Ezra 7:5

The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:

The son {H1121} of Abishua {H50}, the son {H1121} of Phinehas {H6372}, the son {H1121} of Eleazar {H499}, the son {H1121} of Aaron {H175} the chief {H7218} priest {H3548}:

the son of Avishua, the son of Pinchas, the son of Eli'ezer, the son of Aharon the cohen hagadol -

the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—

the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—

Commentary

Commentary on Ezra 7:5 (KJV)

Ezra 7:5 is a specific link in the detailed genealogy of Ezra, tracing his lineage back through significant figures in Israel's priestly history. This verse highlights his direct descent from Aaron, the first chief priest, establishing Ezra's indisputable qualification for his pivotal role in the post-exilic community.

Context

This verse is part of a longer genealogical list (Ezra 7:1-5) that introduces Ezra, a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, who is about to journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, especially during the post-exilic period, one's lineage was paramount for establishing identity, social standing, and, critically, religious authority. As the Israelites returned from exile, the re-establishment of proper temple worship and adherence to the Mosaic Law were crucial. Ezra's priestly heritage provided the necessary credibility for his mission to restore spiritual order and teach God's commandments.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Legitimacy and Authority: The primary message of this verse is to underscore Ezra's legitimate authority. His direct descent from Aaron meant he was divinely appointed, through heritage, to handle sacred matters, interpret the Law, and oversee temple affairs.
  • Continuity of Priesthood: Despite the destruction of the Temple and the Babylonian exile, this genealogy affirms the unbroken line of the Aaronic priesthood. It signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant with the Levitical tribe and the enduring importance of the priestly office.
  • Divine Preparation: Ezra's lineage suggests a divine hand in preparing him for his specific task. His ancestors, like Phinehas, known for his zeal, and Eleazar, who succeeded Aaron, were significant figures, implying a heritage of dedication to God.

Linguistic Insights

While no specific Hebrew words in this verse require deep linguistic analysis beyond their plain meaning, the emphasis on "son of" (Hebrew: ben) repeated multiple times underscores the meticulous record-keeping of genealogies. This precision was vital for confirming tribal affiliations and priestly qualifications, ensuring that only those lawfully designated could serve in sacred capacities. The name "Aaron" itself (אַהֲרֹן) signifies the foundational role he played as the first High Priest, making his inclusion the ultimate validation of Ezra's priestly credentials.

Practical Application

For believers today, Ezra's lineage reminds us that God often prepares individuals through their background, experiences, and heritage for specific purposes. While physical lineage is not a prerequisite for spiritual service in the New Covenant, the principle of divine preparation and the importance of spiritual authority remain. Just as Ezra was equipped to lead the people back to the Law (Ezra 7:10), we are called to embrace our spiritual heritage in Christ and use our gifts and callings to serve God's purposes in our generation. It speaks to the value of understanding our spiritual roots and the continuity of God's work through history.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • 1 Chronicles 24:1

    ¶ Now [these are] the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron; Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

  • 1 Chronicles 24:6

    And Shemaiah the son of Nethaneel the scribe, [one] of the Levites, wrote them before the king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and [before] the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites: one principal household being taken for Eleazar, and [one] taken for Ithamar.

  • Psalms 106:30

    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and [so] the plague was stayed.

  • Psalms 106:31

    And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.

  • Numbers 20:25

    Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up unto mount Hor:

  • Numbers 20:28

    And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, and put them upon Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there in the top of the mount: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount.

  • Joshua 22:31

    And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we perceive that the LORD [is] among us, because ye have not committed this trespass against the LORD: now ye have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the LORD.
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