Ami is a figure whose name is recorded in the book of Ezra, belonging to a group of individuals who played an essential, though often overlooked, role in the restoration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. His brief mention identifies him as one of the “children of Solomon’s servants,” a lineage dedicated to supporting the worship and physical maintenance of the Temple.
📜 Listed Among the Returnees
The name Ami appears in a genealogical list that documents the vast multitude of people who returned from captivity with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, the spiritual and political leaders of the returning exiles. This list records not only the priests, Levites, and lay Israelites but also specific categories of people dedicated to Temple service.
The specific mention of Ami is found here:
“The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda, The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.” (Ezra 2:57, KJV)
It is important to note that in the parallel passage in Nehemiah, the name is given as Ammon (Nehemiah 7:59, KJV). However, in the record of Ezra, which is often considered the primary list, he is recorded as Ami.
🏛️ The Role of Solomon’s Servants
The “children of Solomon’s servants” were descendants of individuals who, centuries earlier, had been appointed to specific roles of service by King Solomon himself (1 Kings 9:20-21). They were distinct from the Temple servants known as the Nethinims, but their function was similar: performing the arduous and necessary labor to support the Temple priesthood.
These roles would have included tasks such as:
- Supplying wood and water for the sacrifices.
- Cleaning and maintaining the extensive Temple grounds.
- Assisting the priests and Levites in their duties.
The willingness of Ami’s family line to return to Jerusalem and resume this non-priestly, labor-intensive work demonstrated a deep spiritual commitment to the restoration of the worship of Jehovah, even if it meant a life of humble service.
🙏 The Value of Faithful Service
While Ami himself remains a shadowy figure, his presence in the census highlights a crucial biblical principle: Every role is valuable in the service of the Lord. The building of the Temple and the re-establishment of the commonwealth required the dedication of both great leaders like Zerubbabel and the faithful, behind-the-scenes service of people like Ami.
The inclusion of Ami in the official record sanctifies his role, demonstrating that the Lord remembers and honors all those who dedicate themselves to His house and His purposes.