Ezra 1:8

KJV

Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even those did Cyrus {H3566} king {H4428} of Persia {H6539} bring forth {H3318} by the hand {H3027} of Mithredath {H4990} the treasurer {H1489}, and numbered {H5608} them unto Sheshbazzar {H8339}, the prince {H5387} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Koresh king of Persia had Mitr'dat the treasurer bring them out and make an inventory of them for Sheshbatzar the prince of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

Cyrus king of Persia had them brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah.

American Standard Version

even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 1:8 meticulously records the formal transfer of the sacred Temple vessels from the Persian treasury to the returning Jewish exiles. Under the direct command of King Cyrus, Mithredath, the royal treasurer, carefully itemized and handed over these precious artifacts to Sheshbazzar, the appointed "prince of Judah." This pivotal act marked a concrete step in the divinely orchestrated restoration of the Jewish people to their homeland and the re-establishment of their worship in Jerusalem, symbolizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His prophetic promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows King Cyrus's monumental decree (Ezra 1:1-4), which permitted the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. While the decree itself was a grand pronouncement of divine favor and imperial permission, Ezra 1:8 details the practical, administrative implementation of that decree. It sets the stage for the subsequent verses (Ezra 1:9-11), which provide a detailed inventory of the specific vessels returned, thus emphasizing the meticulousness and significance of this transfer. This verse bridges the gap between the royal mandate and its tangible execution, highlighting the careful and orderly nature of God's work through human agents and serving as a crucial link between prophecy and its historical fulfillment. It underscores the divine precision in the restoration process, moving from the broad decree to the specific, itemized handover of sacred objects.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the end of the 70-year Babylonian exile, a period of profound national and spiritual chastisement for Judah, as prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of 70 Years of Exile")). The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, had recently conquered Babylon in 539 BC. Unlike the Assyrians and Babylonians, who often employed policies of forced deportation and cultural assimilation to prevent rebellion, the Persians, particularly Cyrus, adopted a more lenient policy. This policy, famously documented in the Cyrus Cylinder, allowed various conquered peoples to return to their homelands, rebuild their temples, and worship their own gods, often with imperial assistance. This benevolent approach aligned perfectly with God's redemptive plan for His people. The Temple vessels themselves were not mere artifacts; they were sacred implements plundered by Nebuchadnezzar during the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC (cf. [2 Kings 25:13-17](/2_kings/25-13 "2 Kings 25:13-17 - Plunder of Temple Vessels") and [2 Chronicles 36:18](/2_chronicles/36-18 "2 Chronicles 36:18 - Nebuchadnezzar Takes Temple Vessels")). Their return was a profound symbolic act, signifying the reversal of divine judgment, the restoration of God's covenant with His people, and the re-establishment of their national and religious identity.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 1:8 powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Fulfillment of Prophecy**, demonstrating how God uses even pagan rulers like Cyrus (who was even prophesied by name in [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd") and [Isaiah 45:1-4](/isaiah/45-1-4 "Isaiah 45:1-4 - God's Anointed Cyrus")) as instruments to accomplish His will and fulfill His promises. This highlights God's control over all earthly powers and His faithfulness to His Word. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Restoration of Sacred Worship**, as the return of the vessels was not just an administrative act but a crucial step towards re-establishing proper worship in a rebuilt Temple. These items, once desecrated in Babylon (cf. [Daniel 5:2-4](/daniel/5-2-4 "Daniel 5:2-4 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Temple Vessels")), were now being sanctified for their original purpose, signaling a renewed commitment to God's holiness. Finally, it emphasizes **Appointed Leadership and Accountability**, showcasing the roles of Mithredath as the meticulous Persian administrator and Sheshbazzar as the entrusted Jewish leader. Their collaboration and the precise "numbering" of the vessels underscore the importance of diligent and legitimate stewardship in God's work, ensuring the orderly and sacred transfer of these invaluable items for the re-establishment of the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bring forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** This verb (H3318) signifies more than simply "taking out"; it implies an official, deliberate presentation or delivery. In this context, it emphasizes Cyrus's active and intentional role in facilitating the return of the vessels, indicating a direct command or personal involvement in the process, rather than a mere passive allowance. It suggests a formal act of release and provision.
* **Numbered (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** This word (H5608) conveys a sense of precise inventory, a meticulous accounting, or a detailed record. It goes beyond a casual count, suggesting that each item was carefully identified, perhaps listed, and formally transferred. This precision underscores the immense value and sacredness of the vessels, as well as the accountability of both the giver (Mithredath) and the receiver (Sheshbazzar) in this significant transaction.
* **Prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** The term _nâsîyʼ_ (H5387) denotes a leading figure, a chief, or a prince. In post-exilic Judah, it often referred to the tribal head or governor. This title affirms Sheshbazzar's legitimate authority and leadership among the returning exiles, indicating that he was not merely an individual but an officially recognized representative entrusted with a significant responsibility for his people and the sacred task of rebuilding.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth":** This clause establishes the primary agent of the action: Cyrus, the powerful pagan ruler of the vast Persian Empire. His initiative in "bringing forth" the vessels underscores God's sovereign control over world leaders, using them to accomplish His divine purposes, even when they do not acknowledge Him. It highlights the direct and intentional nature of his involvement in the restoration, demonstrating that God's plan transcends human political boundaries.
* **"by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer":** This specifies the administrative channel through which Cyrus's command was executed. Mithredath, as the royal treasurer, was responsible for the empire's valuable assets. His involvement ensures the proper, official, and accountable transfer of the vessels from the Persian treasury, signifying the meticulous care taken in handling these sacred items and the formal nature of the transaction. This detail emphasizes the legitimacy and order of the process.
* **"and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah":** This final clause identifies the recipient and the method of transfer. The act of "numbering" emphasizes a precise inventory and formal handover, stressing the value and sanctity of the vessels. Sheshbazzar, designated as "the prince of Judah," is the legitimate Jewish leader entrusted with these items, signifying the re-establishment of Jewish leadership and the initial steps towards the rebuilding of the Temple and the nation. This handover signifies the transfer of responsibility and the beginning of the physical restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 1:8 employs several subtle but significant literary devices that enrich its meaning. The phrase "by the **hand** of Mithredath" is a clear example of **Synecdoche** (or **Metonymy**), where "hand" represents the entire person's agency, authority, and action in the transfer. This emphasizes the official and administrative nature of Mithredath's role, highlighting that the transfer was not casual but formal and authorized. The entire act of returning the Temple vessels functions as powerful **Symbolism**. These physical objects, once plundered and desecrated, now symbolize the reversal of God's judgment, the restoration of His covenant with Israel, and the renewal of legitimate worship. Their return is a tangible sign of God's faithfulness. The meticulous "numbered them" can be seen as an instance of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the detailed and orderly nature of the Temple rebuilding and the re-establishment of Jewish life that will follow. It suggests that God's work is precise and intentional. Furthermore, the narrative subtly employs **Divine Irony**, as a pagan king, Cyrus, is the instrument through whom the sacred objects of Yahweh's worship are returned, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and His ability to use unlikely agents for His redemptive purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 1:8 stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His sovereign control over history. It demonstrates that God's plans are not thwarted by human empires or periods of exile; rather, He orchestrates events through unexpected agents, even pagan kings, to fulfill His covenant promises. The return of the Temple vessels, meticulously accounted for, underscores the sacredness of what belongs to God and the importance of its restoration for true worship. This act prefigures the comprehensive restoration God continually works in the lives of His people, bringing back what was lost or defiled and setting it apart for His glory. It reminds us that God is actively working behind the scenes, using various means, to bring about His redemptive purposes for His people and for the world, always moving towards the re-establishment of His presence and the renewal of His covenant.

* [Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - God's Prophecy about Cyrus")
* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of 70 Years of Exile")
* [Daniel 5:2-4](/daniel/5-2-4 "Daniel 5:2-4 - Belshazzar's Desecration of Temple Vessels")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 1:8 offers a powerful reminder of God's meticulous care and His ability to work through seemingly improbable channels to achieve His purposes. In times of personal or collective "exile"—periods of brokenness, loss, or spiritual barrenness—this verse assures us that God is sovereignly at work, orchestrating circumstances and even using unexpected individuals to bring about restoration. Just as the sacred vessels were returned to their rightful place for their intended purpose, so too does God desire to restore us to a place of proper worship and service. This calls us to trust in His overarching plan, even when the path is unclear, and to be faithful stewards of the "sacred vessels" He has entrusted to us—our gifts, callings, relationships, and the very truth of His Word. It challenges us to recognize God's hand in both the grand movements of history and the minute details of our lives, inspiring us to participate in His restorative work with diligence and accountability, knowing that He is meticulously bringing His purposes to fruition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's sovereignty, as demonstrated through Cyrus's actions, encourage your faith in situations where circumstances seem beyond human control?**
* **What "sacred vessels"—spiritual truths, gifts, or callings—has God entrusted to you, and how are you stewarding them with the meticulous care seen in Ezra 1:8?**
* **In what areas of your life or community are you praying for God's restoration, and how might you be called to participate in that process, even through unexpected means?**

### FAQ
**Who was Sheshbazzar, and what was his role in the return from exile?**

Answer: Sheshbazzar is identified in Ezra 1:8 and [Ezra 1:11](/ezra/1-11 "Ezra 1:11 - Sheshbazzar Receives Vessels") as "the prince of Judah" and the one to whom the Temple vessels were entrusted. He is also mentioned in [Ezra 5:14-16](/ezra/5-14-16 "Ezra 5:14-16 - Sheshbazzar Lays Temple Foundation") as the one who laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem. While some scholars debate his exact identity, many believe he is the same person as Zerubbabel (mentioned later in Ezra and Haggai), perhaps using a different name or title, or he was an initial leader who was succeeded by Zerubbabel. His primary role was to lead the initial wave of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem, receive the sacred Temple vessels, and oversee the very first steps of the Temple's rebuilding, including laying its foundation. He served as the officially recognized Jewish leader by the Persian administration, facilitating the return and initial restoration efforts, thereby playing a crucial role in the re-establishment of the Jewish community and its worship in Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 1:8, with its emphasis on the meticulous return of the Temple vessels for the restoration of worship, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. The physical Temple, to which these vessels belonged, was a type of Christ himself, who declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus and the Temple")). Jesus is the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, and through His sacrifice, He inaugurates a new and living way of worship, not confined to a physical building or its implements, but "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). Just as the vessels were returned to their sacred purpose, Christ's work restores humanity, defiled by sin, to its original purpose of glorifying God, making us living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple")). The meticulous numbering of the vessels by Mithredath and their entrustment to Sheshbazzar speaks to God's precise and orderly plan of salvation, culminating in Christ, who is the ultimate "Prince" and leader of His people, the "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")) and the "pioneer and perfecter of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer of Faith")). Furthermore, Cyrus, a pagan king used by God, serves as a type of God's surprising and sovereign means of salvation, ultimately fulfilled in the cross, where God used the seemingly scandalous act of a Roman execution to bring about the greatest redemption, setting us free from the "exile" of sin and bringing us into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Through Christ, all that was lost and defiled by sin is not merely returned, but transformed and made new, for His glory and our eternal good ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezra 5:14

And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that [was] in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto [one], whose name [was] Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;

Ezra 5:16

Then came the same Sheshbazzar, [and] laid the foundation of the house of God which [is] in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and [yet] it is not finished.

Haggai 2:2

Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying,

Haggai 2:4

Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I [am] with you, saith the LORD of hosts:

Ezra 1:11

All the vessels of gold and of silver [were] five thousand and four hundred. All [these] did Sheshbazzar bring up with [them of] the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.

Haggai 1:1

¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

Zechariah 4:6

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.