Ezra 2:39
The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
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
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
H505
אֶ֖לֶף
a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
3 of 5
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Cross References
Historical Context
Harim headed the 3rd priestly division (1 Chronicles 24:8). Post-exile, members of this family were among those who had married foreign wives (Ezra 10:21), requiring painful separation to maintain covenant purity. This illustrates the ongoing struggle to maintain holiness standards even among those whose name meant 'consecrated.' The restoration required not just returning to the land but returning to holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Harim's name ('consecrated') challenge you to pursue holiness regardless of whether you experience God's manifest presence or blessing?
- What does the later intermarriage crisis among Harim's descendants teach about the ongoing nature of sanctification, even for those in ministry?
- In what ways might you be called to maintain consecration in 'diminished' circumstances—when the glory seems absent?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen—Harim (חָרִם) means 'flat-nosed' or 'consecrated/devoted,' from the root related to herem (devoted to destruction or sacred use). This dual meaning captures the priestly paradox: those consecrated to God's service handle what is herem—both holy offerings and defiling sin offerings. Their 1,017 members made them the smallest of the four major returning priestly families, yet still substantial.
A descendant of this family, also named Harim, later signed Nehemiah's covenant (Nehemiah 10:5), showing continued faithfulness. The name's connection to 'consecration' proved prophetic—these priests would face the challenge of maintaining qodesh (holiness, קֹדֶשׁ) in a rebuilt temple without the ark, without Shekinah glory, in a time of diminished splendor. Yet they came, demonstrating that consecration matters more than circumstances.