These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king.
Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.
Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.
Of the sons of Pahath–moab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males.
Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred males.
Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males.
And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males.
And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males.
Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males.
And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males.
And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males.
And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males.
And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.
Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.
And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.
Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.
And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God.
And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;
And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty;
Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.
So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,
And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered:
I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents;
Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold.
And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the Lord; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the Lord God of your fathers.
Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the Lord.
So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem unto the house of our God.
Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.
And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.
Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;
By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time.
Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the Lord.
And they delivered the king’s commissions unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.
Ezra 8 recounts a pivotal moment in the history of Israel's restoration – the return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem under Ezra's leadership. This chapter is not just a historical record; it's a powerful illustration of faith, dependence on God, and the meticulous care He provides for those who seek Him. This chapter of Ezra, like the rest of the book, resonates with timeless lessons for believers today.
The List of Returnees (Ezra 8:1-14)
The chapter begins with a detailed list of those who chose to return to Jerusalem with Ezra (Ezra 8:1). This list, organized by family heads, highlights the lineage of those who were willing to leave their comfortable lives in exile and embrace the challenges of rebuilding their homeland. Prominently featured are priestly families and descendants of David, underscoring the importance of both spiritual leadership and the continuation of the Davidic line in the restored community. Compared to the earlier return led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Ezra 2:1-67), this was a smaller group, perhaps indicating a more specific commitment and calling among those who chose to return with Ezra.
Addressing the Lack of Levites (Ezra 8:15-20)
As the group prepared for the arduous 900-mile journey, Ezra discovered a significant problem: a lack of Levites among the returnees (Ezra 8:15). This was a serious concern because the Levites were essential for the proper functioning of the temple and for teaching the Law of Moses to the people. Recognizing the critical need for spiritual guidance and temple service in the resettlement, Ezra acted decisively. He commissioned eleven men to approach Iddo, a leader in Casiphia, a location that remains unidentified today, with a specific request: to send ministers for the house of God (Ezra 8:17). God’s gracious hand was evident in the positive response. Levites and a considerable number of temple servants were persuaded to join the journey (Ezra 8:18-20). This demonstrates Ezra's proactive leadership and his reliance on God to provide for the needs of His people.
A Journey Undertaken in Faith (Ezra 8:21-23)
The journey itself presented a formidable challenge. Aware of the dangers that lay ahead, Ezra faced a dilemma. He had previously assured the king of God's protection over His people, and he felt ashamed to ask for a royal escort (Ezra 8:22). Instead, Ezra called the people to fast and pray, demonstrating their humility and dependence on God (Ezra 8:21, 23). This act of communal fasting and prayer is a powerful example of seeking God's intervention in times of need.
Fasting, then and now, is a way of expressing our utter dependence on God. It communicates a willingness to forgo even basic necessities, acknowledging that our need for Him surpasses all else. When we desire a deeper experience of God or seek His guidance in significant matters, fasting serves as a tangible expression of our reliance on Him. While fasting doesn't manipulate God, it demonstrates our sincerity in aligning our lives with His will.
Protecting the Offerings (Ezra 8:24-30)
Before embarking on their journey, Ezra took another crucial step: entrusting the offerings they carried to a select group of trustworthy priests and Levites (Ezra 8:24-29). These individuals were responsible for safeguarding the silver and gold articles and ensuring their safe delivery to the temple. This wise decision not only protected the precious offerings but also ensured transparency and accountability in handling sacred items. By delegating this responsibility to those who would ultimately oversee the temple's affairs, Ezra demonstrated his commitment to integrity and proper stewardship. Leaders must be above reproach and empower others to fulfill their God-given roles.
Divine Protection on the Road (Ezra 8:31-34)
Ezra succinctly summarized the journey back to Jerusalem: "We were strengthened by our God, and he kept us from the grasp of the enemy and from ambush along the way" (Ezra 8:31). This verse is a testament to God's faithfulness in answering the people's prayers and protecting them from harm. God's divine deliverance was a direct response to their humble fasting and prayer (Ezra 8:21-23).
Arrival and Gratitude (Ezra 8:35-36)
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the group rested for three days (Ezra 8:32) before offering numerous sacrifices of praise and worship to God. Ezra also presented a copy of the king's decree to the regional leaders, ensuring their support for the people and the house of God (Ezra 8:36). This act of gratitude and obedience marked the successful completion of their journey and the beginning of a new chapter in the restoration of Jerusalem.
Ezra 8 is a powerful reminder that God honors those who seek Him with humility and dependence. It underscores the importance of faith, prayer, and wise leadership in fulfilling God's purposes. As we reflect on Ezra's journey, may we be encouraged to trust in God's provision and protection in our own lives, knowing that He is faithful to guide and strengthen those who rely on Him.
These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king.
Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.
Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.
Of the sons of Pahath–moab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males.
Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred males.
Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males.
And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males.
And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males.
Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males.
And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males.
And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males.
And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males.
And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.
Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.
And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.
Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.
And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God.
And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;
And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty;
Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.
So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,
And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered:
I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents;
Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold.
And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the Lord; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the Lord God of your fathers.
Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the Lord.
So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem unto the house of our God.
Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.
And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.
Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;
By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time.
Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the Lord.
And they delivered the king’s commissions unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.
Ezra 8 recounts a pivotal moment in the history of Israel's restoration – the return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem under Ezra's leadership. This chapter is not just a historical record; it's a powerful illustration of faith, dependence on God, and the meticulous care He provides for those who seek Him. This chapter of Ezra, like the rest of the book, resonates with timeless lessons for believers today.
The List of Returnees (Ezra 8:1-14)
The chapter begins with a detailed list of those who chose to return to Jerusalem with Ezra (Ezra 8:1). This list, organized by family heads, highlights the lineage of those who were willing to leave their comfortable lives in exile and embrace the challenges of rebuilding their homeland. Prominently featured are priestly families and descendants of David, underscoring the importance of both spiritual leadership and the continuation of the Davidic line in the restored community. Compared to the earlier return led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Ezra 2:1-67), this was a smaller group, perhaps indicating a more specific commitment and calling among those who chose to return with Ezra.
Addressing the Lack of Levites (Ezra 8:15-20)
As the group prepared for the arduous 900-mile journey, Ezra discovered a significant problem: a lack of Levites among the returnees (Ezra 8:15). This was a serious concern because the Levites were essential for the proper functioning of the temple and for teaching the Law of Moses to the people. Recognizing the critical need for spiritual guidance and temple service in the resettlement, Ezra acted decisively. He commissioned eleven men to approach Iddo, a leader in Casiphia, a location that remains unidentified today, with a specific request: to send ministers for the house of God (Ezra 8:17). God’s gracious hand was evident in the positive response. Levites and a considerable number of temple servants were persuaded to join the journey (Ezra 8:18-20). This demonstrates Ezra's proactive leadership and his reliance on God to provide for the needs of His people.
A Journey Undertaken in Faith (Ezra 8:21-23)
The journey itself presented a formidable challenge. Aware of the dangers that lay ahead, Ezra faced a dilemma. He had previously assured the king of God's protection over His people, and he felt ashamed to ask for a royal escort (Ezra 8:22). Instead, Ezra called the people to fast and pray, demonstrating their humility and dependence on God (Ezra 8:21, 23). This act of communal fasting and prayer is a powerful example of seeking God's intervention in times of need.
Fasting, then and now, is a way of expressing our utter dependence on God. It communicates a willingness to forgo even basic necessities, acknowledging that our need for Him surpasses all else. When we desire a deeper experience of God or seek His guidance in significant matters, fasting serves as a tangible expression of our reliance on Him. While fasting doesn't manipulate God, it demonstrates our sincerity in aligning our lives with His will.
Protecting the Offerings (Ezra 8:24-30)
Before embarking on their journey, Ezra took another crucial step: entrusting the offerings they carried to a select group of trustworthy priests and Levites (Ezra 8:24-29). These individuals were responsible for safeguarding the silver and gold articles and ensuring their safe delivery to the temple. This wise decision not only protected the precious offerings but also ensured transparency and accountability in handling sacred items. By delegating this responsibility to those who would ultimately oversee the temple's affairs, Ezra demonstrated his commitment to integrity and proper stewardship. Leaders must be above reproach and empower others to fulfill their God-given roles.
Divine Protection on the Road (Ezra 8:31-34)
Ezra succinctly summarized the journey back to Jerusalem: "We were strengthened by our God, and he kept us from the grasp of the enemy and from ambush along the way" (Ezra 8:31). This verse is a testament to God's faithfulness in answering the people's prayers and protecting them from harm. God's divine deliverance was a direct response to their humble fasting and prayer (Ezra 8:21-23).
Arrival and Gratitude (Ezra 8:35-36)
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, the group rested for three days (Ezra 8:32) before offering numerous sacrifices of praise and worship to God. Ezra also presented a copy of the king's decree to the regional leaders, ensuring their support for the people and the house of God (Ezra 8:36). This act of gratitude and obedience marked the successful completion of their journey and the beginning of a new chapter in the restoration of Jerusalem.
Ezra 8 is a powerful reminder that God honors those who seek Him with humility and dependence. It underscores the importance of faith, prayer, and wise leadership in fulfilling God's purposes. As we reflect on Ezra's journey, may we be encouraged to trust in God's provision and protection in our own lives, knowing that He is faithful to guide and strengthen those who rely on Him.