Ezra 8:13

KJV

And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names [are] these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the last {H314} sons {H1121} of Adonikam {H140}, whose names {H8034} are these, Eliphelet {H467}, Jeiel {H3273}, and Shemaiah {H8098}, and with them threescore {H8346} males {H2145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of the descendants of Adonikam: the younger ones, whose names were Elifelet, Ye'i'el and Sh'ma'yah, and with them 60 males; and

Berean Standard Bible

from the later descendants of Adonikam, these were their names: Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them 60 men;

American Standard Version

And of the sons of Adonikam, that were the last; and these are their names: Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah; and with them threescore males.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 8:13 meticulously lists a specific group of returnees from Babylonian exile: the final descendants of Adonikam, namely Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, accompanied by sixty additional males. This verse is part of a larger genealogical record detailing those who joined Ezra on his second significant journey back to Jerusalem. It underscores the divine orchestration of Israel's restoration, the importance of lineage and community contribution, and God's faithfulness in gathering His scattered people for the rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of the Mosaic Law in the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 8:13 is embedded within a crucial section of the book of Ezra (chapters 7-8) that details Ezra's second return to Jerusalem, approximately 80 years after the initial return led by Zerubbabel. Ezra 8 specifically lists the family heads and their accompanying males who volunteered for this perilous journey. The preceding verses (Ezra 8:1-14) systematically enumerate the various families and their numbers, emphasizing the organized and deliberate nature of this spiritual and national repatriation. This meticulous record-keeping serves to establish the legitimacy and purity of the returning community, crucial for the re-establishment of the priestly and Levitical orders, and for the overall identity of the post-exilic nation. The list culminates in the gathering at the river Ahava (Ezra 8:15), where Ezra discovers a significant lack of Levites, leading to further recruitment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra 8 takes place during the reign of Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC), long after the initial decree of Cyrus the Great. The exiles had been living in Babylon for generations, many having established comfortable lives. The decision to return to a desolate and politically vulnerable Jerusalem required immense faith and sacrifice. Genealogies were paramount in ancient Israelite society, serving as legal documents for land inheritance, tribal identity, priestly qualifications, and social standing. The "threescore males" (sixty men) represent a significant contribution of manpower for rebuilding, defense, and re-population. This period was marked by the ongoing challenge of maintaining Jewish identity and religious purity amidst foreign influences, making the careful recording of lineage a vital act of self-preservation and adherence to covenantal distinctives.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous listing in Ezra 8:13 contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezra. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Providence and Restoration**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in fulfilling His promises to bring His people back to the land after seventy years of exile, as prophesied (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Restoration")). The careful organization of the returnees, even down to specific family names, underscores that this was not a random migration but a divinely orchestrated gathering. Secondly, the emphasis on **Lineage and Identity** is profound; the genealogies affirm the continuity of God's covenant people, linking the post-exilic community back to their patriarchal roots and ensuring the purity of the priestly lines. This echoes the importance of such records found throughout Israel's history, as seen in books like [1 Chronicles 9](/1_chronicles/9 "1 Chronicles 9 - Genealogies of Israel"). Lastly, the presence of these individuals, even in relatively small numbers, reinforces the theme of **Community and Collective Contribution**. Each family and individual, no matter how seemingly minor, played a vital role in the re-establishment of the nation and the temple, reflecting the principle that every part contributes to the whole, a concept also present in [Ezra 7:9](/ezra/7-9 "Ezra 7:9 - God's Good Hand on Ezra").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adonikam (אֲדֹנִיקָם, _ʾĂdōnîqām_):** This name means "my Lord has risen" or "my Lord has stood up." In the context of the exile and return, it carries a profound theological resonance. It could signify a declaration of faith that Yahweh, the true Lord, has not abandoned His people but has "stood up" on their behalf, initiating their deliverance and restoration from Babylonian captivity. For a family to bear this name suggests a deep-seated hope or acknowledgment of God's active intervention in their history.
* **Eliphelet (אֱלִיפֶלֶט, _ʾĔlîp̄elet_):** Meaning "my God is deliverance" or "God of escape." This name perfectly encapsulates the experience of the exiles. Their return from Babylon was an act of divine deliverance, a miraculous escape from foreign dominion. Bearing this name would serve as a constant reminder of God's saving power and His active role in liberating His people from bondage, a theme central to Israel's identity from the Exodus onward.
* **Shemaiah (שְׁמַעְיָה, _Šəmāʿyāh_):** Meaning "heard by Yahweh" or "Yahweh has heard." This name often signifies a person whose prayers or cries for help have been answered by God. In the context of the exile, it speaks to the long period of suffering and longing for return. The presence of individuals named Shemaiah among the returnees suggests that God had indeed heard the lamentations of His people and was now responding by gathering them back to their land, fulfilling His covenant promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the last sons of Adonikam":** This phrase indicates a specific lineage, identifying the descendants of a notable family head named Adonikam. The term "last sons" (or "younger sons" in some interpretations) might imply that these individuals represented the final contingent or a particular branch of the family that joined Ezra's expedition, perhaps distinct from those who returned earlier with Zerubbabel, or simply indicating the most recent generation to be listed. It highlights the meticulousness of the record-keeping and the importance of family identity within the returning community.
* **"whose names [are] these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah":** This clause provides the specific names of the three prominent individuals from Adonikam's line who were leading this group. The inclusion of their names emphasizes their individual significance and leadership within their family unit. As explored in the Key Word Analysis, each name carries a meaningful theological connotation, reflecting themes of divine deliverance, God's attentiveness, and His active role in the restoration.
* **"and with them threescore males":** This specifies the number of men accompanying Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah. "Threescore" is an archaic English term for sixty. This detail is crucial for understanding the size and composition of Ezra's company, indicating the collective strength and manpower contributed by this particular family line. These sixty males would have been vital for the journey itself, for the security of the group, and for the subsequent rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem, underscoring the communal effort required for the nation's restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 8:13, like much of the book of Ezra, prominently employs **Listing/Genealogy** as a primary literary device. This meticulous enumeration of names and numbers serves not merely as a historical record but as a theological statement. It underscores the divine order and precision in God's plan for His people's restoration, demonstrating that every individual and family played a specific, recognized role. The act of listing itself emphasizes the continuity of the covenant community across generations and the legitimacy of those returning to reclaim their heritage. Furthermore, the selection of names like Adonikam, Eliphelet, and Shemaiah reveals an element of **Symbolism**. These names, with their inherent meanings ("my Lord has risen," "my God is deliverance," "Yahweh has heard"), are not random but serve as poignant reminders of God's faithfulness, His active intervention in their history, and the answered prayers for liberation from exile. The very names of the returnees become a testament to the theological narrative of redemption and restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 8:13, though a seemingly dry list of names and numbers, is deeply theological. It powerfully illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even after generations of disobedience and exile. The meticulous accounting of each family and individual underscores God's personal knowledge and care for His people, demonstrating that His plan for restoration is precise and intentional, not haphazard. It highlights the importance of human cooperation and obedience to the divine call, as these individuals willingly left their established lives to participate in God's redemptive work. The return from exile is a tangible demonstration of God's power to gather His scattered flock, fulfilling prophecy and re-establishing His presence among them. This act of gathering and re-identifying His people foreshadows a greater, spiritual gathering.

* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His People")
* [Nehemiah 7:6-65](/nehemiah/7-6 "Nehemiah 7:6-65 - List of Returnees")
* [Psalm 107:2-3](/psalms/107-2 "Psalm 107:2-3 - The Redeemed Gathered")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 8:13 reminds us that God's grand redemptive narrative often unfolds through the faithful participation of ordinary individuals and families. The meticulous record-keeping reflects God's own attention to detail and His profound care for each person within His covenant community. Just as these "threescore males" and their leaders were essential to the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, so too is every believer indispensable to the spiritual building of God's kingdom today. Our lineage, whether physical or spiritual, connects us to a rich heritage of God's faithfulness, calling us to embody the same commitment and courage as those who returned from exile. This verse encourages us to value our place in God's story, recognizing that even seemingly small contributions are significant in His divine economy. It challenges us to respond with faith and obedience when God calls us to participate in His work, trusting that He sees, knows, and values our unique contribution, just as He did for Eliphelet, Jeiel, Shemaiah, and the sixty males.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous listing of individuals in Ezra 8:13 speak to God's personal knowledge and care for each person within His community?**
* **What does the willingness of these exiles to leave their comfortable lives and return to a challenging future teach us about faithful obedience to God's call?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community, ensure that every member feels valued and recognized for their unique contribution to God's work, mirroring the intentionality seen in this passage?**

### FAQ
**Why are biblical genealogies and lists, like the one in Ezra 8:13, so important?**

Answer: Biblical genealogies and lists are critically important for several reasons. Historically, they establish the legitimacy of individuals and groups, particularly for priestly service, tribal inheritance, and claims to land. Theologically, they demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and fulfilling His covenant promises through specific lineages, leading ultimately to the Messiah. They also provide a sense of continuity and identity for the community, linking them to their past and to God's ongoing work throughout history. In Ezra, these lists were vital for re-establishing the post-exilic community's identity and purity after generations in Babylon, ensuring that only those truly part of the covenant people participated in the rebuilding of the temple and the nation. The careful recording of names like those in [Ezra 8:13](/ezra/8-13 "Ezra 8:13 - Sons of Adonikam") underscores the divine order and human accountability in God's redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 8:13, with its detailed list of returnees and their leaders, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The physical return from Babylonian exile, orchestrated by God and involving specific individuals like Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, foreshadows the ultimate spiritual return and gathering of God's people in Christ. Jesus is the true and greater Ezra, not merely bringing a copy of the Law, but embodying the Law and fulfilling its requirements, ushering in a new covenant of grace. Just as God meticulously gathered a remnant from exile, Christ gathers His elect from every tribe and nation into His spiritual kingdom, the Church, making them citizens of a heavenly Jerusalem ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")). The names of the returnees, like Eliphelet ("my God is deliverance"), point directly to Jesus as the ultimate Deliverer and Savior, who liberates humanity from the bondage of sin and death ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). The "threescore males" contributing to the rebuilding effort prefigure the diverse members of the Body of Christ, each uniquely gifted and called to build up God's spiritual temple ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). Ultimately, the meticulous record of names in Ezra anticipates the Lamb's Book of Life, where the names of all those redeemed by Christ are eternally inscribed ([Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Book of Life")), signifying God's perfect knowledge and secure inheritance for every one of His children gathered in Him.

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.