Ezra 2:42The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty-nine.
The setting
Jerusalem, 538 BC. Temple gatekeepers' families are counted among the returnees. These were the security guards, the ones who opened and closed doors, checked credentials...
The emotion here: grateful for faithful servants who guard sacred things
The original word
sho'arim (שֹׁעֲרִים) — gatekeepers, guardians of sacred thresholds
Why it matters
Gatekeepers were Levites with hereditary positions - their job was to protect the holiness of God's house
Read with care
What most readers miss in Ezra 2:42
139 people willing to do security work shows their commitment to protecting what's sacred
Common misconceptionPeople assume gatekeepers were just security guards, but they were actually priests responsible for protecting the holiness of worship - like spiritual bouncers.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Ezra 2:42
Bible Genome reading
Ezra 2:42 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Ezra 2:42 comes from the book of Ezra, written during the Post-Exile period. These words are attributed to Narrator. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is reflective. It belongs to the genealogy genre of biblical literature. Key themes include restoration, temple service. Notable phrases: the children of the porters.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Ezra 2:42 mean to you, today?
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