Ezra 2:6
The sons of Pahath-moab, namely the sons of Jeshua and Joab, 2,812.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Ezra 2:6
The sons of Pahath-moab, namely the sons of Jeshua and Joab, 2,812.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to just see a number, but this verse highlights a fascinating detail: "Pahath-moab" wasn't a person, but a title meaning "ruler of Moab." This tells us that this particular family, likely from the tribe of Judah, had a history of leadership and authority, even over foreign territory, which makes their return to Jerusalem a significant reclaiming of heritage.
This passage is part of a detailed census, listing the families returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It follows the initial call to return and precedes further lists of returning exiles, meticulously documenting who was making the journey. The specific mention of the "sons of Pahath-moab" highlights a prominent family, likely descended from a leader who once ruled territory in Moab, now re-establishing themselves in their ancestral homeland.
This verse lists a specific family, the descendants of Pahath-moab. But who were they, and why does their name matter?
The name 'Pahath-moab' itself tells a story. 'Pahath' likely means 'governor' or 'ruler,' and 'Moab' refers to the territory of Moab. This suggests that the ancestor of this family held a position of authority over a part of Moab.
Interestingly, we see in 1 Chronicles that some from the tribe of Judah had dominion in Moab. This hints that the family of Pahath-moab might have been Judahites who had established influence or rule there. Their name is a marker of their lineage and a significant past.
Even within this family, there were distinct branches, identified as 'Jeshua' and 'Joab.' This shows the complexity and granularity of family records kept during this time. It wasn't just one big group, but specific family lines within the larger returning community.
Why are these detailed lists of families so important? What does their return signify?
The book of Ezra begins with detailed lists of those returning from Babylonian captivity. This isn't just administrative record-keeping; it's a profound statement about rebuilding a nation and its identity after devastating loss.
Nebuchadnezzar's conquest had scattered and oppressed God's people. The returnees were not just individuals but represented distinct family units, provinces, and even those who had gained positions of influence in foreign lands (like Pahath-moab).
Each family counted, each name recorded, represented a thread in the tapestry of Israel being rewoven in their homeland. This meticulous accounting underscores the significance of every person and every family in God's plan for restoration.
Understand the original words
beney · Hebrew Noun (plural construct)
A phrase referring to descendants of a specific patriarch, ancestor, or family head. In the post-exilic context of Ezra, these designations were essential for establishing tribal identity, inheritance rights, and eligibility for service in the rebuilt community and temple.
Pahath-Moab · Hebrew Proper Noun
The name of a Jewish family or clan that returned from Babylonian exile. The name literally means 'governor of Moab' or 'pit of Moab,' and identifies a specific ancestral line within the tribe of Judah.
Yeshua · Hebrew Proper Noun
A name derived from the Hebrew 'Yehoshua,' meaning 'Yahweh is salvation.' It was a prominent name given to various figures, including the successor of Moses and a post-exilic leader.
The list in Ezra 2 details families returning from Babylonian exile, with Pahath-moab being a prominent lineage, likely stemming from Judah, whose founder may have held authority over Moabite territory.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar's forces conquer Judah, beginning the Babylonian exile. Key figures and resources are taken to Babylon.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, leading to a further, larger exile of the Judean population.
538 BC
Cyrus Cylinder Issued
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing exiled peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
537 BC
First Return from Exile
The first wave of Jewish exiles, led by Zerubbabel, returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and the city.
c. 458 BC— this verse
This passage provides a parallel account of the same family returning from exile, listing the same number of individuals and reinforcing the historical record of their lineage.
Ezra 8:4This verse mentions descendants of Pahath-moab returning with Ezra himself, showing the continued presence and significance of this family line in the post-exilic community.
1 Chronicles 4:22This earlier passage connects a lineage to Moab, suggesting a potential historical link or dominion over Moabite territory for descendants who would later be known as Pahath-moab, highlighting the ancient roots of this family name.
Ezra 10:30This verse lists members of the Pahath-moab family who were involved in the significant event of putting away foreign wives, demonstrating their participation in the community's spiritual reforms.
henryEzra 2:1-35: "Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;"
2:1-35 An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt!
pooleEzra 2:6: "The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve."
Of Jeshua and Joab, or of Jeshua-joab , as the former was Palath-moab.
It's easy to just see a number, but this verse highlights a fascinating detail: "Pahath-moab" wasn't a person, but a title meaning "ruler of Moab." This tells us that this particular family, likely from the tribe of Judah, had a history of leadership and authority, even over foreign territory, which makes their return to Jerusalem a significant reclaiming of heritage.
This passage is part of a detailed census, listing the families returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It follows the initial call to return and precedes further lists of returning exiles, meticulously documenting who was making the journey. The specific mention of the "sons of Pahath-moab" highlights a prominent family, likely descended from a leader who once ruled territory in Moab, now re-establishing themselves in their ancestral homeland.
"The sons of Pahath-moab, namely the sons of Jeshua and Joab, 2,812." — It's easy to just see a number, but this verse highlights a fascinating detail: "Pahath-moab" wasn't a person, but a title meaning "ruler of Moab." This tells us that this particular family, likely f…
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Yo'ab · Hebrew Proper Noun
A Hebrew name meaning 'Yahweh is father.' It was borne by several biblical figures, most notably the commander of King David's army.
Ezra's Return to Jerusalem
The scribe Ezra leads a second group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, focusing on religious reform and the Law.
c. 444 BC
Nehemiah's Return to Jerusalem
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, returns to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding of the city walls.