Ezra 2:6
The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.
Original Language Analysis
לִבְנֵ֥י
The children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֥י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לִבְנֵ֥י
The children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֥י
The children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 11
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יֵשׁ֖וּעַ
of Jeshua
H3442
יֵשׁ֖וּעַ
of Jeshua
Strong's:
H3442
Word #:
5 of 11
jeshua, the name of ten israelites, also of a place in palestine
אַלְפַּ֕יִם
two thousand
H505
אַלְפַּ֕יִם
two thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
7 of 11
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה
eight
H8083
שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה
eight
Strong's:
H8083
Word #:
8 of 11
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
Historical Context
The title 'governor of Moab' likely originated during Davidic or later monarchy when Judahite officials administered Moabite territories. The family preserved this designation through exile as honorific title, maintaining memory of former prominence. Such titles helped exiles maintain identity and hope for restoration.
The dual genealogy (Jeshua and Joab) may reflect ancient practice where family lines merged through marriage or adoption, particularly when one line lacked male heirs. This ensured continuity and property rights. The specific enumeration demonstrates that both branches were counted together yet maintained distinct identity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the merger of Jeshua and Joab families illustrate biblical vision for unity that preserves diversity?
- What does the name 'Yahweh saves' (Jeshua/Jesus) teach when applied to family identity rather than just individuals?
- How should churches honor historical heritage while embracing diverse backgrounds in covenant community?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve. This entry presents compound genealogy, with Pahath-moab (פַּחַת מוֹאָב) meaning 'governor of Moab,' suggesting ancestral connection to Moabite territory or service as Persian official over that region. The dual lineage—'of the children of Jeshua and Joab'—indicates merger of two family branches under single clan designation, preserving distinct identities within larger kinship structure.
The name Jeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) means 'Yahweh saves' (the Hebrew equivalent of Jesus), while Joab (יוֹאָב) means 'Yahweh is father.' Both names center on covenant relationship with Yahweh. The substantial number (2,812) made Pahath-moab the largest group after Parosh, suggesting significant leadership influence in the returning community.
The compound structure teaches that God's work often unites diverse backgrounds into covenant unity. The preservation of both family lines (Jeshua and Joab) within Pahath-moab clan demonstrates how biblical genealogy values multiple ancestral connections, resisting modern tendency toward simplified nuclear family models. This pattern anticipates the church as multi-ethnic family united in Christ.