Ezra 2:3-42
Summary for Ezra 2:3-20: 2:3-20 a The family of: In the ancient Near East, an individual’s identity was closely connected to the question, “Who are your father and your family?” Ultimately, the priests were identified as the sons of Aaron. If this link could not be verified, they were barred from service (2:61-62 b). Others were identified by a well-known elder in their group.Summary for Ezra 2:21-35: 2:21-35 c The people of ... The citizens of: Some of the returnees were identified by their towns of origin. Apparently, not all knew their genealogical histories or had large families with renowned leaders. Most of the cities mentioned were concentrated in a relatively small area in the vicinity of Jerusalem.
Summary for Ezra 2:36-42: 2:36-42 d the priests ... the Levites: Only seventy-four Levites returned to Jerusalem—a very low number. Ezra later worked hard to get thirty-eight more to come with him (see study note on 8:18).
Summary for Ezra 2:41-42: 2:41-42 e The singers played instruments and sang for worship at the Temple (1 Chr 25:1-31 f; Pss 73–83 g) while the gatekeepers regulated the Temple gates and storehouses (1 Chr 9:26-27 h; 2 Chr 23:19 i; Neh 12:25 j).
• Asaph was one of the three Levites David had appointed to conduct music at the Temple (1 Chr 16:5 k, 7 l), and he wrote a collection of psalms (Pss 50 m, 73–83 n). His family carried on his work (1 Chr 25:1-7 o).
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