Ezra 2:66

KJV

Their horses [were] seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;

KJV (with Strong's)

Their horses {H5483} were seven {H7651} hundred {H3967} thirty {H7970} and six {H8337}; their mules {H6505}, two hundred {H3967} forty {H705} and five {H2568};

Complete Jewish Bible

Their horses numbered 736; their mules, 245;

Berean Standard Bible

They had 736 horses, 245 mules,

American Standard Version

Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 2:66 is a precise entry within the comprehensive census of the first wave of Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. This verse meticulously enumerates the horses and mules accompanying the returnees, highlighting the significant material resources and practical provisions available to the community as they embarked on the monumental task of re-establishing themselves in their homeland and rebuilding the Temple. It underscores the meticulous record-keeping inherent in God's providential care for His people's restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 2 is a detailed register of the families, individuals, and material possessions of those who responded to King Cyrus's decree to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This chapter serves as a foundational document, authenticating the lineage and claims of the returning exiles. Verses 66 and 67 specifically list the animals, following the enumeration of people and preceding the summary of their gold, silver, and priestly garments. This meticulous accounting sets the stage for the subsequent narrative of rebuilding the altar and laying the Temple's foundation, as detailed in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Altar and Foundation of the Temple"), demonstrating the tangible resources available for the formidable task ahead.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return from Babylonian exile, after approximately seventy years as prophesied by Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Babylonian Captivity")), marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history. In the ancient Near East, animals like horses and mules were indispensable for transportation, agriculture, and even military potential. Their presence in significant numbers, as recorded in this census, indicates a degree of material prosperity and the necessary means for the exiles to undertake the arduous journey and then re-establish themselves in a desolated land. This was not a return of impoverished refugees but a well-resourced community, likely aided by the Persian king's decree and contributions from the Jewish diaspora.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 2, including the specific numbers of animals, underscores the themes of **divine order and accountability** within God's redemptive plan. It also highlights **divine provision and restoration**, demonstrating how God equipped His people with the necessary means to fulfill His purposes. The presence of these animals further emphasizes the **practicality of rebuilding**, as they were essential for transport, carrying supplies, and agricultural work—all vital for the immense task of rebuilding the city, homes, and particularly the Temple. This tangible provision reflects God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to bring His people back to the land, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 30:3-5](/deuteronomy/30-3 "Deuteronomy 30:3-5 - God's Promise to Restore Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Horses (Hebrew, _sûsîm'_):** These animals were highly valued in the ancient world for their speed, strength, and utility in transportation, warfare, and agriculture. In the context of the returning exiles, their presence in significant numbers indicates not only a means of travel but also a valuable asset for farming and potentially for security in a land that would require re-establishment and defense.
* **Mules (Hebrew, _pĕrādîm'_):** As hybrids of horses and donkeys, mules were prized for their endurance, sure-footedness, and ability to carry heavy loads over difficult terrain. They were indispensable for the arduous journey from Babylon to Jerusalem and for the subsequent work of transporting building materials for the Temple and city walls, as well as supplies for the community. Their inclusion highlights the practical and robust nature of the resources available to the returnees.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their horses [were] seven hundred thirty and six;":** This clause provides the precise count of horses that accompanied the first wave of exiles. This number signifies a substantial capacity for rapid transport and a measure of the community's material wealth and preparedness for re-settlement. The horses would have been crucial for scouting, communication, and potentially for agricultural work in the re-established communities.
* **"their mules, two hundred forty and five;":** This clause details the specific number of mules. Mules, being more resilient and stronger than horses for certain tasks, were vital for the heavy lifting required for rebuilding. Their presence underscores the practical planning and provision for the immense task of reconstruction, from carrying timber and stones to transporting provisions for the workers.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezra 2:66, and indeed throughout much of Ezra 2, is **Enumeration**. The meticulous listing of specific numbers for people, families, and animals creates a strong sense of **verisimilitude**, lending credibility and historical accuracy to the account. This detailed census serves as a form of **documentation**, emphasizing the thoroughness of the record-keeping and the importance of this historical event for the Israelite community. The numerical precision also highlights the **concreteness** of the resources available, underscoring the tangible means by which God's plan for restoration was being executed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 2:66, with its precise enumeration of animals, might seem like a mere historical detail, yet it carries profound theological weight. It demonstrates God's meticulous attention to every aspect of His redemptive plan, even the seemingly mundane details of logistical provision. The fact that the returning exiles possessed such resources—horses for travel and mules for heavy labor—speaks volumes about God's enabling grace and His commitment to equipping His people for the mission He has set before them. This divine provision ensures that His purposes are not hindered by lack, but are brought to fruition through the tangible means He supplies. It underscores that God cares not only about the spiritual aspects of His work but also the practical necessities that facilitate it.

* [Nehemiah 7:68](/nehemiah/7-68 "Nehemiah 7:68 - Parallel Census of Animals")
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - God's Command to Rebuild the Temple")
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His People from Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed accounting in Ezra 2:66 reminds us that God is intimately involved in the practicalities of our lives and ministries. Just as the returning exiles required tangible resources to fulfill God's call to rebuild, we too need various forms of provision—time, talent, financial means, physical strength, and spiritual gifts—to accomplish the tasks He sets before us. This verse encourages us to trust in God's providence, knowing that He meticulously orchestrates even the smallest details to ensure His purposes are achieved. It also calls us to consider how we steward the resources God has entrusted to us for the advancement of His kingdom, recognizing that every provision, no matter how seemingly ordinary, can be instrumental in His grand design. The journey of faith, like the return from exile, often requires sustained effort and practical support, all enabled by God's sustaining grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in Ezra 2:66 encourage you in your own life, even in seemingly mundane aspects?**
* **What "resources"—whether tangible or intangible—do you believe God is calling you to steward for His kingdom work today?**
* **Considering the long and arduous journey of restoration for the exiles, what major "rebuilding" projects in your life or community require sustained effort and reliance on God's provision?**

### FAQ
**Why are these numbers so specific and detailed in Ezra?**

Answer: The meticulous detail in Ezra's census, including the precise numbers of animals, serves several crucial purposes. First, it ensures historical accuracy and provides a reliable record for future generations. Second, it helped legitimize the returning families and their claims to ancestral lands and priestly lineages, which was vital for re-establishing the social and religious order. Third, it underscores the scale of God's provision and the orderly nature of His work, demonstrating that the return was not a chaotic flight but a well-organized movement under divine orchestration. Finally, such precise record-keeping was a common administrative practice in ancient Near Eastern empires, lending credibility and authority to the biblical narrative.

**What was the practical significance of horses and mules for the returning exiles?**

Answer: Horses and mules were indispensable for the returning exiles. Horses provided faster transport for individuals and lighter loads, and could also be used for agricultural work like plowing, or even for defense. Mules, on the other hand, were renowned for their strength, endurance, and sure-footedness, making them ideal for carrying heavy loads over the rugged terrain between Babylon and Jerusalem. They were crucial for transporting building materials (timber, stones) for the Temple and city walls, as well as provisions and personal belongings for the thousands of returnees. Their presence in significant numbers indicates the practical foresight and resources available for the monumental task of rebuilding the city and re-establishing life in the land, illustrating God's tangible provision for His people's needs as they fulfilled His command to return and rebuild ([Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Build the House")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous accounting of resources like horses and mules in Ezra 2:66, facilitating the physical return and rebuilding of Jerusalem, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate spiritual restoration and provision found in Jesus Christ. Just as these animals were tangible means for the exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the earthly Temple, Christ Himself is the ultimate "resource" and foundation for the spiritual temple, His Church ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). The detailed census points to God's sovereign and meticulous plan throughout history, culminating in Christ, who perfectly fulfills all God's promises of gathering His scattered people ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Desire to Gather Jerusalem")) and providing all that is needed for spiritual life and growth ([Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). The journey back to Jerusalem, enabled by these animals, points to the greater journey of salvation and the new creation in Christ, where believers are brought into God's presence and equipped for His service, not by their own strength or earthly resources, but by the incomparable grace and power of the Holy Spirit, purchased by the sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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.