Ezra 2:34
The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
three
H7969
שְׁלֹ֥שׁ
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
3 of 6
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Historical Context
Jericho, the 'city of palm trees,' was rebuilt during Ahab's reign (1 Kings 16:34), with the builder experiencing Joshua's curse. Located 17 miles northeast of Jerusalem at 850 feet below sea level, it was Israel's gateway city from the east. These returnees resettled a city with both traumatic (Joshua's conquest) and redemptive (Elisha's ministry, 2 Kings 2:19-22) associations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jericho's transformation from cursed city to contributor of restoration demonstrate God's redemptive power in your own past?
- What 'cursed' areas of your life or community might God be calling you to reclaim for His purposes?
- How does the inclusion of formerly cursed places in God's restoration plan give you hope for personal or cultural renewal?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five—The city of Yericho (יְרִיחוֹ), though cursed by Joshua (Joshua 6:26), was inhabited again by the time of David. Its mention here carries profound theological irony: the city representing Canaan's destruction now contributes to Judah's restoration. The 345 returnees demonstrate God's power to redeem even cursed places.
Jericho's inclusion fulfills the prophetic pattern of redemption—what was once devoted to destruction (herem, חֵרֶם) becomes a source of blessing. This reversal anticipates Christ's work, transforming those under the curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13) into children of promise. The relatively modest number (345 vs. 725 from Lod) may reflect Jericho's continued vulnerability in the Jordan valley.