Ezra 2:36
The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.
Original Language Analysis
הַֽכֹּהֲנִ֑ים
The priests
H3548
הַֽכֹּהֲנִ֑ים
The priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
1 of 9
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
בְּנֵ֤י
the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֤י
the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְבֵ֣ית
of the house
H1004
לְבֵ֣ית
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
4 of 9
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יֵשׁ֔וּעַ
of Jeshua
H3442
יֵשׁ֔וּעַ
of Jeshua
Strong's:
H3442
Word #:
5 of 9
jeshua, the name of ten israelites, also of a place in palestine
Historical Context
Jedaiah's line was one of the 24 priestly divisions established by David (1 Chronicles 24:7). Post-exile, only four of the original 24 divisions returned (Jedaiah, Immer, Pashhur, Harim), yet these were later subdivided to maintain the 24-course rotation. This demonstrates the community's commitment to preserving pre-exilic worship patterns despite reduced numbers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the prominence of Jedaiah ('Yahweh has known') among returning priests emphasize the importance of being known by God rather than merely knowing about Him?
- What does the preservation of priestly divisions despite drastically reduced numbers teach about maintaining biblical patterns of worship?
- How does the Jeshua-Zerubbabel partnership model the balance between spiritual and practical leadership needed for any restoration effort?
Analysis & Commentary
The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua (הַכֹּהֲנִים בְּנֵי יְדַעְיָה לְבֵית יֵשׁוּעַ)—The shift to hakohanim (the priests) marks a crucial transition in the census from laypeople to ministerial orders. Jedaiah means 'Yahweh has known,' appropriate for those who would mediate knowledge of God. This family descended from the high priestly line through Jeshua (Joshua), who would serve as high priest during the rebuilding (Ezra 3:2).
The 973 priests from this single family represented about 10% of all returning priests (4,289 total, vv. 36-39). Their placement first among priestly families reflects their prominence in the restoration. Significantly, Jeshua the high priest partnered with Zerubbabel the governor, illustrating the dual leadership (priestly and political) God established for the restoration—anticipating Christ's dual role as King-Priest after Melchizedek's order (Hebrews 7).