Ezra 6:17

And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

And offered {H7127} at the dedication {H2597} of this {H1836} house {H1005} of God {H426} an hundred {H3969} bullocks {H8450}, two hundred {H3969} rams {H1798}, four {H703} hundred {H3969} lambs {H563}; and for a sin offering {H2402}{H2409} for {H5922} all {H3606} Israel {H3479}, twelve {H8648}{H6236} he {H6841} goats {H5796}, according to the number {H4510} of the tribes {H7625} of Israel {H3479}.

At the dedication of this house of God they offered 100 young bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and, as a sin offering for all Isra'el, twelve male goats, corresponding to the number of the tribes of Isra'el.

For the dedication of the house of God they offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and a sin offering for all Israel of twelve male goats, one for each tribe of Israel.

And they offered at the dedication of this house of God a hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin-offering for all Israel, twelve he-goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezra 6:17 (KJV)

Ezra 6:17 describes a pivotal moment in the history of Israel: the dedication of the newly rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem after the Jewish exiles returned from Babylon. This verse details the extensive sacrifices offered, highlighting the people's gratitude, joy, and deep desire to re-establish proper worship.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following the destruction of Solomon's Temple by the Babylonians and the subsequent seventy-year exile, the Persian king Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their sanctuary (Ezra 1:2-4). Despite significant opposition and delays, the temple was finally completed under the reign of Darius I. This dedication ceremony, occurring in 516 BC, was a monumental event, symbolizing the restoration of Israel's spiritual life and national identity. The offerings described—hundreds of bullocks, rams, and lambs—were a lavish display of devotion and a fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their land and worship.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Restoration and Dedication: The completion of the temple marked a new beginning for the returned exiles, signifying God's faithfulness in restoring His people and their place of worship. The act of dedicating the house of God was an act of consecration, setting it apart for divine service.
  • Worship and Sacrifice: The sheer quantity of animals offered demonstrates the immense joy and reverence of the people. These sacrifices were central to Old Testament worship, designed to express adoration, gratitude, and atonement for sins.
  • Atonement for All Israel: The "twelve he goats" offered as a sin offering are particularly significant. They represent the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing a desire for purification and reconciliation for the entire nation, even though only a remnant had returned. This act underscored the unity and collective responsibility of God's people before Him.
  • Obedience and Covenant Renewal: By rebuilding the Temple and offering sacrifices according to the Mosaic Law, the people affirmed their commitment to God's covenant and their desire to walk in obedience after a period of national chastisement.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "dedication" here is chanukkah (חֲנֻכָּה), which carries the meaning of consecration or inauguration. While distinct from the later Hanukkah festival, it shares the root concept of setting something apart for sacred use. The term "sin offering" is chattat (חַטָּאת), a specific type of sacrifice mandated in the Law of Moses (e.g., Leviticus chapter 4) designed to atone for unintentional sins and purify the worshiper or community, emphasizing the need for God's forgiveness and cleansing.

Practical Application

Ezra 6:17 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Celebrating Spiritual Milestones: Just as the Israelites celebrated the completion of the Temple, we should acknowledge and celebrate God's faithfulness in our lives, whether it's a personal spiritual breakthrough, the growth of a community, or the fulfillment of His promises.
  • The Importance of Dedication: This verse reminds us of the importance of dedicating our lives, resources, and gifts to God's service. Our "house of God" today is often seen as our own bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and the collective body of believers.
  • The Need for Atonement: The sin offering points to the ongoing need for reconciliation with God. While Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed it, the ultimate and perfect sin offering was made by Jesus Christ on the cross, providing complete atonement for all who believe (John 1:29).
  • Unity in Worship: The symbolism of the twelve tribes emphasizes the desire for unity among God's people in worship and service. Despite differences, believers are called to stand together as one body, seeking God's face and His forgiveness.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezra 8:35

    [Also] the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats [for] a sin offering: all [this was] a burnt offering unto the LORD.

  • Revelation 7:4

    And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

  • Revelation 7:8

    Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:21

    And they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom, and for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And he commanded the priests the sons of Aaron to offer [them] on the altar of the LORD.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:23

    And they brought forth the he goats [for] the sin offering before the king and the congregation; and they laid their hands upon them:

  • 2 Chronicles 7:5

    And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty and two thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep: so the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:31

    Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD. And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a free heart burnt offerings.
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