King James Version
What Does Ezra 7:8 Mean?
“And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.”
Context
6
This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.
7
And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
8
And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.
9
For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. began: Heb. was the foundation of the going up
10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **In the seventh year.**—The repeated notes of time must be marked. The journey itself comes afterwards: it is here indicated as having occupied four months. Ezra’s company also is summarised beforehand, according to the manner of this book.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ezra 7:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.