Ezra 7:7

KJV

And there went up [some] of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there went up {H5927} some of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and of the priests {H3548}, and the Levites {H3881}, and the singers {H7891}, and the porters {H7778}, and the Nethinims {H5411}, unto Jerusalem {H3389}, in the seventh {H7651} year {H8141} of Artaxerxes {H783} the king {H4428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the seventh year of Artach'shashta the king, some of the people of Isra'el, and some of the cohanim, L'vi'im, singers, gatekeepers and temple servants went up to Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

So in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, he went up to Jerusalem with some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants.

American Standard Version

And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 7:7 marks a significant moment in the post-exilic history of Israel, detailing the second major wave of Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem from Babylon. Occurring in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, this return was led by Ezra, a dedicated scribe and priest, and comprised a diverse assembly including the general populace, priests, Levites, and various temple servants like singers, porters, and Nethinims. This comprehensive repatriation underscores God's meticulous providence in re-establishing His people in their land, not merely for physical resettlement but for the spiritual and communal revitalization of Jerusalem and the proper functioning of the Temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 7:7 initiates the narrative of Ezra's pivotal journey to Jerusalem, following the detailed introduction of Ezra's character and divine favor in [Ezra 7:1-6](/ezra/7-1 "Ezra 7:1-6 - Ezra's Lineage and Devotion"). This verse serves as the immediate commencement of the second major return from Babylonian exile, building upon the initial return under Zerubbabel and Jeshua described in [Ezra chapters 1-6](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - The First Return and Cyrus's Decree"). While the first wave focused on rebuilding the Temple, Ezra's mission, as illuminated in subsequent verses like [Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Devotion to the Law"), was primarily to establish and enforce the Law of God among the repatriated community, setting the spiritual and legal foundations that would later complement the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Grief").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra 7:7 took place in the "seventh year of Artaxerxes the king," specifically Artaxerxes I Longimanus, which corresponds to approximately 458 BC. This timing places Ezra's mission roughly 60 years after the completion of the Second Temple (c. 516 BC) and about 13 years before Nehemiah's arrival in Jerusalem. The Persian Empire, under whose dominion Judah now lay, maintained a policy of allowing various ethnic groups to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples, a strategy designed to foster stability within the vast empire. This policy, however, was ultimately orchestrated by God's sovereign hand, fulfilling prophecies of return from exile (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - God's Promise of Return")). Culturally, the detailed listing of groups—priests, Levites, singers, porters, and Nethinims—underscores the structured nature of the Israelite community and the critical importance of re-establishing the full complement of roles required for proper Temple worship and communal life in Jerusalem.

* **Key Themes:** Ezra 7:7 vividly illustrates several profound themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**, emphasizing that this return was not a random migration but a meticulously planned and divinely appointed event, occurring at a precise moment in history under the authority of a pagan king. Secondly, the verse speaks to the theme of **Comprehensive Restoration**, detailing the return of a diverse cross-section of the community, from the general "children of Israel" to specific temple functionaries. This indicates a holistic re-establishment of not just the physical presence in the land but also the spiritual and communal infrastructure necessary for a thriving covenant people. Finally, the emphasis on the return of priests, Levites, and other temple servants underscores the overarching theme of **Spiritual Renewal and the Centrality of Worship**. Ezra's subsequent actions in establishing the Law ([Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Devotion to the Law")) confirm that the ultimate purpose of this return was the spiritual revitalization of Jerusalem and the proper, God-ordained functioning of the Temple.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nethinims (Hebrew, _nethinim'_):** This term literally means "given ones" or "dedicated ones." The Nethinims were a class of temple servants, likely non-Israelite descendants (potentially from the Gibeonites, as seen in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Woodcutters and Water Carriers") or other captives), who were assigned to assist the Levites with the more menial and laborious tasks associated with the Temple service, such as drawing water and cutting wood. Their inclusion in this list signifies the comprehensive nature of the restoration, ensuring that all necessary support roles for the Temple's full operation were re-established.
* **Singers (Hebrew, _meshorerim'_):** These were a specific group of Levites who were appointed for the crucial role of leading musical worship in the Temple. Their presence among the returnees highlights the importance of restoring the spiritual atmosphere and the joyous expression of praise and worship as central to the re-established community's life and identity. Temple music was an integral part of Israel's liturgical tradition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there went up [some] of the children of Israel":** This phrase refers to the general populace, representing the broader community of Jewish exiles who chose to return to their ancestral land. Their inclusion signifies a collective movement, a re-gathering of the dispersed people of God, indicating a desire to rebuild their national and spiritual identity in Jerusalem.
* **"and of the priests, and the Levites":** These groups represent the essential religious leadership and functionaries. The priests were responsible for offering sacrifices and mediating between God and the people, while the Levites assisted them in various capacities, including teaching the Law, maintaining the Temple, and leading worship. Their return was fundamental for the re-establishment of proper Temple worship and the spiritual instruction of the community.
* **"and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims":** This detailed enumeration specifies distinct sub-groups of temple servants, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the restoration. The singers (Levites) were crucial for worship, the porters (also Levites) maintained order and security at the Temple gates, and the Nethinims provided essential support services. Their presence ensures that all necessary roles, from the most sacred to the most menial, were accounted for in the re-establishment of a fully functioning Temple system.
* **"unto Jerusalem":** The destination of their journey, Jerusalem, was not merely a geographical location but the spiritual and national heart of Israel. It was the site of the Temple, the place where God had chosen to dwell among His people. The return to Jerusalem symbolized a return to their covenant heritage, their identity as God's chosen people, and the center of their worship.
* **"in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king":** This precise dating firmly anchors the event in historical reality. The mention of "Artaxerxes the king" (Artaxerxes I Longimanus) underscores that this significant return was sanctioned by the reigning Persian monarch, highlighting God's sovereign ability to work through pagan rulers to accomplish His divine purposes for His people. It also points to the meticulous nature of biblical history, grounding spiritual truth in verifiable historical context.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 7:7 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Enumeration/List**, as the verse meticulously lists the diverse groups of returnees: "children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims." This detailed listing is not merely for informational purposes; it powerfully emphasizes the comprehensive and holistic nature of the restoration. It showcases that God's plan for His people involved re-establishing every facet of their community, from the general populace to the most specialized temple servants, ensuring a fully functional and spiritually vibrant society. Furthermore, the **Precision in Dating** ("in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king") serves as a form of **Historical Verisimilitude**, lending credibility and weight to the narrative. It grounds the spiritual event in concrete historical reality, demonstrating God's active and precise involvement in the unfolding of human history, orchestrating events according to His perfect timing and purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 7:7 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His commitment to the restoration of His people after the desolation of exile. The diverse composition of the returning exiles—from the general populace to the specialized temple servants—underscores God's desire for a complete and holistic restoration, not just of physical presence in the land, but of spiritual order, communal identity, and the proper functioning of worship. This return was a divine act of grace, fulfilling ancient promises and demonstrating that even amidst the rule of foreign empires, God remains sovereign over history. It highlights the importance of spiritual leadership and the re-establishment of the Law as central to the health and identity of God's people, setting the stage for a renewal of their covenant relationship.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - God's Promise of Return from Exile")
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His People from Exile")
* [Nehemiah 1:9](/nehemiah/1-9 "Nehemiah 1:9 - God's Promise to Gather His Scattered People")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 7:7 offers profound insights for believers today, particularly regarding God's meticulous providence and the importance of every role within His kingdom. Just as God orchestrated the return of a diverse group—priests, Levites, singers, porters, and Nethinims—each with a vital function in the re-establishment of Temple worship and community life, so too does He precisely time events in our lives and call each member of His church to a unique and indispensable role. This verse reminds us that no calling is too small or insignificant in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan. It challenges us to consider our own "return to Jerusalem," a spiritual re-focusing on God's design and purpose for our lives and for the church, prioritizing spiritual order, communal worship, and adherence to His Word. In a world often marked by chaos, Ezra 7:7 assures us of God's sovereign hand, guiding His people towards their ultimate restoration and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise timing of this event encourage you about God's providence in your own life and in the broader church?**
* **Considering the diverse roles listed in Ezra 7:7, what specific "role" or contribution do you believe God is calling you to fulfill within your community or the body of Christ today?**
* **In what areas of your life or community might a "return to Jerusalem"—a re-focus on God's Law and spiritual priorities—be necessary?**

### FAQ

**Who were the Nethinims, and why are they significant in this verse?**

Answer: The Nethinims were a class of temple servants, whose name literally means "given ones" or "dedicated ones." They were typically non-Israelite individuals, often descendants of foreign captives or those dedicated to temple service, such as the Gibeonites mentioned in [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Woodcutters and Water Carriers"). Their significance in Ezra 7:7 lies in their inclusion among the returning exiles, which highlights the comprehensive nature of the restoration. It demonstrates that even the most menial and supportive roles within the Temple service were considered vital for the full re-establishment of worship and communal life, underscoring that every function, regardless of its perceived status, is essential in God's house.

**What was the primary purpose of this second return led by Ezra?**

Answer: While the initial return under Zerubbabel focused primarily on rebuilding the physical Temple structure ([Ezra 3:8](/ezra/3-8 "Ezra 3:8 - Rebuilding the Temple Foundation")), Ezra's mission with this second wave of returnees was distinctly spiritual and legal. As a skilled scribe and priest, Ezra's ultimate purpose was to establish, teach, and enforce the Law of God among the Jewish community in Jerusalem ([Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Devotion to the Law")). This spiritual renewal and adherence to God's covenant were crucial for the long-term health and identity of the post-exilic community, setting the moral and theological foundation for their continued existence as God's people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 7:7, with its depiction of a divinely orchestrated return and the re-establishment of a diverse community centered around the Temple and the Law, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "return to Jerusalem" foreshadows the ultimate spiritual return to God made possible through Christ, who reconciles humanity to the Father. Just as Ezra brought the Law to a scattered people, Jesus is the very embodiment and perfect fulfillment of the Law, not to abolish it but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The Temple, central to the returnees' purpose, finds its true reality in Christ, who declared Himself the Temple that would be destroyed and rebuilt in three days ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection and the True Temple")). Furthermore, the diverse groups returning—priests, Levites, singers, porters, and Nethinims—point to the unified, yet diverse, body of Christ, where all believers, regardless of background or former status, are made "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as God's Household and Temple")), built together into a spiritual house with Christ as the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as Living Stones")). His new covenant ministry is the ultimate and perfect spiritual restoration, far surpassing any Old Testament return.

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 8:1

¶ These [are] now the chief of their fathers, and [this is] the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king.

Ezra 8:20

Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.

Nehemiah 2:1

¶ And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that] wine [was] before him: and I took up the wine, and gave [it] unto the king. Now I had not been [beforetime] sad in his presence.

1 Chronicles 25:1

¶ Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:

1 Chronicles 25:8

¶ And they cast lots, ward against [ward], as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

Ezra 6:14

And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished [it], according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

Nehemiah 7:45

The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.