Ezra 2:37
The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 5
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Historical Context
Immer headed the 16th priestly division in David's organization (1 Chronicles 24:14). During the monarchy, this family held positions of significant authority, including oversight of temple gates and treasuries. Their large representation (1,052) in the return suggests the family maintained cohesion and commitment despite some members' previous opposition to prophetic ministry.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's preservation of Immer's line despite Pashhur's persecution of Jeremiah demonstrate the irrevocable nature of God's calling?
- What does the inclusion of families with problematic histories teach about grace in leadership selection and restoration?
- In what ways does your own checkered spiritual history potentially deepen rather than disqualify your ministry effectiveness?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two—The name Immer (אִמֵּר) means 'lamb' or 'he has said/promised,' evoking both sacrificial ministry and God's covenant faithfulness. This priestly family produced 1,052 returnees, the second-largest priestly contingent. Ironically, Pashhur son of Immer was the priest who imprisoned Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:1-2), yet God's covenant faithfulness preserved this line despite ancestral opposition to His prophet.
Immer's descendants illustrate God's grace in restoration—even families that produced enemies of the prophets received inclusion in the return. This demonstrates the principle Paul would later articulate: 'the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable' (Romans 11:29). The priestly calling transcended individual failure. Their later role in pure genealogical verification (Ezra 2:59-63) gained added significance given their own checkered history.