Ezra 2:7
The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֣י
The children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
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
עֵילָ֔ם
of Elam
H5867
עֵילָ֔ם
of Elam
Strong's:
H5867
Word #:
2 of 6
elam, a son of shem and his descendants, with their country; also of six israelites
אֶ֕לֶף
a thousand
H505
אֶ֕לֶף
a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
3 of 6
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
Historical Context
Historical Elam (modern southwestern Iran) was one of the ancient world's oldest civilizations, with sophisticated culture predating Mesopotamian empires. The Elamites had complex relationship with Israelites—sometimes allies, sometimes enemies. The Persian Empire incorporated Elamite territories, and Susa (Elam's capital) became winter capital for Persian kings (see Nehemiah 1:1, Esther 1:2).
The presence of Elamite-named families among returning Jews may reflect:
- Jewish communities settled in Elamite regions during exile
- intermarriage with Elamites who converted to Judaism, or
- ancient Israelite families who had emigrated to Elam before exile.
Regardless, their return demonstrated covenant identity transcending ethnic purity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Elam's inclusion challenge ethnic nationalism within covenant community?
- What does the dual meaning ('eternity' and geographical name) teach about family identity rooted in both place and promise?
- How should contemporary churches balance ethnic heritage with transcendent identity in Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. The family of Elam (עֵילָם) bears a name with dual significance: it refers both to ancient kingdom east of Babylonia and means 'eternity' or 'hidden.' This geographical-theological name suggests either ancestral origin from Elam territory or spiritual aspiration toward eternal covenant. The 1,254 members constituted substantial community maintaining distinct identity through exile.
Elam appears multiple times in Scripture as both place and person. Genesis 10:22 lists Elam as son of Shem, making Elamites related to but distinct from Israelites. The prophet Isaiah mentions Elamite archers in Assyrian armies (Isaiah 22:6), while Jeremiah prophesied both judgment and restoration for Elam (Jeremiah 49:34-39). This family name thus connects to broader redemptive geography extending beyond Israel proper.
Theologically, the inclusion of Elam demonstrates that God's restoration work gathered those with complex ethnic backgrounds. If this family had genuine Elamite ancestry, their integration into returning exiles shows covenant community transcending pure bloodline. This anticipates Ephesians 2:14-16, where Christ breaks down dividing walls to create one new humanity.