TRV
Translation
King James Version
Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
American Standard Version
their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
World English Bible Messianic
their camels, four hundred thirty-five; their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Their camels foure hundreth, and fiue and thirtie: their asses, sixe thousand, seuen hundreth and twentie.
Young's Literal Translation
their camels, four hundred thirty and five, asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
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Commentary on Ezra 2 verses 64–70
64 ¶ The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,
65 Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.
66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;
67 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:
69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.
70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.
Here is, I. The sum total of the company that returned out of Babylon. The particular sums before mentioned amount not quite to 30,000 (29,818), so that there were above 12,000 that come out into any of those accounts, who, it is probable, were of the rest of the tribes of Israel, besides Judah and Benjamin, that could not tell of what particular family or city they were, but that they were Israelites, and of what tribe. Now, 1. This was more than double the number that were carried captive into Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar, so that, as in Egypt, the time of their affliction was the time of their increase. 2. These were but few to begin a nation with, and yet, by virtue of the old promise made to their fathers, they multiplied so as before their last destruction by the Romans, about 500 years after, to be a very numerous people. When God says, "Increase and multiply," a little one shall become a thousand.
II. Their retinue. They were themselves little better than servants, and therefore no wonder that their servants were comparatively but few (Ezr 2:65) and their beasts of burden about as many, Ezr 2:66, Ezr 2:67. It was not with them now as in days past. But notice is taken of 200 singing-men and women whom they had among them, who, we will suppose, were intended (as those Ch2 35:25) to excite their mourning, for it was foretold that they should, upon this occasion, go weeping (Jer 50:4), with ditties of lamentation.
III. Their oblations. It is said (Ezr 2:68, Ezr 2:69), 1. That they came to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem; and yet that house, that holy and beautiful house, was now in ruins, a heap of rubbish. But, like their father Abraham, when the altar was gone they came with devotion to the place of the altar (Gen 13:4); and it is the character of the genuine sons of Zion that they favour even the dust thereof, Psa 102:14. 2. That they offered freely towards the setting of it up in its place. That, it seems, was the first house they talked of setting up; and though they came off a journey, and were beginning the world (two chargeable things), yet they offered, and offered freely, towards the building of the temple. Let none complain of the necessary expenses of their religion, but believe that when they come to balance the account they will find that it clears the cost. Their offering was nothing in comparison with the offerings of the princes in David's time; then they offered by talents (Ch1 29:7), now by drams, yet these drams, being after their ability, were as acceptable to God as those talents, like the widow's two mites. The 61,000 drams of gold amount, by Cumberland's calculation, to so many pounds of our money and so many groats. Every maneh, or pound of silver, he reckons to be sixty shekels (that is, thirty ounces), which we may reckon 7l. 10s. of our money, so that this 5000 pounds of silver will be above 37,000l. of our money. It seems, God had blessed them with an increase of their wealth, as well as of their numbers, in Babylon; and, as God had prospered them, they gave cheerfully to the service of his house. 3. That they dwelt in their cities, Ezr 2:70. Though their cities were out of repair, yet, because they were their cities, such as God had assigned them, they were content to dwell in them, and were thankful for liberty and property, though they had little of pomp, plenty, or power. Their poverty was a bad cause, but their unity and unanimity were a good effect of it. Here was room enough for them all and all their substance, so that there was no strife among them, but perfect harmony, a blessed presage of their settlement, as their discords in the latter times of that state were of their ruin.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 64–70. Public domain.
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CassiodorusAD 585
EXPLANATION OF THE PSALMS 95.1
“A canticle of David, when the house was built after the captivity.” So far as the literal sense is concerned, the heading points to the time when the temple at Jerusalem is known to have been refurbished by Zerubbabel, son of Salathiel, after it had been leveled to the ground by a hostile band of Chaldeans. But since he says nothing of this kind in what follows, and since the headings of psalms are never at variance with their content, it remains for us to investigate it in the spiritual sense. A destroyed house is built up when a soul following the captivity of sin begins to return to an understanding of the truth through the generosity of the Lord. This house, which is the universal church in which Christ dwells, is always raised up on living stones, because every day it gains increase in building from its confessors and does not cease to be built up until the number of the predestined is attained at the end of the world. We must store this psalm in our minds as the second of those proclaiming the first and the second coming of the Lord.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Ezra 2:67 provides the culminating numerical detail in a meticulous census of the Jewish exiles who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity, specifically itemizing the significant animal resources that accompanied them. This verse, alongside the comprehensive chapter, underscores the post-exilic community's rigorous record-keeping and highlights the essential practical provisions for the monumental task of re-establishing the nation and rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. It serves as a profound testament to the scale of the return and the divine orchestration of material resources for God's redemptive purposes.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Ezra 2:67 primarily employs Enumeration, a literary device characterized by a detailed list or precise counting of items. In this context, it serves to provide an exact inventory of the animal resources accompanying the returning exiles. This meticulous listing emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the census and the importance of every detail in the divine plan for restoration. Beyond simple counting, the enumeration of these specific animals also functions as Symbolism, where the camels and asses represent the practical provisions, the economic wealth, and the tangible means available to the community for their arduous journey and the monumental task of rebuilding. The inclusion of these seemingly mundane details highlights God's meticulous care and abundant provision for His people, demonstrating that even the logistical challenges of their return were accounted for with divine precision. Furthermore, one could discern an element of Metonymy, where the animals stand in for the broader concept of "transportation resources" or "economic assets" that were absolutely vital for the successful re-establishment of the nation and its infrastructure.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple enumeration of animals in Ezra 2:67 carries profound theological weight, speaking volumes about God's meticulous providence and unwavering faithfulness. It demonstrates that His divine plan for His people's restoration was not only grand in its overarching scope but also incredibly precise in its practical, granular details. The provision of these vast resources—animals essential for transport, labor, and sustenance—underscores the biblical truth that God faithfully equips those whom He calls, providing the necessary means for His purposes to be fully realized. Just as He brought His people out of Egypt with great possessions, He brings them back from Babylonian exile with the tangible, practical means to rebuild their lives and their spiritual center. This divine attention to detail reinforces the pervasive biblical theme that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, caring for their physical needs with the same intensity as their spiritual ones, and ensuring they possess everything required to carry out His sovereign will. The return from exile was a direct fulfillment of prophecy, and these animals were tangible, living evidence of God's enabling grace for that fulfillment.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 2:67, though a mere listing of animals, offers surprisingly rich and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of profound order, abundant provision, and meticulous detail. Just as He precisely orchestrated the return of His people with the exact resources needed for their daunting task of rebuilding, so too does He meticulously provide for us in our individual spiritual journeys and in our collective work for His kingdom. This verse profoundly encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's unfailing provision, even when the task ahead seems overwhelmingly vast or our current resources appear woefully inadequate. It highlights the paramount importance of practical preparation and the wise, faithful stewardship of all the resources—whether material possessions, spiritual gifts, time, or relationships—that God graciously entrusts to us. Our seemingly mundane "resources" are not insignificant; rather, they are divinely appointed means to accomplish God's greater, redemptive purposes. We are therefore called to be faithful stewards, recognizing that every single provision is an integral part of His grand design for restoration and glory in our lives and in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why are these numbers of animals so important to be included in a biblical text?
Answer: The inclusion of these specific numbers of camels and asses in Ezra 2:67 is crucial for several profound reasons. Firstly, it underscores the historical accuracy and meticulous record-keeping characteristic of the post-exilic community. This was not a casual or haphazard return but a divinely orchestrated, carefully managed, and precisely documented migration. Secondly, it vividly highlights the immense scale and logistical challenge of the return. Thousands of people, along with their animals and possessions, embarked on a long and incredibly difficult journey, which necessitated immense planning, organization, and substantial resources. Thirdly, these animals represent the practical provisions that were absolutely necessary for the monumental task of rebuilding. They were essential for transport, agriculture, and labor, signifying the tangible means God provided for His people to successfully re-establish their lives and rebuild both the Temple and the city walls, as meticulously detailed in Ezra 3 and throughout the book of Nehemiah. Finally, it subtly yet powerfully points to God's comprehensive providence, demonstrating that His divine care for His people extends even to the seemingly mundane, practical details of their physical needs, ensuring every aspect of His plan is fully resourced.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezra 2:67 meticulously details the physical provisions for a physical return and rebuilding, it beautifully and profoundly foreshadows the spiritual provisions for a spiritual return and rebuilding found ultimately in Christ. The meticulous care God showed in providing camels and asses for the exiles' arduous journey from Babylon to Jerusalem points to His even greater, more comprehensive, and infinitely sufficient provision for humanity's journey from the exile of sin and death to the promised land of salvation and eternal life in Christ. Just as these animals were essential for carrying burdens and facilitating the rebuilding of the earthly temple, so too does Christ bear our spiritual burdens and enable the building of the spiritual temple—His Church. His humble yet triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey (Matthew 21:5), powerfully connects to the "asses" of Ezra 2:67, symbolizing a King who comes not with military might or earthly pomp, but with profound humility and divine peace, perfectly fulfilling ancient prophecies such as Zechariah 9:9. Ultimately, the physical return from exile in Ezra prefigures the ultimate redemption from the bondage of sin and the dominion of death achieved solely through Christ's sacrificial atonement (Romans 5:8). Furthermore, the resources provided for rebuilding the physical temple point to the Holy Spirit and the spiritual gifts generously given to believers for the ongoing building up of the body of Christ, which is the true, living temple of God (Ephesians 2:20-22). God's meticulous and abundant provision in Ezra finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the all-sufficient, inexhaustible provision of Jesus Christ for our complete salvation, sanctification, and eternal glory.