Ezra 8:11

KJV

And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the sons {H1121} of Bebai {H893}; Zechariah {H2148} the son {H1121} of Bebai {H893}, and with him twenty {H6242} and eight {H8083} males {H2145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of the descendants of Bevai: Z'kharyah the son of Bevai, and with him 28 males;

Berean Standard Bible

from the descendants of Bebai, Zechariah son of Bebai, and with him 28 men;

American Standard Version

And of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah the son of Bebai; and with him twenty and eight males.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 8:11 meticulously records the return of Zechariah, a descendant of the Bebai family, along with twenty-eight other males, as part of the second wave of Jewish exiles journeying from Babylon to Jerusalem under Ezra's leadership. This seemingly simple entry underscores the highly organized and divinely orchestrated nature of the post-exilic restoration, highlighting the vital role of individual families and their commitment to rebuilding the community, re-establishing Mosaic law, and restoring proper worship in Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 8:11 is embedded within a detailed genealogical list [Ezra 8:1-14](/ezra/8-1-14 "Ezra 8:1-14 - Heads of Families Returning with Ezra") enumerating the heads of families and the number of males who joined Ezra for the arduous journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. This chapter immediately follows Ezra's commission by King Artaxerxes in [Ezra 7](/ezra/7 "Ezra 7 - Ezra's Journey to Jerusalem") to establish God's law and organize the community in Judah. The meticulous recording of names and numbers serves to legitimate the returning community, emphasizing their lineage and the organized, purposeful nature of this second major return, which occurred approximately 80 years after the initial return led by Zerubbabel [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Return from Exile"). This careful enumeration underscores the importance of identity and accountability in the restoration project.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra 8 took place during the Persian Empire's benevolent rule, which allowed conquered peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples, a policy exemplified by the Cyrus Cylinder. King Artaxerxes' decree provided Ezra with significant authority, resources, and protection for the journey. For the returning exiles, this was not merely a geographical relocation but a profound act of faith, leaving the established comforts of Babylonian life for a desolated homeland. The emphasis on "males" in the list reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where men were primarily responsible for physical labor, defense, and leadership in rebuilding efforts, particularly the Temple and the city walls. Genealogy was paramount for establishing land rights, priestly service, and tribal identity in the re-emerging community.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Restoration and Return**, as God faithfully fulfills His covenant promises to bring His people back from exile, as prophesied in passages like [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return from Exile"). Secondly, it highlights the **Individual Commitment to God's Work**, demonstrating that while God orchestrates grand plans, their execution requires the willing and courageous participation of individuals and families. Zechariah and his group exemplify this dedication, choosing to embark on a challenging journey for the sake of God's kingdom. Finally, the meticulous record-keeping underscores the **Importance of Genealogy and Community Identity**, which was crucial for re-establishing the social, religious, and political order in Judah, ensuring the purity of the priestly lines, and maintaining the distinct identity of God's covenant people. This commitment to order and lineage is further emphasized by Ezra's own dedication to the Law, as seen in [Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Heart to Seek the Law of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zechariah (Hebrew, _Zᵉkaryâh'_):** From the root meaning "to remember" and "Yah" (a shortened form of Yahweh), this significant name means "Yahweh has remembered" or "the Lord remembers." In the context of the return from Babylonian exile, this name carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful reminder that despite decades of captivity and apparent abandonment, God had not forgotten His covenant people or His promises of restoration. Zechariah's very name embodies the hope and faithfulness of God, who acts on behalf of His people in His appointed time.
* **Bebai (Hebrew, _Bêbay'_):** This is a family name, likely of foreign origin, indicating a specific lineage or clan. The inclusion of family names throughout Ezra 8 emphasizes the importance of tribal and familial identity among the returning exiles. It highlights the collective nature of the return, where entire households and clans participated in the national and spiritual restoration, maintaining continuity with their ancestral heritage and establishing their place in the re-emerging community.
* **males (Hebrew, _zâkâr'_):** This term specifically refers to adult men, distinguishing them from women and children. The enumeration of "males" was crucial because these were the individuals capable of contributing to the physical labor required for rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple, providing defense against potential adversaries, and serving in leadership roles within the re-established community. Their presence signified strength, capacity for work, and the potential for future generations to uphold the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the sons of Bebai;":** This introductory phrase immediately places Zechariah within a recognized family lineage, the "sons of Bebai." This highlights the importance of tribal and family identity in the post-exilic community. It signifies that the return was not a random gathering of individuals but an organized movement of established families, underscoring the continuity of Israelite identity despite the disruption of exile.
* **"Zechariah the son of Bebai,":** This clause identifies the specific leader from the Bebai family who participated in the return. The repetition of "son of Bebai" reinforces his lineage and establishes his authority within his clan. Zechariah's name, meaning "Yahweh remembers," serves as a poignant theological statement, reminding the reader of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of restoration to His people.
* **"and with him twenty and eight males.":** This final clause provides the precise number of adult men who accompanied Zechariah. The enumeration of "males" emphasizes the practical strength and capacity for labor and defense that these individuals brought to the rebuilding efforts in Judah. It also underscores the significant commitment of this particular family unit, contributing a substantial number of able-bodied men to the arduous and dangerous journey back to a desolate homeland.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 8:11, like the broader list it belongs to, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Genealogy**. **Enumeration** is evident in the precise counting of "twenty and eight males," which serves to meticulously document the participants in the return. This detailed listing provides historical credibility and emphasizes the organized nature of Ezra's expedition. **Genealogy** is central, as the verse explicitly names "Zechariah the son of Bebai," connecting him to a known family line. This highlights the importance of lineage in post-exilic Israel, affirming the identity and legitimacy of those returning to reclaim their heritage and rebuild the nation. Furthermore, the very name **Zechariah** functions as a form of **Symbolism**, carrying the theological message "Yahweh remembers," which powerfully encapsulates the overarching theme of divine faithfulness and remembrance that permeates the entire narrative of the return from exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 8:11, though a simple line in a list, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous care for His people and the necessity of human cooperation in His divine plan. The return from exile was a monumental act of divine faithfulness, yet it required the willing participation of individuals like Zechariah and the twenty-eight men with him. Their decision to leave the relative security of Babylon for the challenges of rebuilding Jerusalem demonstrates a deep trust in God's promises and a commitment to His covenant. This verse reminds us that every individual contribution, no matter how seemingly small or unheralded in the grand scheme, is vital to the unfolding of God's purposes. It speaks to the theme of divine remembrance, as Zechariah's name ("Yahweh remembers") serves as a living testament to God's enduring covenant love, even after generations of exile.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return from Exile")
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5-6 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His People")
* [Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Heart to Seek the Law of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 8:11 offers a powerful reminder that God's grand redemptive narrative is often advanced through the faithful, sometimes quiet, obedience of ordinary individuals. Zechariah and his twenty-eight companions were not kings or prophets, but their willingness to embark on a perilous journey was indispensable to the restoration of Judah. This teaches us that every one of us has a vital role to play in God's ongoing work in the world, regardless of how prominent or obscure that role may seem. Our commitment, our gifts, and our very presence are significant in His eyes. Just as God remembered His people and brought them back, He remembers us and invites us to participate in His kingdom. This verse challenges us to consider our own response to God's call, urging us to step out in faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain or requires personal sacrifice, trusting that our contributions, however humble, are valued and integrated into His perfect plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous listing of individuals like Zechariah challenge our perception of what constitutes "significant" ministry or contribution in God's kingdom?**
* **What "journey" or call might God be inviting you to embark on today that requires a similar commitment and trust, even if it feels arduous or uncertain?**
* **In what ways does the meaning of Zechariah's name, "Yahweh remembers," offer encouragement or assurance in your current circumstances?**
* **How can we better recognize and affirm the seemingly "small" contributions of others within our communities, seeing them as vital to God's larger work?**

### FAQ
**Why are these lists of names and numbers so detailed in books like Ezra?**

Answer: The detailed lists in Ezra, including [Ezra 8:11](/ezra/8-11 "Ezra 8:11 - Zechariah and the Sons of Bebai"), serve several crucial purposes. First, they provide historical authenticity and legitimacy to the narrative of the return from exile. These were real people, making real journeys. Second, they underscore the importance of genealogy and lineage in ancient Israelite society, especially for establishing claims to land, confirming eligibility for priestly or Levitical service, and maintaining tribal identities after generations in exile. This was vital for re-establishing the social and religious order in Judah. Finally, these lists highlight God's meticulous care for His people and the individual commitment required for His redemptive plans to unfold. Every person counted, literally, in God's grand design for the restoration of His covenant community.

**What was the significance of specifically mentioning "males" in Ezra 8:11?**

Answer: The mention of "males" (Hebrew: *zâkâr'*) in [Ezra 8:11](/ezra/8-11 "Ezra 8:11 - Zechariah and the Sons of Bebai") emphasizes the practical and societal roles these individuals were expected to fulfill in the challenging post-exilic environment. In ancient Israelite culture, adult males were the primary laborers for rebuilding the physical infrastructure of Jerusalem and the Temple, the defenders against hostile neighbors, and the heads of households responsible for re-establishing community life and religious practice. Their enumeration signifies the strength, capacity for work, and leadership potential that these specific individuals brought to the arduous task of national and spiritual restoration. It highlights the active, physical contribution required for the return and rebuilding efforts.

**How does this specific return with Ezra relate to other returns from exile mentioned in the Bible?**

Answer: [Ezra 8:11](/ezra/8-11 "Ezra 8:11 - Zechariah and the Sons of Bebai") describes a part of the **second major wave** of Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Judah. The **first major return** occurred roughly 80 years earlier, led by Zerubbabel and Joshua the High Priest, as detailed in [Ezra 1-6](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of Those Who Returned"). This first group focused on rebuilding the Temple. Ezra's return, sanctioned by King Artaxerxes, had a different emphasis: to establish the Law of Moses firmly in Judah, organize the community, and ensure proper worship. A **third, smaller wave** of returnees would later accompany Nehemiah, focusing on rebuilding Jerusalem's walls ([Nehemiah 1-2](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1 - Nehemiah's Prayer")). Thus, Zechariah and his companions were part of a crucial phase in the multi-generational process of national and spiritual restoration after the Babylonian captivity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The return from Babylonian exile, exemplified by Zechariah and his companions in [Ezra 8:11](/ezra/8-11 "Ezra 8:11 - Zechariah and the Sons of Bebai"), serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate spiritual restoration found in Jesus Christ. Just as Zechariah's name, "Yahweh remembers," signified God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to bring His people back, so too does God ultimately remember humanity's plight and send His Son, Jesus, whose very name means "Yahweh saves" ([Matthew 1:21](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Saves His People")). The physical return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple point to Christ as the true and ultimate Temple, the place where God fully dwells among His people ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")). The arduous journey undertaken by the exiles, leaving behind comfort for a desolate homeland, mirrors the spiritual journey of repentance and faith, where believers leave the bondage of sin to enter into the freedom and new life offered by Christ. Furthermore, the meticulous accounting of individuals like Zechariah in Ezra's list prefigures the new covenant community, the Church, where every believer is known by God and called to participate actively in building up the spiritual house of God, with Christ as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). The restoration through Ezra was partial and temporary, but the restoration accomplished by Christ through His sacrifice and resurrection is complete, eternal, and establishes a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")) that brings true spiritual return and dwelling with God.

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 10:28

Of the sons also of Bebai; Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, [and] Athlai.

Nehemiah 7:16

The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.

Ezra 2:11

The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.