Ezra 2:6

The children of Pahath-Moab, of the children of Ieshua and Ioab, two thousand, eight hundred and twelue. Ezra 2:6 (KJV)

The book of Ezra, situated in the Old Testament, records the Israelites’ return from exile in Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. In this chapter Ezra provides a detailed census of the families who came back to re‑establish the community. Verse 2:6 specifically lists the children of Pahath‑moab, identifying them as part of the larger returning population. The phrase “of the children of Jeshua and Joab” indicates that Jeshua and Joab were heads of families within the Pahath‑moab clan. The count given—two thousand eight hundred and twelve—represents the total number of individuals from this clan who arrived in Jerusalem. This precise accounting demonstrates the meticulous record‑keeping practiced by the returning community, reflecting a concern for accuracy in documenting each family and its members.

Pahath‑moab is described as a family or clan among the Israelites; while the text does not elaborate on its ethnic origins, the name may suggest a historical association with Moab. The inclusion of this group, together with the names of its leaders, underscores the diversity of families contributing to the restoration effort. By preserving such details, the verse serves as a historical record of the individuals who formed the core of the post‑exilic community and highlights the role of various families and leaders in rebuilding Jerusalem and restoring worship in the newly constructed temple. A deeper study of the historical and cultural background, as well as the broader narrative of Ezra, can further illuminate the significance of this census and its place within the overall biblical story.