylon.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, ushering in the Achaemenid Persian Empire and allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.
538 BC— this verse
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus issued a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, marking the beginning of the return from Babylonian captivity.
This passage explains the origin of Solomon's servants, detailing how they were made a class of forced laborers from the leftover Canaanite populations, directly linking to the 'servants' mentioned in Ezra.
Nehemiah 7:57This verse from Nehemiah's parallel account in the book of Ezra provides the same list of names, reinforcing the historical context and the continuity of these families in post-exilic Jewish society.
Ezra 7:24This verse prohibits imposing taxes, duties, or tolls on those involved in the service of God's house, highlighting the sacred, albeit servile, role these 'Solomon's servants' and similar groups held in the Temple's upkeep.
Matthew 20:28Jesus redefines service in the New Testament, teaching that He Himself came 'to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,' paralleling the idea of devoted service found in these ancient lists with a profound theological significance.
clarkeEzra 2:55: "The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,"
The children of Solomon's servants - The Nethinim, and others appointed to do the meaner services of the holy house.
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.
Even in the most detailed lists of who returned to Jerusalem, you find people who trace their lineage back to the "servants of Solomon." This highlights how even those initially brought into service from conquered nations, and their descendants, were seen as part of God's ongoing plan for His people and the Temple. Their inclusion underscores that God's restoration isn't just for the "chosen few" but encompasses everyone who finds their place within His work.
This passage is part of a long list detailing the families returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile to rebuild the Temple. These "sons of Solomon's servants" were descendants of a servile class originally appointed by Solomon for various labors, likely including temple upkeep, and are closely associated with the Nethinim, another group serving in the Temple. Their inclusion highlights the diverse backgrounds of those who participated in this monumental restoration project.
This passage is part of a long list detailing the families returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile to rebuild the Temple. These "sons of Solomon's servants" were descendants of a servile class originally appointed by Solomon for various labors, likely including temple upkeep, and are closely associated with the Nethinim, another group serving in the Temple. Their inclusion highlights the diverse backgrounds of those who participated in this monumental restoration project.
"The sons of Solomon’s servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda," — Even in the most detailed lists of who returned to Jerusalem, you find people who trace their lineage back to the "servants of Solomon." This highlights how even those initially brought into service…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
