Definition: The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse! It's a really significant and somewhat surprising one from the Book of Ezra. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Verse: “Ezra 2:57 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.” What's Happening? This verse describes a group of people – essentially, a whole family – who were exiled from their homes. It’s a story about a large group of people being forced to leave their land and move elsewhere. The Context (Briefly): This happened during a time when the Israelites were rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem after a period of conflict with the surrounding kingdoms. Ezra was tasked with restoring the temple – essentially, bringing it back to its former glory. What does this tell us? They Were Exiled: The most important part is that these people were exiled . This means they were forced to leave their homes and families behind. Multiple Names: The verse names them with multiple, different names – Shephatiah, Hattil, Pochereth of Zebaim, and Ami. This suggests a large group connected through lineage or shared history. It’s like a family that was separated. Why is this important? This story is often seen as a symbol of the long and difficult journey people go on when they are forced to leave their homeland. It speaks to themes of: Loss and Separation: The fact that so many people were exiled highlights the pain of loss and separation from one’s roots. Hope for Restoration: Ezra’s task was to rebuild the temple, which represents a hope for restoration and renewal – a chance to return to a place of peace and prosperity. In short, this verse tells us about a large group of people who were exiled from their homes and are now connected through shared ancestry, and it’s a story about rebuilding and moving forward. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific aspect of the story in more detail? Give you a bit more historical context?