Ezra 8:2
Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.
Original Language Analysis
מִבְּנֵ֥י
Of the sons
H1121
מִבְּנֵ֥י
Of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מִבְּנֵ֥י
Of the sons
H1121
מִבְּנֵ֥י
Of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מִבְּנֵ֥י
Of the sons
H1121
מִבְּנֵ֥י
Of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
7 of 9
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
The Phinehas and Ithamar priestly divisions (1 Chronicles 24) organized temple service. Despite exile disrupting functions, genealogical records survived—likely through scribal preservation Ezra himself championed. Royal Davidic lineage, though politically powerless, maintained identity awaiting fulfillment in Jesus, 'son of David' (Matthew 1:1).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's preservation of both priestly and royal lines through exile demonstrate His commitment to fulfill specific covenant promises?
- What does the inclusion of Ithamar's descendants—despite their house's past judgment—teach about God's grace operating alongside His justice?
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Analysis & Commentary
Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush. This verse begins the genealogical registry with Israel's most prestigious lineages. Pinechas (פִּינְחָס, Phinehas) and Itamar (אִיתָמָר) were Aaron's sons—Phinehas's zealous faithfulness (Numbers 25:10-13) earned his family a perpetual priesthood, while Ithamar's line continued through Eli despite that family's judgment (1 Samuel 2:27-36). Gershom and Daniel represent these priestly houses' survival through exile.
Of the sons of David; Hattush identifies Davidic royalty among returnees—1 Chronicles 3:22 lists Hattush in Zerubbabel's lineage, maintaining messianic hope. Though no longer reigning kings, David's descendants preserved covenant promises pointing toward ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The priestly and royal lines traveling together anticipate Zechariah 6:12-13's prophecy: Messiah who combines both offices. This verse demonstrates God's sovereignty preserving specific families through Babylonian captivity to continue redemptive history.