Ezra 2

Ezra 2:1

Province] Judah no Kingdome now; but made a Province by the Conquerour. See chap. V. 8. Neh. I. 3. and chap. VII. 6. and XI. 3.

Ezra 2:2-60

which came] The manifold variations for Names, and Numbers in this Register and Catalogue, and that Nehemie VII. may arise from the diversity of names given to one man. And from this, That the one was taken at their setting out from Babylon, viz. this Ezra II. The other upon their coming to Judea and Jerusalem, Neh. VII. And so some might come to Jerusalem which had not registred their names in Babylon: and some might register their names in Babylon which yet came not up to Jerusalem, either changing their mindes to stay in Babylon, or dying by the way. Or else that in Nehemie might be applied to the persons that were living and remaining in the Land of Judah in his time, or else it might be taken out of some other Register besides this in Ezra.

The numbers of them that returned with Zerubbabel in this Catalogue, Ezra II. and in that Catalogue, Neh. VII. 6—62. fall farre short of that total summe, both in Ezra and Nehemy, which is said to be fourty two thousand three hundred and sixty, besides seven thousand three hundred thirty seven more of servants and Proselites, Ezra II. 64, 65. Neh. VII. 66, 67. The number wanting seems to be supplied out of those Ezra II. 62. and out of the Relicts of the ten Tribes, that were both captivated, and returned with them of Judah, and are not numericaly set down, yet after the Returne, continued among them, and professed their Religion, even till the coming of our Saviour, and the final destruction of Jerusalem. See 2 Chron.

XI. 3, 16. and XXXI. 6. Ezra II. 70. and VI 16, 17. Matt. IV. 14. Luke II. 36. Acts II. 5. and XXVI. 7.

Of those which came up with Ezra, see chap. VIII. 1,—14.

Ezra 2:63

Tirshatha] Tirshatha signifying Governour in their tongue seemes attributed here to Zerubbabel: And is after to Nehemiah expressely, Neh. VIII. ver. 9. and chap. X. 1.

Urim] See the Observations on 1 Sam. XXIII. 9.

Ezra 2:64

the whole] Many more returned, then those upon record that were carried into captivity.

Ezra 2:65

Singing men, and singing women] Most likely such as were used, not in the Temple, but elsewhere, for mirth, as 2 Sam. XIX. 35. Eccles. II. 8. Esay XXIII. 16. Amos VI. 5. and for mourning, as 2 Chron. XXXV. 25. Jer. IX. 17, 18. Eccles. XII. 5. Amos V. 16.