Ezra 2:53
The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah,
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵי
The children
H1121
בְּנֵי
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
בְּנֵי
The children
H1121
בְּנֵי
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 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
סִֽיסְרָ֖א
of Sisera
H5516
סִֽיסְרָ֖א
of Sisera
Strong's:
H5516
Word #:
4 of 6
sisera, the name of a canaanitish king and of one of the nethinim
Historical Context
Written circa 450 BC, Ezra documents the return from Babylonian exile (538 BC). The Nethinim were temple servants, possibly descended from Gibeonites (Joshua 9) and prisoners of war whom David assigned to temple service. Their inclusion in this census demonstrates their full integration into Israel's covenant community despite non-Israelite origins.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the inclusion of Sisera's descendants illustrate the transforming power of God's grace across generations?
- What does God's careful recording of obscure servant families teach about His valuing of faithful service regardless of social status?
- In what ways might your family history include redemption stories where former opposition to God became devoted service?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah—These are descendants of the Nethinim (temple servants), families whose names carry prophetic irony. Sisera (סִיסְרָא) is the name of the Canaanite general defeated by Deborah and Barak (Judges 4-5), yet here his descendants serve in God's temple. This demonstrates God's redemptive grace—former enemies become devoted servants.
Barkos (בַּרְקוֹס) may derive from baraq (lightning), while Thamah (תָּמַח) means "to strike" or "laugh." The meticulous preservation of these obscure family names in the sacred register emphasizes covenant faithfulness: God remembers those who serve Him, no matter how humble their station.