The Children of Elam - Ezra 2:7

In the book of Ezra, Ezra shared about “the children of the province that went up out of the captivity” which included those who came with “Zerubabbel, Parosh, Shephatiah, Arah, Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab”,and in chapter two and verse seven of Ezra, Ezra shared about “the children of Elam” where we read,

The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

The verse reads, “The children of Elam ...” Ezra began with the words, “the children ” or “the offspring and progeny” “of Elam” which means “belonging to Elam whose name means eternity and was the ancestor of a family of exiles who returned with Zerubbabel and a chief of the people who signed the covenant with Nehemiah” . Ezra shared how the offspring of “Elam” were included in the list of families that were returning to Jerusalem after being exiled in Babylon for seventy years. 

The verse goes on to say, “... a thousand two hundred fifty and four.” Ezra continued with the words, “two thousand two hundred fifty and four.” or “there were one thousand two hundred and fifty four members of the offspring of Elam who returned to Jerusalem”. Ezra said the offspring of “Elam” numbered to “one thousand two hundred and fifty four” who returned to their homeland.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra about the descendants of “Elam” who returned to Jerusalem. These family members were inspired by Jehovah God to be obedient to the charge to go back to their homeland. This was not the case for all the exiled people from Israel. God gives an invitation to every person to receive His Son Jesus as their personal “Savior and Lord” who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we put our faith and trust in Him, we will be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and called to His purposes and locations within His Kingdom. Let us be among those who are obedient to God's invitation and receive Jesus today.

Next time Ezra shares about, “the children of Zattu”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".