Ezra 2:52
The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The Nethinim's total number across all families listed reached 392 (Ezra 2:58). This relatively small group performed disproportionately important service—their labor enabled thousands of sacrifices annually. Their willing return from Babylon (where they could have remained in easier circumstances) testified to genuine devotion to Yahweh and His house. Many had never seen Jerusalem or the temple, yet they journeyed 900 miles to serve a sanctuary lying in ruins.
The list's placement—after priests and Levites but before other laypeople—honored the Nethinim's unique status. Though not Levitical, they ranked above ordinary Israelites due to their dedicated temple service. Post-exilic community recognized that calling and faithfulness, not merely ancestry, determined spiritual status. This foreshadows New Testament priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the paradox of Mehida ("famous") among humble servants teach about God's reversal of worldly status systems?
- How does Scripture's careful preservation of every Nethinim family name demonstrate God's attentiveness to seemingly insignificant servants?
- What can modern churches learn from post-exilic Judaism's honoring of the Nethinim about valuing all who serve faithfully regardless of role or status?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha—The final three Nethinim families in this section complete the census before the summary. Bazluth (בַּצְלוּת, possibly from batsal, "in the shadow" or "peeling off") may indicate service performed in shadowy temple areas or the peeling/stripping work of preparing sacrificial animals. Mehida (מְחִידָא, possibly "famous" or "junction") presents an ironic contrast—a servant-class family bearing a name suggesting fame or prominence. This tension embodies gospel paradox: the humble exalted, the servants made great.
Harsha (חַרְשָׁא, charsha, possibly "deaf," "silent," or "magical arts") raises questions. If "deaf/silent," it may indicate disability or quiet, unobtrusive service. If referencing magical arts negatively, it might recall pagan origins now renounced through covenant service. The ambiguity reminds us that ancient names carried meanings sometimes obscure to later readers, yet God preserved each one in Scripture.
The completion of this Nethinim roll call (verses 43-54) demonstrates meticulous care in recording even the lowest social class. Every family head received mention—no servant was too insignificant for Scripture's permanent record. This models God's attentiveness to all His people: "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care" (Matthew 10:29).