2:1 the province An administrative district.

2:2 came Eleven names are recorded here. Nehemiah includes another—Nahamani (Neh 7:7).

Zerubbabel, Jeshua Leaders in Ezra 1–6. Zerubbabel and Jeshua (or Joshua) are routinely mentioned together (see 3:2, 8; 4:3; 5:2). With the exception of 3:2, Zerubbabel is always mentioned first. Zerubbabel served as the governor of Judah, while Jeshua served as the high priest. Together they represent the political and religious leadership of the nation.

Mordecai The name “Mordecai” derives from the name of the Babylonian storm god, Marduk; it means “worshiper of Marduk.” This is not the Mordecai mentioned in Esther; he was in the Persian capital of Susa some 50 years after the return from exile.

Rehum Not to be identified with the Rehum of Ezra 4:8–23, who wrote a letter of complaint to Artaxerxes. The Rehum of 4:8 is identified by the epithet “commander,” a title lacking here.

2:21 Bethlehem The well-known city named Bethlehem in Judah, not the lesser-known one in Zebulun.

2:23 Anathoth A priestly city, the birthplace of Jeremiah (Jer 1:1).

2:62 they were not found Some of the individuals who returned could not prove their ancestry. This proof would likely have consisted of a genealogy tracing one’s heritage to one of the sons of Israel; the Jews routinely kept genealogies to prove their Jewish ancestry (see 1 Chr 5:17; Neh 7:5).

2:63 governor A Persian title, perhaps similar in meaning to “excellency.” The governor alluded to here is probably Sheshbazzar or Zerubbabel.

the Urim and Thummim Two small objects used to discern the will of God. The Urim and Thummim were placed in the breastpiece of the high priest (see note on Exod 28:30; Lev 8:8). The exact use and form of the Urim and Thummim are unknown.

Old Testament Theology and Divination

2:64 The whole assembly The entire religious community that returned to the land from Babylon.

forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty The sum of the various groups mentioned in this chapter is only 29,818, which is 12,542 less than the number given in this verse. It is possible that women and children were not included in the initial numbers but were included in the final tally. It is also possible that not all families are listed in the individual tabulations.

2:65 male and female servants The servants were likely regarded as property rather than as part of the congregation. The majority of these servants were probably foreigners. The servants composed about one-seventh of the total number of returnees, suggesting the Jews had prospered in Babylon.

2:66 horses Horses and mules were primarily used as riding animals, whereas camels and donkeys served as pack animals. Other animals such as sheep and cattle were likely included in the trip. Many of these animals would be sacrificed as a burnt offering once the altar was complete (Ezra 3:1–6).