NOTES for Ezr 2:1-70

Before us is a detailed list of the names of ancient Jews who returned after exile to the land of their ancestors, one of those biblical lists that may seem dull and unnecessary. Yet it is worth listening to the sound of the names, and we can hear their solemn ring. We hear the names of those born in captivity—not even the names of those who were carried away, but of their descendants, who had never known freedom. But now they are going as free people, going to their home, which at last they are finding again. The list names various groups of settlers who continue the customs and way of life of their ancestors, and among them we see descendants of priests. They are all going toward the temple, which has not yet been rebuilt, but the journey has already begun. And that means the former things will be restored.

But we should not expect everything to be repeated exactly. Those who could find no documentary proof will not be able to become priests again. This is something greater than a private circumstance that affected a few people. It is a sign that everything that existed before cannot be restored; much will now be different.