About Ezra

Ezra records the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple, followed by Ezra's ministry of spiritual restoration.

Author: EzraWritten: c. 450-400 BCReading time: ~5 minVerses: 36
RestorationTemple RebuildingLawPurityPrayerConfession

King James Version

Ezra 8

36 verses with commentary

The List of Those Returning with Ezra

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.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> The Hebrew <em>rashei avotam</em> (רָאשֵׁי אֲבוֹתָם, 'heads of their fathers') identifies family patriarchs leading the second return—Ezra's delegation departing nearly 80 years after Zerubbabel's first wave (538 BC). The phrase <stron...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

**VIII.** (1-14) A list of the chief names, given by families, of those who accompanied Ezra. (1) **This is the genealogy.**—The names of the heads of houses is followed generally by that of the wider families they belonged to. With this list is to be compared the register of those who went up with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2 *seq.*)*.*

Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.</strong> This verse begins the genealogical registry with Israel's most prestigious lineages. <em>Pinechas</em> (פִּינְחָס, Phinehas) and <em>Itamar</em> (אִיתָמָר) were Aaron's sons—Phinehas's zealous faithfulness (Numbers 25:10-13) earned his family a perpetual priesthood, while Ithamar's lin...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2, 3) According to 1Chronicles 3:22, Huttush was a descendant of David, and grandson of Shechaniab. The difficulty of the text therefore may probably be best solved by punctuating thus: “Of the sons of David. Hattush of the sons of Shechaniab. Of the sons of Pharosh, Zechariah.”

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.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>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.</strong> This verse begins Ezra's detailed census of families returning from Babylon. The phrase <em>yithyachas</em> (יִתְיַחֵשׂ, 'reckoned by genealogy') emphasizes the crucial importance of documented lineage. Genealogical records weren't mere bureaucra...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 29 2Ch 29:1, 2. Hezekiah's Good Reign. **1. Hezekiah began to reign, &amp;c.--**(see on 2Ki 18:1). His mother's name, which, in 2Ki 18:2, appears in an abridged form, is here given in full. 2Ch 29:3-11. He Restores Religion.

Of the sons of Pahathmoab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males.

View commentary

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of the sons of Pahath-moab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males.</strong> Pahath-moab, meaning 'governor of Moab,' was a prominent family (2,812 returned with Zerubbabel per Ezra 2:6). Elihoenai means 'to Yahweh are my eyes,' expressing dependence on God's guidance. Zerahiah means 'Yahweh has risen/shone,' commemorating divine deliverance. These theophoric names (...
Read full commentary →

Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred males.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred males.</strong> This Shechaniah clan (distinct from verse 3's Shechaniah of Pharosh) brought the largest contingent—three hundred males. Jahaziel means 'God sees' or 'God perceives,' a name expressing confidence in divine omniscience and care. The omission of a specific leader's name (unlike other verses) is textual...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **The son of Janaziel.**—Obviously a name is omitted. The LXX. have, “of the sons of Zattu, Shechaniah,” before Jahaziel.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. in the first year of his reign, in the first month--**not the first month after his accession to the throne, but in Nisan, the first month of the sacred year, the season appointed for the celebration of the passover. **he opened the doors of the house of the Lord--**which had been closed up by his father (2Ch 28:24). **and repaired them--**or embellished them (compare 2Ki 18:16).

Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males.</strong> The Adin family contributed fifty males—modest compared to Shechaniah's three hundred but still significant commitment. Ebed means 'servant' or 'slave,' a name expressing humility and dedication to God. Jonathan means 'Yahweh has given,' acknowledging children as divine gift. The conjunction 'also' (<em>...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4-5. the east street--**the court of the priests, which fronted the eastern gate of the temple. Assembling the priests and Levites there, he enjoined them to set about the immediate purification of the temple. It does not appear that the order referred to the removal of idols, for objects of idolatrous homage could scarcely have been put there, seeing the doors had been shut up [2Ch 29:3]; but i...
Read full commentary →

And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males.</strong> The Elam family contributed seventy males. Jeshaiah means 'Yahweh is salvation,' a name particularly apt for exile context—only God could deliver from Babylon and restore Jerusalem. Athaliah, despite being predominantly a feminine name (notably the wicked queen in 2 Kings 11), was occasionally used ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4-5. the east street--**the court of the priests, which fronted the eastern gate of the temple. Assembling the priests and Levites there, he enjoined them to set about the immediate purification of the temple. It does not appear that the order referred to the removal of idols, for objects of idolatrous homage could scarcely have been put there, seeing the doors had been shut up [2Ch 29:3]; but i...
Read full commentary →

And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males.</strong> Shephatiah brought eighty males ('fourscore' in older English). Zebadiah means 'Yahweh has bestowed' or 'gift of Yahweh,' expressing gratitude for God's provision. Michael means 'who is like God?'—a rhetorical question affirming divine incomparability. The name appears throughout Scripture (D...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-7. our fathers have trespassed--**Ahaz and the generation contemporary with him were specially meant, for they "turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord," and whether or not they turned east to the rising sun, they abandoned the worship of God. They "shut up the doors of the porch," so that the sacred ritual was entirely discontinued.

Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males.</strong> The Joab family brought 218 males—specific number suggesting careful record-keeping. Obadiah means 'servant of Yahweh' or 'worshiper of Yahweh,' combining <em>ebed</em> (servant) with <em>Yah</em> (abbreviated divine name). This name confesses both submission (servant) and devotion (worshi...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6-7. our fathers have trespassed--**Ahaz and the generation contemporary with him were specially meant, for they "turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord," and whether or not they turned east to the rising sun, they abandoned the worship of God. They "shut up the doors of the porch," so that the sacred ritual was entirely discontinued.

And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males.</strong> The Shelomith family contributed 160 males ('an hundred and threescore'). Shelomith likely derives from <em>shalom</em> (peace, wholeness, welfare), suggesting the name means 'peaceful' or 'my peace.' Josiphiah means 'Yahweh will add/increase,' expressing hope that God would multiply ...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) Here also a name is wanting. The LXX. have, “of the sons of Bani, Shelomith, the son of Josiphiah.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-9. Wherefore the wrath of the Lord was upon Judah and Jerusalem--**This pious king had the discernment to ascribe all the national calamities that had befallen the kingdom to the true cause, namely, apostasy from God. The country had been laid waste by successive wars of invasion, and its resources drained. Many families mourned members of their household still suffering the miseries of foreig...
Read full commentary →

And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males.</strong> The Bebai family contributed the smallest contingent—just twenty-eight males (likely 70-80 people total). Yet Scripture records them with equal dignity as families bringing hundreds. Zechariah means 'Yahweh remembers,' a profound confession that God doesn't forget His covenant despite exile'...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-9. Wherefore the wrath of the Lord was upon Judah and Jerusalem--**This pious king had the discernment to ascribe all the national calamities that had befallen the kingdom to the true cause, namely, apostasy from God. The country had been laid waste by successive wars of invasion, and its resources drained. Many families mourned members of their household still suffering the miseries of foreig...
Read full commentary →

And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males. the son: or, the youngest son

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males.</strong> This verse concludes the family census before transitioning to Levites (v. 15ff). Azgad contributed 110 males, a solid mid-sized group. Johanan means 'Yahweh is gracious,' confessing God's unmerited favor. Hakkatan means 'the small one' or 'the young one,' suggesting either physical statu...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10-11. Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God--**Convinced of the sin and bitter fruits of idolatry, Hezekiah intended to reverse the policy of his father, and to restore, in all its ancient purity and glory, the worship of the true God. His commencement of this resolution at the beginning of his reign attests his sincere piety. It also proves the strength of his conviction...
Read full commentary →

And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.</strong> The phrase 'last sons' (<em>benê 'aḥărônîm</em>, בְּנֵי אַחֲרֹנִים) indicates these were the final members of Adonikam's clan to return, following earlier family members who returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:13). The careful naming—Eliphelet ('God is deliverance'...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(13) **And of the last sons.**—The younger branches, the elder being reported in Ezra 2:13.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**10-11. Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God--**Convinced of the sin and bitter fruits of idolatry, Hezekiah intended to reverse the policy of his father, and to restore, in all its ancient purity and glory, the worship of the true God. His commencement of this resolution at the beginning of his reign attests his sincere piety. It also proves the strength of his conviction...
Read full commentary →

Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud , and with them seventy males. Zabbud: or, Zaccur, as some read

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.</strong> This genealogical notation within Ezra's returnee list embodies profound theological significance beyond mere record-keeping. The Hebrew attention to names, lineages, and numbers reflects covenant identity and God's faithfulness to preserve His people through exile. Each name represents a family choosing t...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-19. Then the Levites arose--**Fourteen chiefs undertook the duty of collecting and preparing their brethren for the important work of cleansing the Lord's house. Beginning with the outer courts--that of the priests and that of the people--the cleansing of these occupied eight days, after which they set themselves to purify the interior; but as the Levites were not allowed to enter within the ...
Read full commentary →

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. abode: or, pitched

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava</strong>—the נָהָר אַהֲוָא (<em>nahar Ahava</em>, Ahava river/canal) was likely an irrigation canal near Babylon, though its exact location is unknown. This gathering point served as a mustering site where Ezra could review his caravan before the dangerous 900-mile journey to Jerusalem. <strong>And there abode we in tents thre...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15-31) The journey through Ahava to Jerusalem. (15) **Ahava.**—Both river and town. Nine days’ journey brought them thither; and there is a place now called Hit, about eighty miles from Babylon, which has been identified with it. **None of the sons of Levi.**—Only seventy-four had returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:40); and hero we have evidence that the disinclination continued. The importance of ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-19. Then the Levites arose--**Fourteen chiefs undertook the duty of collecting and preparing their brethren for the important work of cleansing the Lord's house. Beginning with the outer courts--that of the priests and that of the people--the cleansing of these occupied eight days, after which they set themselves to purify the interior; but as the Levites were not allowed to enter within the ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan...</strong>—Ezra dispatches a delegation of eleven men, carefully listed by name. The שָׁלַח (<em>shalach</em>, sent) indicates formal commission. The names reveal theological significance: אֱלִיעֶזֶר (<em>Eliezer</em>, 'God is my help'), אֲרִיאֵל (<em>Ariel</em>, 'lion of God'), שְׁמַעְיָה (<em>Shemaiah</em>, 'Yahweh has h...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **Men of understanding.**—Teachers, and perhaps priests. These were joined with nine chief men as a deputation to Iddo.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-19. Then the Levites arose--**Fourteen chiefs undertook the duty of collecting and preparing their brethren for the important work of cleansing the Lord's house. Beginning with the outer courts--that of the priests and that of the people--the cleansing of these occupied eight days, after which they set themselves to purify the interior; but as the Levites were not allowed to enter within the ...
Read full commentary →

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. I told: Heb. I put words in their mouth

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia</strong>—צִוָּה (<em>tsivvah</em>, commanded) indicates Ezra's apostolic authority, not mere request. אִדּוֹ (<em>Iddo</em>, 'timely' or 'His witness') is הָרֹאשׁ (<em>harosh</em>, the chief/leader), suggesting he headed a significant Levitical settlement at כָּסִפְיָא (<em>Casiphia</em>, 'silvery' or 'silver place'...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **The place Casiphia.**—Evidently near Ahavah, and a colony of Jews presided over by Iddo, one of the humble race of the Nethinims, but at present chief under the Persians. Ezra was aware of their existence in these parts. **Ministers.**—A term obviously including Levites and Nethinims.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-19. Then the Levites arose--**Fourteen chiefs undertook the duty of collecting and preparing their brethren for the important work of cleansing the Lord's house. Beginning with the outer courts--that of the priests and that of the people--the cleansing of these occupied eight days, after which they set themselves to purify the interior; but as the Levites were not allowed to enter within the ...
Read full commentary →

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 ;

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And by the good hand of our God upon us</strong>—יַד־אֱלֹהֵינוּ הַטּוֹבָה עָלֵינוּ (<em>yad-Eloheinu hatovah aleinu</em>, the good hand of our God upon us) is Ezra's repeated theological refrain (7:6, 7:9, 7:28, 8:18, 8:22, 8:31), attributing all success to divine providence rather than human effort. The 'hand' metaphor depicts God's active intervention and protection. This acknowledgment ...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(18) **A man of understanding.**—Probably a proper name, *Ishsekel.* This is required by the “and” before “Sherebiah,” who was a Levite, referred to by Nehemiah (Ezra 8:7).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-19. Then the Levites arose--**Fourteen chiefs undertook the duty of collecting and preparing their brethren for the important work of cleansing the Lord's house. Beginning with the outer courts--that of the priests and that of the people--the cleansing of these occupied eight days, after which they set themselves to purify the interior; but as the Levites were not allowed to enter within the ...
Read full commentary →

And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty;

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari</strong>—חֲשַׁבְיָה (<em>Chashabyah</em>, 'Yahweh has considered/esteemed') and יְשַׁעְיָה (<em>Yesha'yah</em>, 'Yahweh is salvation') are both Merarite Levites (בְּנֵי מְרָרִי, <em>benei Merari</em>). The Merarites handled the tabernacle's structural framework—frames, bars, pillars, bases (Numbers 3:36-37, 4:29-33)—heavy labor req...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-19. Then the Levites arose--**Fourteen chiefs undertook the duty of collecting and preparing their brethren for the important work of cleansing the Lord's house. Beginning with the outer courts--that of the priests and that of the people--the cleansing of these occupied eight days, after which they set themselves to purify the interior; but as the Levites were not allowed to enter within the ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites</strong>—the נְתִינִים (<em>Netinim</em>, 'given ones/dedicated ones') originated when דָּוִיד (<em>David</em>) and הַשָּׂרִים (<em>hasarim</em>, the princes) formalized temple support roles, possibly incorporating Gibeonite woodcutters and water-carriers (Joshua 9:27) plus war captives into perm...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **The Nethinims**—It is here alone recorded that David appointed these to aid the Levites. **All of them were expressed by name.**—Not, as some think, that they were all famous, but that Iddo sent their names in a list not given. The relief of their coming is gratefully ascribed to the “good hand of our God upon us.”

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-19. Then the Levites arose--**Fourteen chiefs undertook the duty of collecting and preparing their brethren for the important work of cleansing the Lord's house. Beginning with the outer courts--that of the priests and that of the people--the cleansing of these occupied eight days, after which they set themselves to purify the interior; but as the Levites were not allowed to enter within the ...
Read full commentary →

Ezra's Journey to Jerusalem

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.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava</strong>—קָרָא צוֹם (<em>qara tzom</em>, proclaimed a fast) was a formal召集 of communal humiliation before God. The צוֹם (fast) involved abstaining from food and water to focus entirely on prayer, typically during crisis (Judges 20:26, 1 Samuel 7:6, Joel 2:12-13). <strong>That we might afflict ourselves before our God</strong>—לְהִתְעַנּ...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **To seek of him a right way for us.**—The wilderness was now before them, and an enemy, indefinitely referred to, was in the way: probably desert tribes, always lying in wait for unprotected caravans. **Our little ones.**—An intimation that whole households went up. **Our substance.**—Chiefly the treasures for the Temple, though the term signifies cattle and other goods, with an undertone of...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-19. Then the Levites arose--**Fourteen chiefs undertook the duty of collecting and preparing their brethren for the important work of cleansing the Lord's house. Beginning with the outer courts--that of the priests and that of the people--the cleansing of these occupied eight days, after which they set themselves to purify the interior; but as the Levites were not allowed to enter within the ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy</strong>—בּוֹשְׁתִּי (<em>boshti</em>, I was ashamed) reveals Ezra's ethical dilemma. Requesting חַיִל וּפָרָשִׁים (<em>chayil u'farashim</em>, force and horsemen—military escort) would have been diplomatically appropriate and prudent, but Ezra felt it would contradict his testimony. The ב...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **Because we had spoken unto the king.**—The whole verse goes back to the past. Ezra had magnified God’s providence before the king: His “hand” upon his own “for good”—the habitual tribute to Providence in this book and Nehemiah—and His power “against” His enemies “for evil” not being expressed. This sublime testimony made the “seeking” God a condition of safety. Hence the solemn fasting and ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-30. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city--**His anxiety to enter upon the expiatory service with all possible despatch, now that the temple had been properly prepared for it, prevented his summoning all the representatives of Israel. The requisite number of victims having been provided, and the officers of the temple having sanctified themselves according to ...
Read full commentary →

So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us</strong>—וַנָּצוּמָה וַנְּבַקְשָׁה (<em>vanatzumah vanvaqeshah</em>, so we fasted and we sought) are consecutive imperfects indicating completed actions: they did fast, they did seek. The מֵאֱלֹהֵינוּ (<em>me-Eloheinu</em>, from our God) shows covenant appeal—they approached as His people with legitimate claim on His co...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-30. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city--**His anxiety to enter upon the expiatory service with all possible despatch, now that the temple had been properly prepared for it, prevented his summoning all the representatives of Israel. The requisite number of victims having been provided, and the officers of the temple having sanctified themselves according to ...
Read full commentary →

Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests</strong>—וָאַבְדִּילָה (<em>va'avdilah</em>, then I separated/set apart) uses the verb בָּדַל (<em>badal</em>) meaning to divide, distinguish, select for special purpose—the same term for God separating light from darkness (Genesis 1:4) and Israel from the nations (Leviticus 20:26). The שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר (<em>sheneim asar</em>, twelve) inten...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **Sherebiah.**—Rather, *to Sherebiah—*that is, these two Levites, alone mentioned, with ten others, were associated with an equal number of priests in the charge of the Temple treasure.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-30. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city--**His anxiety to enter upon the expiatory service with all possible despatch, now that the temple had been properly prepared for it, prevented his summoning all the representatives of Israel. The requisite number of victims having been provided, and the officers of the temple having sanctified themselves according to ...
Read full commentary →

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:

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels</strong>—וָאֶשְׁקְלָה (<em>va'eshqelah</em>, and I weighed) indicates precise measurement. The שָׁקַל (<em>shaqal</em>, to weigh) was standard commercial practice ensuring accountability—exact weights recorded at transfer prevented later disputes about missing items. The כֶּסֶף וְהַזָּהָב וְהַכֵּלִים (<em>kessef v'hazahav v'ha...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **And weighed.**—The gold and silver were in bars. According to the best computation, the silver would amount to a quarter of a million of our money, and the gold to about three-quarters of a million.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-30. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city--**His anxiety to enter upon the expiatory service with all possible despatch, now that the temple had been properly prepared for it, prevented his summoning all the representatives of Israel. The requisite number of victims having been provided, and the officers of the temple having sanctified themselves according to ...
Read full commentary →

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;

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver</strong>—the כִּכָּרִים (<em>kikkarim</em>, talents) were weight units of approximately 75 pounds (34 kg). Thus 650 talents equals 48,750 pounds or roughly 24 tons of silver—an immense fortune. The precise enumeration continues the accountability theme from v. 25. <strong>And silver vessels an hundred talents</strong>—כ...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-30. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city--**His anxiety to enter upon the expiatory service with all possible despatch, now that the temple had been properly prepared for it, prevented his summoning all the representatives of Israel. The requisite number of victims having been provided, and the officers of the temple having sanctified themselves according to ...
Read full commentary →

Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold. fine: Heb. yellow, or, shining brass precious: Heb. desirable

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams</strong>—אַגַּרְטָלִין (<em>agartalin</em>, bowls/basins) were liturgical vessels for temple service, likely for sprinkling blood or holding incense. The אַדַרְכֹנִים (<em>adarkonim</em>, darics/drams) were Persian gold coins weighing about 8.4 grams, named after Darius I. Thus 1,000 darics equal approximately 18.5 pounds (8.4 kg) of gold. Th...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **A thousand drams.**—*Darics,* and therefore the whole worth rather more than a thousand guineas. **Fine copper.**—Probably the Roman Orichalcum, a metal very highly valued.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-30. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city--**His anxiety to enter upon the expiatory service with all possible despatch, now that the temple had been properly prepared for it, prevented his summoning all the representatives of Israel. The requisite number of victims having been provided, and the officers of the temple having sanctified themselves according to ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD</strong>—אַתֶּם קֹדֶשׁ לַיהוָה (<em>atem qodesh l'YHWH</em>, you are holy to the LORD) consecrates the treasure-bearers themselves, not just the treasure. The קֹדֶשׁ (<em>qodesh</em>, holiness) means 'set apart for sacred purpose'—the priests and Levites aren't merely guards but sanctified servants entrusted with holy responsibility. This ele...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the Lord.**—A unique verse in every respect. The treasures were consecrated, and they were committed to consecrated hands: a good account was to be given of them to the treasurers of the Temple.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-30. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city--**His anxiety to enter upon the expiatory service with all possible despatch, now that the temple had been properly prepared for it, prevented his summoning all the representatives of Israel. The requisite number of victims having been provided, and the officers of the temple having sanctified themselves according to ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Watch ye, and keep them</strong>—שִׁקְדוּ וְשִׁמְרוּ (<em>shiqdu v'shimru</em>, watch and guard/keep) are urgent imperatives. The שָׁקַד (<em>shaqad</em>, be wakeful, watch) implies vigilant alertness—etymologically related to 'almond tree' which blossoms early, thus 'early watcher.' The שָׁמַר (<em>shamar</em>, keep/guard) appears throughout Scripture for covenant-keeping (Deuteronomy 6:1...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-30. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city--**His anxiety to enter upon the expiatory service with all possible despatch, now that the temple had been properly prepared for it, prevented his summoning all the representatives of Israel. The requisite number of victims having been provided, and the officers of the temple having sanctified themselves according to ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels</strong>—וְקִבְּלוּ (<em>v'qibbelu</em>, and they received/took) the מִשְׁקַל (<em>mishqal</em>, weight/measured amount) indicates formal transfer of custody. The הַכֹּהֲנִים וְהַלְוִיִּם (<em>hakohanim v'haLeviyyim</em>, the priests and the Levites) assume corporate responsibility—this isn't indivi...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-30. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city--**His anxiety to enter upon the expiatory service with all possible despatch, now that the temple had been properly prepared for it, prevented his summoning all the representatives of Israel. The requisite number of victims having been provided, and the officers of the temple having sanctified themselves according to ...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem</strong>—וַנִּסְעָה (<em>vannisah</em>, then we departed/journeyed) on בִּשְׁנֵים עָשָׂר לַחֹדֶשׁ הָרִאשׁוֹן (<em>bishneneim asar lachodesh harishon</em>, the twelfth of the first month) precisely dates the departure. The first month (Nisan/Abib) was Israel's sacred calendar beginning (Exod...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **The hand of our God was upon us.**—This sums up the history of the journey.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-30. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city--**His anxiety to enter upon the expiatory service with all possible despatch, now that the temple had been properly prepared for it, prevented his summoning all the representatives of Israel. The requisite number of victims having been provided, and the officers of the temple having sanctified themselves according to ...
Read full commentary →

And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days</strong>—וַנָּבוֹא יְרוּשָׁלִָם (<em>vannavo yerushalaim</em>, and we came to Jerusalem) marks the journey's successful completion. Departing on the first month, twelfth day (v. 31) and arriving on the fifth month, first day (Ezra 7:9) makes the journey exactly 110 days—nearly four months traversing 900 miles. The וַנֵּשֶׁב־שָׁם שְׁלֹשֶׁ...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32-36) The arrival in Jerusalem, and first proceedings there. (32) **Three days.**—Devoted, as in the similar case of Nehemiah, to rest and more private devotion.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-30. Then Hezekiah the king rose early, and gathered the rulers of the city--**His anxiety to enter upon the expiatory service with all possible despatch, now that the temple had been properly prepared for it, prevented his summoning all the representatives of Israel. The requisite number of victims having been provided, and the officers of the temple having sanctified themselves according to ...
Read full commentary →

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;

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God</strong>—the בַּיּוֹם הָרְבִיעִי (<em>bayyom harevi'i</em>, on the fourth day) references the three-day rest period (v. 32). The וַיִּשָּׁקֵל (<em>vayyishshaqel</em>, was weighed) fulfills Ezra's command in v. 29 for public accounting before Jerusalem leadership. The בְּבֵית אֱלֹהֵינוּ (<em>b'...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33) **Meremoth the son of Uriah** **. . .**—These names of priests and Levites, who had officially received the treasures, occur again in Nehemiah.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**31. Hezekiah ... said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the Lord, come near--**This address was made to the priests as being now, by the sacrifice of the expiation offerings, anew consecrated to the service of God and qualified to resume the functions of their sacred office (Ex 28:41; 29:32). **the congregation brought in--**that is, the body of civic rulers present.

By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time.

View commentary (2 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time</strong>—בְּמִסְפָּר בְּמִשְׁקָל לַכֹּל (<em>b'mispar b'mishqal lakkol</em>, by number, by weight, for all) emphasizes exhaustive accounting. Every piece was both counted (מִסְפָּר, number) and weighed (מִשְׁקָל, weight)—double verification preventing discrepancy. The לַכֹּל (for all) indicates nothing was om...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(34) **By number** **and by weight.**—The number of the vessels and the weight of the ingots were recorded and laid up for security.

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.

View commentary

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity</strong>—בְּנֵי־הַגּוֹלָה הַבָּאִים מֵהַשְּׁבִי (<em>benei-hagolah habbaim mehasshevi</em>, sons of the exile, those coming from the captivity). The גּוֹלָה (exile/deportation) and שְׁבִי (captivity) are parallel terms for Babylonian exile. Calling them בְּנֵי (sons/children) emphasizes generational...
Read full commentary →

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.

View commentary (3 sources)

KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river</strong>—וַיִּתְּנוּ אֶת־דָּתֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ (<em>vayyittenu et-datei hamelekh</em>, and they gave the king's decrees) refers to Artaxerxes' official authorization (7:11-26) granting Ezra legal authority, tax exemption for temple personnel, and right to appoint magistrates. The d...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(36) **And they delivered the king’s commissions.**—First came sacrifices of burnt offering to God (Ezra 8:35); then, having rendered to God the things which were God’s, they render to Cæsar the things of Cæsar. They delivered the king’s commission, or firman, to the lieutenants or satraps in military authority, and to the governors, or pechahs, or pashas, in civil authority under them. The firman...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**34-36. the priests were too few, ... wherefore their brethren the Levites did help them--**The skins of beasts intended as peace offerings might be taken off by the officers, because, in such cases, the carcass was not wholly laid upon the altar; but animals meant for burnt offerings which were wholly consumed by fire could be flayed by the priests alone, not even the Levites being allowed to to...
Read full commentary →

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study