Ezra 2:13

KJV

The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of Adonikam {H140}, six {H8337} hundred {H3967} sixty {H8346} and six {H8337}.

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Adonikam 666

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Adonikam, 666;

American Standard Version

The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:13 meticulously records the number of descendants from the family of Adonikam who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile, specifically "six hundred sixty and six." This verse is an integral part of a comprehensive census in Ezra chapter 2, which details the various families, their leaders, and the total number of individuals participating in the initial wave of repatriation under Zerubbabel. It underscores the precise nature of God's restoration, the importance of lineage for the re-establishing community, and the historical reality of the post-exilic return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2:13 is situated within a detailed genealogical and numerical registry in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Those Who Returned"). This chapter immediately follows the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, which permitted the exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree")). The meticulous listing of families, including the "children of Adonikam," serves as a foundational document for the re-establishment of the community in Judah. It provides legitimacy for land claims, clarifies priestly and Levitical lineages, and demonstrates the fulfillment of God's prophetic promises regarding the return from exile. This chapter, therefore, acts as a bridge between the divine decree and the practical, organized efforts of rebuilding the nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra 2 occurred around 538 BC, following nearly 70 years of Babylonian captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Seventy Years of Exile")). The Persian Empire, under Cyrus the Great, had conquered Babylon, and his policy of allowing conquered peoples to return to their homelands was unique and strategically brilliant. For the Jews, this return was not merely a political event but a profound act of divine deliverance. Genealogies were critically important in ancient Israelite society, serving as legal documents to establish tribal identity, inheritance rights (especially to land), and eligibility for religious service (priesthood and Levitical duties). The precise count of each family, like that of Adonikam, was essential for organizing the nascent community, allocating resources, and ensuring proper worship according to the Law.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous enumeration in Ezra 2, including the count of Adonikam's descendants, highlights several key themes central to the book of Ezra and the post-exilic period. Firstly, **Restoration and Identity** are paramount; the returnees, though a remnant, were re-establishing their identity as God's covenant people in their ancestral land, emphasizing the importance of their heritage ([Isaiah 43:5-7](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-7 - God Gathers His People")). Secondly, **Divine Faithfulness** is powerfully demonstrated; God, through a foreign king, orchestrated the return of His people, fulfilling His promises and proving His sovereign control over history ([Ezra 1:1](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - The Lord Stirred Up Cyrus")). Thirdly, the **Meticulous Record-Keeping** underscores the biblical emphasis on accuracy, order, and the divine intention behind every individual's role in God's plan. Finally, the number "six hundred sixty and six" in this context highlights the theme of **Contextual Interpretation**. Unlike its symbolic usage in [Revelation 13:18](/revelation/13-18 "Revelation 13:18 - The Number of the Beast"), here it is a literal, historical count, serving as a reminder that numbers in the Bible must always be interpreted within their immediate literary and historical framework.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adonikam (Hebrew, _'Adoniqam'_):** This personal name, meaning "my Lord has risen" or "my Lord has stood up," carries a significant and hopeful connotation, especially in the context of the return from exile. The name itself could be seen as a quiet testament to God's faithfulness, as He "rose up" or "stood up" to bring His people back from desolation and restore them to their land. It reflects a theological understanding that the Lord is active and sovereign in the affairs of His people, even through periods of judgment and subsequent restoration.
* **Six hundred sixty and six (Hebrew, _shesh me'ot shishim vashesh_):** This phrase represents a precise numerical count, stating the exact number of individuals from the family of Adonikam who participated in the return. In the context of Ezra 2, this number is purely literal and statistical, serving to document the size of one of the many returning family units. It is part of a comprehensive census designed to provide an accurate record of the repatriated community for administrative, genealogical, and religious purposes. The meticulous nature of this count emphasizes the historical accuracy and practical organization of the post-exilic community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of Adonikam,"**: This phrase identifies a specific family unit among the many clans returning from Babylonian exile. The emphasis on "children" (descendants) highlights the continuity of family lines and the importance of lineage in establishing identity and rights within the re-forming Israelite community. Adonikam's family was one of the larger contingents, indicating their significant presence and contribution to the restoration efforts.
* **"six hundred sixty and six."**: This clause provides the exact numerical strength of the Adonikam family contingent. In the context of a census, this precise figure serves to document the size of this particular group of returnees. It is a historical, factual detail, contributing to the overall demographic record of the first wave of repatriation. The inclusion of such specific numbers underscores the meticulous nature of the biblical record-keeping and the practical organization required for the resettlement of the land and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 2:13, as part of a larger census, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Genealogy** as its core literary devices. The entire chapter is a detailed list, showcasing the meticulous record-keeping characteristic of ancient Near Eastern administrative documents, but here imbued with theological significance. The **Literal Reporting** of numbers, names, and family units emphasizes the historical veracity of the return from exile. While seemingly dry, this precise accounting serves to solidify the identity of the returning community and their legitimate claim to the land and their heritage. The repetition of the formula "the children of [name], [number]" throughout the chapter creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical effect, reinforcing the ordered and divinely orchestrated nature of the repatriation. This detailed list also functions as a form of **Confirmation**, validating the identity and purpose of each returning group within the larger narrative of restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:13, though a single line in a list, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The very act of counting and listing each family, down to specific numbers, demonstrates that God's redemptive plan is not abstract but involves specific individuals and families. It underscores the importance of identity and belonging within the covenant community, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history. The return from exile was a physical manifestation of God's commitment to His covenant with Israel, re-establishing them in the land and setting the stage for the rebuilding of their spiritual and national life. This verse, therefore, speaks to the divine orchestration of history and the value God places on every person within His grand design.

* [Nehemiah 7:18](/nehemiah/7-18 "Nehemiah 7:18 - Census of Adonikam's Descendants")
* [Isaiah 43:5-7](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-7 - God Gathers His People")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 2:13, a seemingly mundane detail in a historical census, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and detail, deeply invested in the lives of individuals and communities. Just as He meticulously orchestrated the return of specific families like Adonikam's, He is intimately involved in the details of our lives and the life of His church today. This verse challenges us to value our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ, recognizing that we are part of a larger, divinely purposed family. Furthermore, the stark difference in interpreting "666" between Ezra and Revelation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of careful, contextual biblical interpretation, guarding against anachronism and speculative readings. Our faith is rooted in historical truth, and understanding Scripture accurately is paramount to living faithfully.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of God's record-keeping in Ezra 2:13 encourage you about His attention to detail in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you see your identity and belonging within God's spiritual family, paralleling the importance of lineage for the returning exiles?**
* **What lessons does the interpretation of "666" in Ezra 2:13 teach us about the importance of contextual reading of Scripture?**

### FAQ
**Is the number "666" in Ezra 2:13 related to the "Mark of the Beast" in Revelation?**

Answer: No, there is no direct relationship or symbolic connection between the number "666" in Ezra 2:13 and the "Mark of the Beast" in [Revelation 13:18](/revelation/13-18 "Revelation 13:18 - The Number of the Beast"). In Ezra, "six hundred sixty and six" is a literal, historical count of the individuals from the family of Adonikam who returned from Babylonian exile. It is a factual demographic detail within a census. In contrast, the "666" in Revelation is highly symbolic, representing a specific entity or system of evil in an apocalyptic vision. To interpret the Ezra passage symbolically based on the Revelation passage would be an anachronism and a misapplication of hermeneutical principles, as the original audience of Ezra would have understood it purely as a numerical tally.

**Why are such detailed lists important in the Bible, especially in books like Ezra?**

Answer: Detailed lists, genealogies, and censuses are crucial in biblical books like Ezra for several reasons. Firstly, they provide **historical verification** and accuracy, grounding the narrative in real people and events. Secondly, they establish **identity and lineage**, which was vital in ancient Israel for tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service ([Numbers 1:1-3](/numbers/1-1 "Numbers 1:1-3 - The Census of Israel")). Thirdly, they demonstrate **divine faithfulness** by showing how God meticulously fulfills His promises, even to specific families and individuals, bringing them back from exile as prophesied. Finally, they underscore the **order and organization** within God's plan for His people, highlighting the practical steps involved in rebuilding a community and a nation after a period of desolation. These lists affirm that every individual and family has a place within God's overarching redemptive story.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous counting and restoration of the families in Ezra 2, including the children of Adonikam, prefigure the far greater and more comprehensive restoration found in Jesus Christ. While the return from Babylonian exile was a physical restoration to a land and a physical lineage, Christ offers a spiritual restoration that transcends all earthly boundaries and genealogies. In Him, a new spiritual family is formed, composed of all who believe, regardless of their ethnic or historical background ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). The identity sought through physical lineage in Ezra finds its ultimate fulfillment in our identity as children of God through faith in Christ ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12 "John 1:12-13 - Children of God")). The rebuilding of the physical temple, which followed the census in Ezra, points to Christ Himself as the true Temple, the dwelling place of God, and to the church as His spiritual body, being built into a holy dwelling for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Just as God meticulously cared for each returning family, He meticulously orchestrated salvation through the perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection of His Son, establishing a new and better covenant that brings eternal restoration and belonging to all who come to Him ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")).

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 8:13

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

Nehemiah 7:18

The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.