Ezra 8:10

KJV

And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the sons {H1121} of Shelomith {H8019}; the son {H1121} of Josiphiah {H3131}, and with him an hundred {H3967} and threescore {H8346} males {H2145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of the descendants of Shlomit: the son of Yosifyah, and with him 160 males;

Berean Standard Bible

from the descendants of Bani, Shelomith son of Josiphiah, and with him 160 men;

American Standard Version

And of the sons of Shelomith, the son of Josiphiah; and with him a hundred and threescore males.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 8:10 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse embedded within Ezra's meticulously compiled register of families who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. It specifically identifies "the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males," underscoring the precise and detailed accounting of the Jewish community's return, which was vital for re-establishing their identity, lineage, and the human resources necessary for the monumental task of rebuilding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 8:10 is part of a comprehensive list spanning [Ezra 8:1-14](/ezra/8-1 "Ezra 8:1-14 - List of Returnees with Ezra"), which meticulously records the heads of families and the number of males accompanying them on the second major return from Babylonian captivity. This detailed roster immediately follows Ezra's preparations for the journey and precedes the account of their actual departure and arrival in Jerusalem. The inclusion of specific names and numbers, like Josiphiah and the 160 males, emphasizes the highly organized and intentional nature of this divinely orchestrated return, highlighting Ezra's role as a meticulous scribe and leader ensuring the purity and accountability of the returning community. This section serves as a foundational record, demonstrating the tangible human commitment to the restoration effort.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in [Ezra 8](/ezra/8 "Ezra 8 - The Journey to Jerusalem") occurred approximately 80 years after the first wave of exiles returned under Zerubbabel and Jeshua (recounted in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Returnees")). Ezra, a priest and a "skilled scribe in the Law of Moses" ([Ezra 7:6](/ezra/7-6 "Ezra 7:6 - Ezra's Mission")), was commissioned by King Artaxerxes I of Persia to lead this second expedition, primarily to restore the Law of Moses and proper worship in Jerusalem. In post-exilic Jewish society, accurate genealogies were of paramount importance. They established tribal identity, validated claims to ancestral land, ensured the purity of priestly and Levitical lines, and documented the collective strength and commitment of those willing to leave the comforts of Babylon for the arduous task of rebuilding a desolate homeland and its spiritual heritage. The meticulous record-keeping reflects a cultural emphasis on lineage and community structure.
* **Key Themes:** This seemingly simple numerical entry contributes to several profound themes within Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Meticulous Accountability and Divine Order**. The detailed lists, including specific individuals like Josiphiah and the exact number of men (160 males, as "an hundred and threescore" means 160), underscore God's precision and the importance of order in His work. It reflects Ezra's dedication to proper record-keeping, essential for the re-establishment of a functional society and religious system in Jerusalem. Secondly, it speaks to **Divine Providence and the Preservation of a Remnant**. Each name and number represents God's faithfulness in preserving a portion of His people and orchestrating their return to their homeland, fulfilling prophetic promises concerning a remnant, echoing themes found in [Isaiah 10:21](/isaiah/10-21 "Isaiah 10:21 - The Remnant Will Return"). Finally, it embodies **Commitment to Restoration and Active Participation**. The individuals mentioned in these lists were not merely passive participants; they were men who voluntarily left their lives in Babylon to embark on a challenging journey to rebuild a desolate land and a broken spiritual heritage. Their inclusion signifies their active and vital role in the restoration of Jerusalem and the Mosaic Law, demonstrating personal sacrifice for a collective, divinely-appointed mission, as seen in Ezra's own commitment to "study the Law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes" ([Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Dedication")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shelomith (Hebrew, _Shĕlōmîth'_):** This name, often feminine in other contexts, here refers to a male ancestor or family line. It means "peaceful" or "my peace." In the context of the return from exile, the name itself subtly resonates with the hope for peace and restoration after a period of upheaval and judgment. Its inclusion signifies the continuation of specific family lines contributing to the rebuilding of a peaceful, re-established community.
* **Josiphiah (Hebrew, _Yôsiphĕyāh'_):** Meaning "Yahweh adds" or "Yahweh increases." This name is particularly fitting for a period of national and spiritual rebuilding. It speaks to the divine hand in gathering and increasing the remnant of Israel, reflecting God's promise to multiply His people even after judgment. Josiphiah, as a named individual, represents the personal embodiment of this divine increase and the tangible growth of the returning community.
* **Threescore (English, _threescore'_):** An archaic English term meaning "sixty." The phrase "an hundred and threescore males" therefore signifies 160 males. This precise numerical detail, common in the King James Version, underscores the meticulous nature of Ezra's census, highlighting the tangible and specific contribution of this family unit to the total returning population. It emphasizes the importance of every individual and group being accounted for in God's plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the sons of Shelomith;":** This clause introduces a specific family line or clan, indicating that the subsequent individual belongs to or descends from this group. In ancient Israel, lineage was foundational for identity, inheritance, and religious roles. The mention of "sons" emphasizes the male continuity and strength of the family unit contributing to the return.
* **"the son of Josiphiah,":** This specifies an individual from the aforementioned family of Shelomith, likely the head of a particular household or a prominent figure leading his contingent. His individual mention within the larger family context highlights both the collective identity and the specific leadership or representation of that group.
* **"and with him an hundred and threescore males.":** This final clause quantifies the number of adult males who accompanied Josiphiah. "An hundred and threescore" translates to 160. This precise figure underscores the meticulous record-keeping, demonstrating the significant human resources that each family unit contributed to the overall returning population. It emphasizes the collective effort and the tangible strength being brought back to Jerusalem for the work of rebuilding.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezra 8:10, and indeed throughout [Ezra 8:1-14](/ezra/8-1 "Ezra 8:1-14 - List of Returnees with Ezra"), is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. This technique involves the detailed listing of names, places, or numbers, serving to emphasize completeness, order, and the significance of each item. In this context, it highlights the meticulousness of Ezra's record-keeping, reflecting the divine order and precision in the restoration process. The repetitive structure of "X, the son of Y, and with him Z males" creates a rhythmic **Parallelism** that reinforces the comprehensive nature of the census. Furthermore, the mention of "males" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (adult males) represents the whole (the family's strength, labor, and contribution to the community's future). This detailed accounting lends an air of historical authenticity and underscores the tangible human commitment behind the spiritual and national restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 8:10, though a mere entry in a list, carries profound theological weight. It testifies to God's meticulous care for His people, even in their scattered state, and His faithfulness in preserving a remnant to fulfill His covenant promises. The very act of counting and naming individuals underscores that in God's economy, every person matters and every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or administrative, is significant to His overarching plan of redemption and restoration. This verse reminds us that divine purposes are often fulfilled through human diligence and obedience, as exemplified by Ezra's careful record-keeping and the willingness of these families to return. It speaks to the importance of being "counted in" for God's work, participating actively in His kingdom endeavors.

* [Numbers 1:2](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2 - Census of Israel")
* [Isaiah 4:2](/isaiah/4-2 "Isaiah 4:2 - The Remnant of Israel")
* [Nehemiah 7:6](/nehemiah/7-6 "Nehemiah 7:6 - List of Returnees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 8:10, a seemingly dry genealogical entry, offers rich insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to reconsider what truly matters in God's eyes. While we often focus on grand narratives and dramatic events, this verse reminds us that God also values meticulous detail, diligent record-keeping, and the faithful participation of every individual within the community. Just as Josiphiah and his 160 males were "counted in" for the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem, we too are called to be actively present and contribute our unique gifts and resources to God's ongoing work in the world. This verse encourages us to embrace our place, however humble, within the larger body of Christ, recognizing that our collective presence and commitment are essential for the fulfillment of God's purposes. It prompts us to cultivate diligence, accountability, and a deep appreciation for community in our spiritual endeavors, knowing that God uses every willing heart for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge our perception of what is "important" or "significant" in God's eyes?**
* **In what ways are we called to be "counted in" for God's work today, and what does that active participation look like in our lives?**
* **What does Ezra's meticulous record-keeping teach us about diligence and accountability in our own spiritual and communal responsibilities?**
* **How does the emphasis on family units and collective numbers in this passage inform our understanding of Christian community and mutual support?**

### FAQ
**Why are these lists of names and numbers so important in Ezra?**

Answer: These detailed lists serve multiple critical purposes in the book of Ezra. Firstly, they establish legitimate lineage, which was crucial for maintaining tribal identities, validating claims to ancestral land, and ensuring the purity of priestly and Levitical lines for temple service. Secondly, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people through exile and bringing them back to their homeland, fulfilling prophetic promises. Thirdly, they document the human resources—the strength, labor, and commitment—available for the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple. They underline the divine order and meticulousness of the restoration process, showing that God works through organized, accountable human effort.

**What does "an hundred and threescore males" mean?**

Answer: This is an archaic English phrase from the King James Version. "An hundred" means 100, and "threescore" means three times twenty, or 60. Therefore, "an hundred and threescore males" means 100 + 60 = 160 males. This detail highlights the precise accounting of the returning population, emphasizing the tangible contribution of each family unit to the restoration effort and Ezra's diligent record-keeping.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 8:10, with its meticulous counting of a returning remnant, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The physical return from Babylonian exile, a restoration of a people to a land, foreshadows the far greater spiritual restoration and gathering of God's people through Christ. The "sons of Shelomith" (peace) point to the true and lasting peace found only in Christ, who is our [peace](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"). The name Josiphiah, meaning "Yahweh adds" or "Yahweh increases," is profoundly fulfilled in Christ, through whom God adds countless souls to His kingdom, increasing His spiritual family beyond any earthly census. The meticulous divine record-keeping in Ezra, ensuring that every person is "counted in" for the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, culminates in the perfect and complete redemption offered in Christ, where those redeemed by His blood are eternally registered in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Book of Life"). Just as not one of the physical returnees was overlooked, so too [not one of Christ's sheep will be lost](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus' Sheep are Safe"). The physical temple rebuilt by the returnees points to Christ as the [true temple](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the Temple") and the builder of His [spiritual church](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone"), composed of all who are "counted in" by faith, forming a new, living sanctuary where God dwells.

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.