The returning families of Solomon’s servants in these verses illustrate that God’s covenant faithfulness extends to all generations, ensuring that each name and lineage—once separated by exile—would find renewal in the land of promise.
Ezra 2:55-57 states that the sons of Solomon’s servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda (v. 55), the text highlights a particular group among those returning from exile. These families are identified as descendants of those who once served under King Solomon. Historically, King Solomon reigned from about 971 to 931 BC as the third king over Israel, renowned for his wisdom and for constructing the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. The mention of Solomon’s servants underscores their special lineage: even those tasked with assisting the royal household were given a place in God’s covenant community and found themselves returning to reestablish their heritage in the land of promise.
Continuing, the sons of Jaalah, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel (v. 56) reveals additional families with specific ancestral lines. Each name listed here represents a deep root that not only reclaims identity after the trauma of Babylonian captivity but also fulfills God’s promise to preserve a faithful remnant. By including these names, the scripture assures readers that no matter how far the people wandered—whether under the shadow of foreign kings or separated from Jerusalem’s sacred traditions—the Lord was gathering all who belonged to His people and their generational heritage to restore worship and community life.
Finally, the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth—hazzebaim, the sons of Ami (v. 57) broadens this genealogical record still further. Each family subset represents a piece in the tapestry of Israel’s renewed community. Even minor or lesser—known clans played a part in rebuilding the spiritual and social foundation of God’s people in Jerusalem. Through these very specific names, God’s intimate knowledge and care are exemplified; they help illustrate that every believer, from the greatest to the least, has a role in His unfolding plan of redemption.
Ezra 2:55-57
55 The sons of Solomon's servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda,
56 the sons of Jaalah, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
57 the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the sons of Ami.
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Ezra 2:55-57 meaning
Ezra 2:55-57 states that the sons of Solomon’s servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda (v. 55), the text highlights a particular group among those returning from exile. These families are identified as descendants of those who once served under King Solomon. Historically, King Solomon reigned from about 971 to 931 BC as the third king over Israel, renowned for his wisdom and for constructing the magnificent temple in Jerusalem. The mention of Solomon’s servants underscores their special lineage: even those tasked with assisting the royal household were given a place in God’s covenant community and found themselves returning to reestablish their heritage in the land of promise.
Continuing, the sons of Jaalah, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel (v. 56) reveals additional families with specific ancestral lines. Each name listed here represents a deep root that not only reclaims identity after the trauma of Babylonian captivity but also fulfills God’s promise to preserve a faithful remnant. By including these names, the scripture assures readers that no matter how far the people wandered—whether under the shadow of foreign kings or separated from Jerusalem’s sacred traditions—the Lord was gathering all who belonged to His people and their generational heritage to restore worship and community life.
Finally, the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth—hazzebaim, the sons of Ami (v. 57) broadens this genealogical record still further. Each family subset represents a piece in the tapestry of Israel’s renewed community. Even minor or lesser—known clans played a part in rebuilding the spiritual and social foundation of God’s people in Jerusalem. Through these very specific names, God’s intimate knowledge and care are exemplified; they help illustrate that every believer, from the greatest to the least, has a role in His unfolding plan of redemption.