Ezra 2:23
The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
Original Language Analysis
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
H376
אַנְשֵׁ֣י
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 5
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
עֲנָת֔וֹת
of Anathoth
H6068
עֲנָת֔וֹת
of Anathoth
Strong's:
H6068
Word #:
2 of 5
anathoth, the name of two israelites, also of a place in pal
Historical Context
Anathoth lay approximately three miles northeast of Jerusalem in Benjamin's territory. As a Levitical city (Joshua 21:18), it had priestly associations. Jeremiah's family descended from Abiathar, the priest Solomon exiled to Anathoth (1 Kings 2:26). During the exile, Anathoth's population had been scattered, yet genealogical records preserved their identity. Archaeological surveys identify Anathoth with modern Anata, where Iron Age remains confirm ancient settlement. The town's proximity to Jerusalem made it vulnerable during Babylonian attacks, yet its residents maintained distinct identity through seventy years of captivity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jeremiah's connection to Anathoth demonstrate that prophetic words often find fulfillment beyond the prophet's lifetime?
- What does the preservation of small-town identity through exile teach about God's attention to seemingly insignificant communities?
- How should believers balance attachment to ancestral heritage with kingdom priorities that may require leaving familiar places?
Analysis & Commentary
The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight. Anathoth (עֲנָתוֹת, Anathoth) carries profound significance—this was Jeremiah's hometown (Jeremiah 1:1). That 128 men from this small Benjaminite town returned demonstrates remarkable faith. Jeremiah had prophesied both Jerusalem's destruction and eventual restoration, purchasing land in Anathoth during the siege as a prophetic sign (Jeremiah 32:6-15). His relatives had opposed him (Jeremiah 11:21-23), yet now Anathoth's descendants returned to rebuild.
The Hebrew term anashim (אֲנָשִׁים, 'men') here likely means adult males, heads of households, making the total population significantly larger when including women and children. These genealogical records served legal purposes—establishing land rights, verifying lineage, determining priestly eligibility—and theological purposes, demonstrating covenant continuity.
Theologically, Anathoth's return vindicates Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. The prophet who wept over Jerusalem's fall lived to see the hope he proclaimed begin fulfillment. This demonstrates God's faithfulness across generations—Jeremiah died before the return, yet his message proved true. The number 128, while seemingly small, represented substantial commitment from one town to abandon Babylonian security for Jerusalem's uncertain future.