The whole second chapter of Ezra 2 contains a list of names of God's people who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem after 70 years in captivity. They are categorized into seven groups in verses 2 to 58. Firstly, a group of twelve leaders (verse 2); secondly a list of the men of Israel (verses 3-35); thirdly, the priests (36-39); fourthly, the Levites (verses 40-42); fifthly, the temple servants (verses 43-54); sixthly, the sons of Solomon’s servants (verses 5-57); and seventhly a mixed and miscellaneous group of people (verses 59-60).
Zerubbabel was
the first to be mentioned in the list of leaders. This is an indication that he
was the one who led this first wave of returnees back to Jerusalem. Strangely,
Sheshbazzar though he was said to be the prince of Judah in Ezra 1:8 & 11
was not mentioned in this list. It is believed that he could possibly be
Zerubbabel who led this wave of returnees from exile.
Three lessons we can learn from this listing of names:
1. The LORD God has
a precise plan, and purpose, for His people. He believes and knows precise
detail accurately. It is so encouraging to know that we worship this
God. This should reassure and inspire our desires to serve
Him.
2. In God there is continuity. The
well-kept ancestry of Israel tells us that nothing escapes His notice. In the
same way, He saw everything that had happened to us and nothing can happen to
us in the future that will be outside of His knowledge and plan. We can safely
and securely trust Him to take care of our concerns in life.
3. Unlike ours, God’s revelation
is holistic. He saw the end from the beginning, and everything in-between as
well. Whatever is happening in the world should not petrify or overwhelm us
because our God is at the helm. Instead, it should drive us to pray more and
commit even more to Him.
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