Ezra 2:70

Authorized King James Version

So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ

H3427

dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים

H3548

So the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְ֠הַלְוִיִּם

H3881

and the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

וּֽמִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָעָ֞ם

H5971

and some of the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְהַמְשֹֽׁרְרִ֧ים

H7891

and the singers

to sing

וְהַשּֽׁוֹעֲרִ֛ים

H7778

and the porters

a janitor

וְהַנְּתִינִ֖ים

H5411

and the Nethinims

the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)

בְּעָֽרֵיהֶֽם׃

H5892

in their cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#10

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

H3478

and all Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#12

בְּעָֽרֵיהֶֽם׃

H5892

in their cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?