Ezra 2:56
The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֥י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
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
בְּנֵ֥י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
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
Historical Context
These families descended from Canaanite populations Solomon subjected to levy service (mas oved) approximately 550 years earlier. Their preservation of distinct family identity through conquest, exile, and return demonstrates the stability of ancient Near Eastern social structures and the importance of genealogical records in post-exilic Jewish society.
Questions for Reflection
- How do these names (carrier, rough, ascend, magnify) describe stages of your own spiritual journey?
- What "rough" service has God used to refine your worship and prepare you for spiritual ascent?
- How does bearing the weight of humble service today prepare you to magnify God tomorrow?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel—More descendants of Solomon's servants, each name carrying theological significance. Jaalah (יַעֲלָה) means "mountain goat" or "to ascend," symbolizing the spiritual ascent from exile to Jerusalem. Darkon (דַּרְקוֹן) means "carrier" or "rough," describing their servile labor. Giddel (גִּדֵּל) means "to make great" or "magnify."
The progression is prophetic: those who were "carriers" and "rough laborers" now "ascend" to Jerusalem to "magnify" the Lord. Exile refined their identity—they returned not as reluctant servants but as worshipers. This patterns Christian discipleship: bearing Christ's "rough" cross leads to ascension and glorifying God (Philippians 2:8-11).