Ezra 6:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezra 6:17 vividly portrays the grand dedication ceremony of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a momentous occasion marking the spiritual and national restoration of the Jewish exiles returning from Babylonian captivity. The verse details the lavish offerings presented: hundreds of bullocks, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings, expressing profound gratitude and devotion. Crucially, it also specifies twelve he-goats as a sin offering for "all Israel, according to the number of the tribes of Israel," underscoring a deep desire for national atonement and unity before God. This act of worship was the culmination of years of labor, opposition, and divine faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 6:17 forms the climax of the Temple's completion and dedication narrative, immediately following the joyful completion of the building in [Ezra 6:15](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - Temple Completed") and the dedication ceremony described in [Ezra 6:16](/ezra/6-16 "Ezra 6:16 - Dedication of the House of God"). It is succeeded by the celebration of Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread in [Ezra 6:19-22](/ezra/6-19 "Ezra 6:19-22 - Celebration of Passover"), which further emphasizes the re-establishment of proper worship and covenant fidelity. This verse is the sacrificial heart of the dedication, demonstrating the people's commitment to God's Law and their renewed relationship with Him after decades of exile. It brings to fruition the initial decree of Cyrus in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree") and the subsequent efforts of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, despite significant opposition detailed throughout [Ezra chapters 4 and 5](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding") and [Ezra chapter 5](/ezra/5 "Ezra 5 - Tattenai's Letter").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dedication of the Second Temple in 516 BC was a profoundly significant event for the returned Jewish exiles. It occurred approximately 70 years after the destruction of Solomon's Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy of a 70-year exile (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of 70 Years of Exile")). Under the decree of Persian King Cyrus, the first wave of exiles returned to Jerusalem around 538 BC, beginning the rebuilding efforts. However, work stalled for many years due to local opposition and royal decrees, only resuming with renewed vigor under the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah during the reign of Darius I (cf. [Haggai 1:1-11](/haggai/1-1 "Haggai 1:1-11 - Call to Rebuild the Temple") and [Zechariah 4:6-10](/zechariah/4-6 "Zechariah 4:6-10 - Zerubbabel's Task")). The sacrifices described in [Ezra 6:17](/ezra/6-17 "Ezra 6:17 - Sacrifices for the Temple Dedication") were central to Israelite worship, prescribed by the Mosaic Law. The immense quantity of animals reflects the national scope of the event, the people's deep gratitude for God's faithfulness in allowing their return and the Temple's completion, and their earnest desire for atonement and purification for the entire nation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Restoration and Return** is paramount, as the rebuilt Temple signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to bring His people back to their land and re-establish their spiritual life. The act of **Worship and Sacrifice** is highlighted by the sheer volume and variety of offerings, demonstrating the centrality of proper worship to Israel's identity and their renewed commitment to God. The inclusion of "twelve he goats" for a sin offering for "all Israel" underscores the theme of **National Unity and Atonement**, emphasizing the desire for reconciliation and purification for the entire nation, even those who had not returned from exile. This collective act of repentance and dedication also speaks to **Covenant Renewal and Obedience**, as the people affirm their commitment to the Mosaic Law and their desire to walk in God's ways after a period of chastisement and dispersion. Ultimately, the verse testifies to **God's Enduring Faithfulness** in preserving His people and fulfilling His purposes, even through periods of judgment and exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dedication (Hebrew, _chanukkah'_):** This term (חֲנֻכָּה) signifies "inauguration," "consecration," or "setting apart for sacred use." It is the same root word from which the later Jewish festival of Hanukkah (the Feast of Dedication, cf. [John 10:22](/john/10-22 "John 10:22 - Jesus at the Feast of Dedication")) derives its name. In Ezra 6:17, it denotes the solemn and formal act of consecrating the newly completed Temple, setting it apart exclusively for the worship and service of Yahweh. This was not merely a ceremonial opening but a profound spiritual act, acknowledging God's ownership and presence within the structure.
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chattat'_):** The Hebrew word (חַטָּאת) refers to a specific type of sacrifice mandated in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus chapter 4](/leviticus/4 "Leviticus 4 - Regulations for Sin Offerings")). Unlike burnt offerings (which were typically for general atonement, devotion, or thanksgiving), the _chattat_ was primarily for expiation of unintentional sins, purification from ritual impurity, or cleansing from defilement. Its inclusion here, specifically "for all Israel," highlights the nation's collective recognition of its past transgressions and its deep need for divine forgiveness and cleansing before God, even as they celebrated the Temple's completion.
* **Tribes (Hebrew, _shevet'_):** This term (שֵׁבֶט) refers to a "rod," "staff," or "tribe." In the context of "the number of the tribes of Israel," it explicitly refers to the twelve ancestral divisions of the Israelite nation, descended from Jacob's sons. Even though only a remnant of Judah and Benjamin, along with some Levites, had returned from exile, the offering of twelve he-goats symbolically represented the entire, unified nation of Israel, acknowledging their shared heritage, covenant relationship with God, and collective need for atonement, regardless of their current geographical dispersion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And offered at the dedication of this house of God":** This clause establishes the purpose and setting of the sacrifices. The "house of God" refers to the Second Temple in Jerusalem, now completed and ready for its sacred function. The act of "dedication" (as discussed above) was a formal, religious ceremony to consecrate the building to the Lord, marking its transition from a construction project to a holy sanctuary.
* **"an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs":** These numbers denote the burnt offerings (עֹלָה, _olah_). Burnt offerings were wholly consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete devotion, thanksgiving, and general atonement. The large quantities indicate the immense joy, gratitude, and national significance of the event, reflecting a lavish outpouring of worship and commitment from the people and their leaders. The increasing numbers (100, 200, 400) might also emphasize the escalating scale of their devotion.
* **"and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats":** This distinct category of sacrifice emphasizes atonement for sin. The "he goats" were specifically designated for sin offerings (cf. [Leviticus 4:23-24](/leviticus/4-23 "Leviticus 4:23-24 - Sin Offering for a Leader")). The phrase "for all Israel" is profoundly significant, indicating that this offering was not just for the returned remnant but symbolically for the entire scattered nation, acknowledging a corporate need for purification and reconciliation with God after the exile, which was understood as divine judgment for national sin.
* **"according to the number of the tribes of Israel":** This final phrase clarifies the symbolism of the "twelve he goats." It explicitly links the offering to the twelve ancestral tribes, reinforcing the idea that the atonement sought was for the whole, unified people of God, regardless of their current geographical location or tribal representation among the returnees. It was a powerful declaration of their enduring identity as God's chosen nation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 6:17 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is prominent, particularly in the numbers and types of animals offered. The vast quantities of bullocks, rams, and lambs symbolize the overwhelming gratitude, devotion, and collective thanksgiving of the people. More significantly, the "twelve he goats" powerfully symbolize the unity of "all Israel," representing the twelve tribes. This numerical symbolism underscores the national scope of the atonement and the enduring identity of God's people, even in their fragmented state. The "house of God" itself is a central **symbol** of God's presence among His people and the restoration of proper worship. Furthermore, the text employs **Emphasis** through explicit repetition and specification. The phrase "for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel" is a deliberate and emphatic statement, highlighting the critical importance of national atonement and the collective identity of God's people. There is also a subtle **Contrast** between the general burnt offerings, which signify devotion and thanksgiving, and the specific sin offering, which points to the crucial need for expiation and purification from sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 6:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's enduring faithfulness and His people's renewed commitment to Him. The dedication of the Second Temple, marked by such extensive sacrifices, signifies not merely the completion of a building but the restoration of God's dwelling place among His people and the re-establishment of the covenant relationship. The lavish burnt offerings reflect a deep, national outpouring of gratitude for God's mercy in bringing them back from exile and enabling the rebuilding. More profoundly, the "sin offering for all Israel" underscores the theological reality of corporate sin and the ongoing need for atonement. It reveals a people acutely aware of their past failures and earnestly seeking God's forgiveness, not just individually but as a unified nation, symbolized by the twelve tribes. This act of worship was a profound expression of repentance, dedication, and hope, looking forward to a renewed era of obedience and divine blessing.

* [Leviticus 1:3-9](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3-9 - Regulations for Burnt Offerings")
* [Leviticus 4:1-35](/leviticus/4-1 "Leviticus 4 - Regulations for Sin Offerings")
* [Nehemiah 12:27](/nehemiah/12-27 "Nehemiah 12:27 - Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dedication of the Second Temple in Ezra 6:17 offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as the Israelites celebrated the physical restoration of their place of worship, we are called to celebrate and acknowledge God's faithfulness in our own lives, recognizing His hand in every spiritual breakthrough, every answered prayer, and every instance of His redemptive work. This verse also challenges us to consider the concept of "dedication" in our contemporary context. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, we are called to dedicate our lives, our resources, our talents, and our very selves as living sacrifices to God (cf. [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). Our bodies are now considered temples of the Holy Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), and the church, the collective body of believers, is God's spiritual house (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). The emphasis on the "sin offering for all Israel" reminds us of the persistent reality of sin and our ongoing need for atonement and reconciliation with God, both personally and corporately. It calls us to humility, repentance, and a recognition of our collective responsibility before God, fostering unity and a shared pursuit of holiness within the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to "dedicate" yourself more fully to God's purposes?**
* **How can you, as an individual and as part of a believing community, express profound gratitude and devotion to God in ways that reflect the spirit of the sacrifices in Ezra 6:17?**
* **What does the "sin offering for all Israel" teach us about corporate responsibility and the need for collective repentance within the church today?**
* **How does recognizing God's faithfulness in the past (like the Temple's rebuilding) strengthen your faith for present and future challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why were so many animals offered at the dedication?**

Answer: The immense number of animals offered—hundreds of bullocks, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings—underscores the profound national significance of the Temple's dedication. It was a moment of immense joy, gratitude, and relief for the Jewish exiles who had returned to rebuild their spiritual center after decades of exile and opposition. Such lavish offerings were a tangible expression of their deep devotion, thanksgiving, and renewed commitment to God, signifying a lavish outpouring of worship commensurate with the magnitude of God's faithfulness in bringing them back and enabling the Temple's completion. It also adhered to the Mosaic Law's provisions for significant national events and offerings.

**What is the specific significance of the "twelve he goats" for a sin offering?**

Answer: The offering of "twelve he goats" as a sin offering is highly symbolic and significant. Each goat represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, even though only a remnant primarily from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin had returned from exile. This act symbolized a collective desire for purification and reconciliation for the entire nation of Israel, acknowledging their shared heritage and the corporate nature of their sin that led to the exile. It was a plea for atonement on behalf of all God's people, wherever they might be, emphasizing the unity and collective identity of Israel before God, despite their current dispersion.

**Was this the same Temple that Solomon built?**

Answer: No, this was not the same Temple that Solomon built. Solomon's Temple, often referred to as the First Temple, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The Temple dedicated in Ezra 6:17 is known as the Second Temple. While it occupied the same sacred site in Jerusalem, it was a new structure, rebuilt by the returned exiles under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and later expanded significantly by Herod the Great. Though it lacked the grandeur and the Ark of the Covenant present in Solomon's Temple, its completion and dedication were equally momentous, signifying the restoration of God's dwelling place among His people after the Babylonian exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 6:17, with its emphasis on dedication and sacrifice for atonement, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The vast number of burnt offerings, symbolizing complete devotion and thanksgiving, foreshadows the perfect and singular offering of Christ, who fully devoted Himself to the Father's will (cf. [Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Obedience and Sacrifice")). More profoundly, the "sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel," points directly to Jesus as the definitive and all-sufficient Lamb of God. While the Old Testament sacrifices, including those at the Temple dedication, could only temporarily cover sins and had to be repeated, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was a once-for-all, perfect atonement, not just for Israel but for the sins of the whole world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He is the ultimate "he goat" who bore the sin of humanity. Furthermore, the dedication of the physical "house of God" in Ezra anticipates Christ Himself as the true Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection, the True Temple")). In Christ, believers are incorporated into a new spiritual temple, becoming living stones in a holy priesthood (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")) and recognizing that their own bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the dedication in Ezra points forward to the greater reality of God's presence in Christ and His people.

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 8:35

[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.