Ezra 3:9

KJV

Then stood Jeshua [with] his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, [with] their sons and their brethren the Levites.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then stood {H5975} Jeshua {H3442} with his sons {H1121} and his brethren {H251}, Kadmiel {H6934} and his sons {H1121}, the sons {H1121} of Judah {H3063}, together {H259}, to set forward {H5329} the workmen {H6213}{H4399} in the house {H1004} of God {H430}: the sons {H1121} of Henadad {H2582}, with their sons {H1121} and their brethren {H251} the Levites {H3881}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua and his sons and brothers, Kadmi'el and his sons, and Y'hudah's sons together directed the workers in the house of God; also the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their kinsmen the L'vi'im.

Berean Standard Bible

So Jeshua and his sons and brothers, Kadmiel and his sons (descendants of Yehudah), and the sons of Henadad and their sons and brothers—all Levites—joined together to supervise those working on the house of God.

American Standard Version

Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to have the oversight of the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 3:9 provides a vivid snapshot of the organized and unified leadership overseeing the crucial work of rebuilding the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It details how various priestly and Levitical families, prominently led by Jeshua and Kadmiel, stood together in a collaborative effort to actively supervise the skilled laborers. This verse underscores the essential role of dedicated, communal leadership in re-establishing the physical dwelling place for God's presence among the returned exiles, immediately following the foundational laying ceremony.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of the Jewish exiles' return to Judah, a period marked by profound spiritual and national reconstruction. It directly follows [Ezra 3:8](/ezra/3-8 "Ezra 3:8 - Appointment of Levites for Oversight"), which describes the formal appointment of Levites, aged twenty and older, to take charge of the work on the "house of the Lord." Verse 9 then specifies the key individuals and family groups—Jeshua, Kadmiel, the sons of Henadad, and their respective kin—who assumed this vital supervisory role. This detailed enumeration sets the immediate stage for the highly significant event of [laying the temple's foundation](/ezra/3-10 "Ezra 3:10 - Laying the Temple's Foundation") in the subsequent verse, highlighting the meticulous organization and dedicated leadership that preceded this monumental milestone. The emphasis on specific names and family lines reinforces the historical veracity and the importance of structured authority in sacred undertakings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 3:9 transpire approximately 70 years after the catastrophic destruction of Solomon's Temple and the subsequent Babylonian exile, a period of immense national and spiritual trauma for the Jewish people. Following King Cyrus of Persia's decree in [538 BC](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus's Decree"), a remnant of the exiles returned to Jerusalem, not merely for physical resettlement but for a profound act of national and religious restoration. The "house of God" was far more than a mere edifice; it was the sacred epicenter of Jewish worship, the tangible symbol of God's covenant presence, and the bedrock of their national identity. Culturally, the rebuilding of the Temple was understood as a divinely mandated task, necessitating careful adherence to sacred protocols and meticulous oversight by those with priestly and Levitical authority, who were steeped in the traditions and intricacies of temple service. This context illuminates the gravity and spiritual significance of the supervisory roles detailed in the verse.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 3:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Reconstruction and Restoration**, not solely of a physical structure but of a broken covenant community. The exiles' return and the rebuilding of the Temple embody God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises and the restoration of proper worship. Secondly, **Divine Mandate and Human Obedience** is clearly evident; the people are actively responding to God's sovereign call, facilitated by Cyrus's decree, to rebuild His house, despite the formidable opposition they would later encounter (as detailed in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding the Temple")). Thirdly, the theme of **Organized Leadership and Unity** is central. The explicit listing of Jeshua, Kadmiel, the sons of Henadad, and their respective families working "together" underscores the indispensable nature of a structured, collaborative effort involving various tribal and Levitical groups to accomplish God's sacred work. This unity was paramount for overcoming the daunting challenges inherent in rebuilding a devastated city and restoring a shattered society.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **to set forward (Hebrew, _nâtsach'_):** Derived from the root H5329, this verb (לְנַצֵּחַ, _le-natzeaḥ'_) signifies "to glitter from afar," implying eminence, and thus "to oversee," "to supervise," or "to direct." It denotes active management, effective organization, and ensuring the efficient progress of a project. In the context of temple work, it suggests a role of skilled, authoritative oversight, not merely passive observation, but one that involves encouragement, problem-solving, and quality control. This term is notably used in the superscriptions of many Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 4:1](/psalms/4-1 "Psalm 4:1 - To the Chief Musician")), indicating direction for musical performance, highlighting its connotation of expert guidance and successful execution.
* **together (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** The word יַחַד (H259, _yaḥad_) means "united," "one," or "as one." Its inclusion here profoundly emphasizes the solidarity, collective purpose, and harmonious cooperation of the various groups involved in the supervision. It highlights that despite their distinct family lines—Jeshua's priestly lineage, Kadmiel's, Henadad's Levites, and the sons of Judah—they functioned as a cohesive, unified entity. This unity was not incidental but absolutely essential for the successful completion of such a massive and sacred undertaking, underscoring the vital importance of cooperation and shared vision in God's work.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** The term בַּיִת (H1004, _bayith_) primarily denotes a "house" but carries a wide range of applications, including family, household, palace, and, significantly, "temple." In Ezra 3:9, "house of God" explicitly refers to the Temple, the sacred dwelling place of Yahweh. The choice of this word emphasizes not just a physical structure but its profound theological significance as the center of worship, the locus of God's presence, and the symbol of His covenant relationship with His people. The rebuilding of this "house" was therefore a restoration of divine order and communal identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then stood Jeshua [with] his sons and his brethren":** This clause introduces Jeshua, the High Priest, and his immediate priestly family and colleagues. Their "standing" (from H5975, `ʻâmad`) signifies readiness, authority, and active, engaged participation in the oversight. As the primary spiritual leader, Jeshua's presence was paramount for legitimizing, sanctifying, and guiding the entire rebuilding effort.
* **"Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together":** This introduces Kadmiel, likely a prominent Levitical leader, and his descendants, along with "the sons of Judah." The inclusion of "sons of Judah" indicates a broader tribal representation beyond just the priestly and Levitical clans, emphasizing that the entire community, particularly the dominant tribe, was united in this sacred endeavor. The crucial word "together" (H259, `ʼechâd`) underscores their collective, harmonious, and unified effort.
* **"to set forward the workmen in the house of God":** This is the core purpose clause, articulating the objective of their collective standing and unity. Their role was "to set forward" (H5329, `nâtsach`)—meaning to actively supervise, encourage, and manage—the laborers (H6213, `ʻâsâh` and H4399, `mᵉlâʼkâh`). The object of their diligent work, "the house of God" (H1004, `bayith` and H430, `ʼĕlôhîym`), highlights the sacred and ultimate goal of their efforts: to rebuild the Temple as the central place of worship and the visible manifestation of God's dwelling among His people.
* **"the sons of Henadad, [with] their sons and their brethren the Levites":** This final clause specifically identifies another prominent Levitical family, the sons of Henadad (H2582, `Chênâdâd`), and their extended Levitical kin (H3881, `Lêvîyîy`). The Levites, by divine appointment, were historically responsible for the care, service, and maintenance of the Temple, making their supervisory role over its reconstruction particularly fitting and necessary for ensuring proper adherence to sacred building practices and liturgical requirements.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 3:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Enumeration** is prominently featured, as the verse meticulously lists the various family groups and key individuals involved in the supervisory task: Jeshua and his kin, Kadmiel and his, and the sons of Henadad and their Levitical brethren. This detailed listing not only provides historical specificity and authenticity but also underscores the breadth of participation and the highly organized structure of the rebuilding effort. The repetition of "sons" (H1121, `bên`) and "brethren" (H251, `ʼâch`) serves as a powerful form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the familial, generational, and communal nature of the leadership, suggesting that the responsibility for this sacred task was shared across established family lines and generations. Furthermore, the recurring phrase "house of God" (H1004, `bayith` and H430, `ʼĕlôhîym`) functions as profound **Symbolism**, representing not merely a physical structure but the very tangible presence of Yahweh among His people, the restoration of proper worship, and the re-establishment of the covenant relationship. The careful selection of these specific groups and the explicit mention of their unified action ("together," H259, `ʼechâd`) further emphasizes the critical theme of collective responsibility, harmonious cooperation, and divine blessing upon their united endeavors.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 3:9 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God's work and human participation. It vividly demonstrates that divine purposes are often accomplished through human organization, dedicated leadership, and unwavering unity. The meticulous supervision of the Temple's rebuilding reflects a deep reverence for God's dwelling place and an unyielding commitment to executing His work with excellence, order, and faithfulness. It underscores that spiritual endeavors, even those with a significant physical component, require diligent oversight and collaborative effort from various parts of the community. This verse reminds us that God calls different individuals and groups—priests, Levites, and lay leaders—to work "together" for a common, sacred purpose, reflecting the enduring principle that every member has a vital and indispensable role in building His kingdom.

* [Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Worked with All Their Heart")
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Build the House")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - One Body, Many Members")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 3:9 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of the paramount importance of leadership, unity, and unwavering dedication in any significant endeavor, particularly within the context of God's kingdom work today. Just as Jeshua, Kadmiel, and the Levites stood "together" to diligently supervise the rebuilding of the physical temple, believers are called to collaborate harmoniously in the spiritual building of God's church and the advancement of His redemptive purposes in the world. This requires discerning and empowering gifted leaders, intentionally fostering a spirit of genuine unity among diverse members, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to the "house of God"—which is now His people, the church, the body of Christ. Our collective efforts, whether expressed through teaching, serving, evangelism, compassionate outreach, or faithful support, contribute profoundly to the ongoing work of making God's presence known and glorifying His name. The verse challenges us to critically examine how we can better organize our efforts, overcome potential divisions, and diligently apply our unique gifts and resources to ensure that God's work progresses efficiently, faithfully, and effectively for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on organized leadership and the specific roles of Jeshua, Kadmiel, and the Levites in Ezra 3:9 inform our understanding of leadership within the church today?**
* **In what tangible ways can we, as members of God's spiritual house, actively "stand together" to "set forward" the work of the Gospel and build up the Body of Christ in our communities?**
* **What specific challenges to unity might we face in our own contexts, and what practical lessons can we draw from the exiles' collective effort to overcome obstacles in their sacred task?**
* **How does our commitment to the "house of God" (the church) manifest in our daily lives, our priorities, and our willingness to serve collaboratively?**

### FAQ
**Who were Jeshua, Kadmiel, and Henadad, and what were their roles in the rebuilding effort?**

Answer: Jeshua (also known as Joshua, H3442, `Yêshûwaʻ`) was the High Priest who returned with Zerubbabel and was a pivotal spiritual leader of the post-exilic community. His presence and leadership were essential for re-establishing proper worship and the temple service. Kadmiel (H6934, `Qadmîyʼêl`) and Henadad (H2582, `Chênâdâd`) were prominent Levitical family heads. The Levites (H3881, `Lêvîyîy`), by divine decree, were responsible for assisting the priests in the temple service, maintaining the temple, and providing instruction to the people. In the context of rebuilding the "house of God" (H1004, `bayith` and H430, `ʼĕlôhîym`), their role was crucial for organizing and supervising the workmen, ensuring that the construction proceeded according to sacred and practical requirements. Their involvement, along with their sons and brethren (H251, `ʼâch`), highlights the collective, multi-generational commitment of the priestly and Levitical orders to the restoration of God's dwelling among His people, as explicitly detailed in [Ezra 3:8-9](/ezra/3-8-9 "Ezra 3:8-9 - Levites Appointed to Oversee Temple Work").

**Why was the "house of God" so significant to the returned exiles, and why was its rebuilding such a priority?**

Answer: The "house of God," the Temple, was profoundly significant to the returned Jewish exiles for several intertwined reasons. Spiritually, it was considered the dwelling place of Yahweh's glorious presence on earth, the sacred space where His glory resided, and where atonement for sin was made through prescribed sacrifices. Its destruction during the Babylonian exile was a devastating blow, symbolizing God's judgment and the apparent absence of His favor. Rebuilding it was therefore a paramount act of faith and obedience, signifying a renewed covenant relationship with God and a restoration of His favor. Culturally and nationally, the Temple was the undisputed center of Jewish life, identity, and community. It was where major festivals were celebrated, the Mosaic Law was taught, and the people gathered for communal worship. Its restoration was vital for the re-establishment of their national identity, religious practices, and communal cohesion, providing a tangible anchor for their hope and future in the land. The urgency to rebuild, powerfully encouraged by prophets like [Haggai](/haggai/1 "Haggai 1 - Call to Rebuild the Temple"), stemmed from the deep-seated belief that their spiritual and national well-being was inextricably linked to the restoration of God's dwelling among them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 3:9, with its vivid depiction of a unified, organized effort to rebuild the physical "house of God," finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the spiritual reality He inaugurates. While the exiles diligently worked to restore a temporary dwelling place for God's earthly presence, Christ Himself is the true, eternal, and perfect Temple, as He boldly declared, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection"), speaking of the temple of His body" ([John 2:21](/john/2-21 "John 2:21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")). He is the Chief Cornerstone upon whom God's new spiritual house, the Church, is immutably built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Chief Cornerstone"), [1 Peter 2:6-7](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6-7 - Christ the Living Stone")). Furthermore, through Christ's atoning work and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are now incorporated into this spiritual Temple, becoming "[lively stones... built up a spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House")" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House")), a holy priesthood, and collectively, a dwelling place for God's Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). The unity and organized leadership seen in Ezra 3:9 powerfully foreshadow the unity of the church, the body of Christ, where diverse members, gifted by the Spirit, work "together" under Christ's supreme headship to build up one another and fulfill God's redemptive purposes in the world ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ")). Thus, the physical rebuilding in Ezra points to the greater spiritual reality of Christ building His church, a living, dynamic temple where God is truly worshipped in spirit and truth ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

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 2:40

The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.

Nehemiah 7:43

The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, [and] of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.

Ezra 3:8

¶ Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.