Ezra 2

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).

 A Persian title, perhaps similar in meaning to “excellency.” The governor alluded to here is probably Sheshbazzar or Zerubbabel.Urim and Thummim Two small objects used to signify the will of God, much like the casting of lots. 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. Josephus contends that the answer was given by a miraculous shining of the jewels on the high priest’s garments. At least one of these families—the sons of Hakkoz—had their claim upheld; Meremoth, the son of Uriah, is identified as a priest in 8:33 and as the grandson of Hakkoz in Neh 3:4.

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

forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty This number does not correspond with the sum of the various groups mentioned in the chapter (i.e., 29,818). It is possible that women and children were not included in the initial numbers but were included in the final tally. It is also likely that not all families are listed in the individual tabulations.

 male and female servants The servants were likely regarded as property rather than as part of the congregation itself. The majority of these servants were probably foreigners. The servants composed about 1/7 of the total number of returnees, suggesting the Jews had prospered in Babylon.

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 (3:1–6).

darics Either a Greek loanword meaning “drachmas” (nab, nasb, net, niv) or a Persian loanword referring to a coin of the same name (asv, nrsv).

minas A common silver Babylonian coin equal to 1/60 of a talent, or 60 shekels.