Ezra 2:43-58

(43-58) The Nethinims. — By the etymology those given: known by this name only in the later books. (See 1 Chronicles 9:2.) They were hieroduli, or temple-bondsmen: the lowest order of the ministry, performing the more laborious duties of the sanctuary. Their history runs through a long period. Moses apportioned them first, from the Midianite captives (Numbers 31:47); they were reinforced from the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:23), and probably later by David (Ezra 8:20). Three names — Akkub, Hagab, and Asnah — have dropped from Neheniiah’s list, which gives also some unimportant changes in the spelling of the names.