Ezra 2:33
The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵי
The children
H1121
בְּנֵי
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שְׁבַ֥ע
seven
H7651
שְׁבַ֥ע
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
5 of 8
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
Historical Context
Lod (later Lydda, modern-day Lod, Israel) was approximately 11 miles southeast of Joppa. These towns were in the Shephelah (lowland) region, vulnerable to Philistine encroachment. The returnees' willingness to resettle these exposed areas demonstrated remarkable faith, as they lacked military protection initially.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the preservation of community identity through 70 years of exile teach about God's faithfulness to His corporate people, not just individuals?
- How does the returnees' willingness to resettle vulnerable border towns challenge your own risk-taking for God's kingdom purposes?
- In what ways does your local church maintain 'genealogical' continuity with the faith once delivered to the saints?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono (בְּנֵי־לֹד חָדִיד וְאוֹנוֹ)—These three towns formed a cluster in the Benjamite territory northwest of Jerusalem. The Hebrew word bene (children/descendants) emphasizes genealogical continuity despite 70 years of exile. Notably, 725 returnees from these towns suggest a significant community that maintained its identity in Babylon.
These were towns rebuilt by Benjamites after the conquest (1 Chronicles 8:12). Their inclusion demonstrates God's faithfulness to preserve not just individuals but communities—entire towns reconstituted themselves. Nehemiah 6:2 later mentions the plain of Ono as a strategic location, showing these returnees reclaimed territory of tactical importance for the restoration.