Ezra 8:16

Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.

Then sent {H7971} I for Eliezer {H461}, for Ariel {H740}, for Shemaiah {H8098}, and for Elnathan {H494}, and for Jarib {H3402}, and for Elnathan {H494}, and for Nathan {H5416}, and for Zechariah {H2148}, and for Meshullam {H4918}, chief men {H7218}; also for Joiarib {H3114}, and for Elnathan {H494}, men of understanding {H995}.

So I sent for Eli'ezer, Ari'el, Sh'ma'yah, Elnatan, Yariv, Elnatan, Natan, Z'kharyah and Meshulam, who were leaders, and also for Yoyariv and Elnatan, who were men of discernment.

Then I summoned the leaders: Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, as well as the teachers Joiarib and Elnathan.

Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, who were teachers.

Commentary

Context

Ezra 8:16 is situated within the narrative of Ezra's second expedition leading Jewish exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem. Unlike the first return under Zerubbabel, Ezra's mission, supported by King Artaxerxes, was primarily to re-establish the Law of God and administer the temple service. As Ezra gathered the people by the river Ahava (as detailed in Ezra 8:15), he realized a critical shortage of Levites, who were essential for the proper functioning of the temple and its sacrificial system. This verse details Ezra's proactive step to rectify this deficiency before embarking on the perilous journey. He specifically sent these named "chief men" and "men of understanding" as emissaries to Iddo at Casiphia, a place where many Levites and temple servants resided, to recruit more personnel for the service of the Lord's house. This highlights Ezra's meticulous planning and reliance on capable individuals to ensure the success of their spiritual mission and the restoration of proper worship in Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Leadership: Ezra demonstrates exemplary leadership by identifying a critical need (the lack of Levites for temple service) and taking decisive action to address it. He didn't proceed blindly but sought out capable individuals to solve the problem. This foresight and ability to delegate are crucial for any major undertaking, especially one of such spiritual and national significance as the return to Jerusalem and the re-establishment of the Law.
  • Importance of Qualified Personnel: The verse emphasizes the necessity of "chief men" and "men of understanding" for this crucial task. It underscores that God's work requires not just numbers, but individuals with wisdom, discernment, and leadership qualities. The specific naming of these individuals highlights their importance and the personal nature of Ezra's appeal, indicating a reliance on trusted and competent leaders.
  • Divine Providence and Human Responsibility: While Ezra consistently acknowledges God's good hand upon him (e.g., Ezra 7:28 and Ezra 8:31), this verse clearly shows his human responsibility in taking practical, diligent steps to ensure the success of the mission. God works through prayerful and proactive human effort.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "chief men" (Hebrew: rosheem) and "men of understanding" (Hebrew: anshei binah) are significant. Rosheem refers to heads or leaders, indicating individuals of authority and prominence within their clans or families, likely those with influence and respect. Anshei binah implies those with discernment, insight, and practical wisdom—qualities essential for delicate negotiations and effective communication, especially when recruiting for sacred service. This distinction underscores the dual need for both authoritative leadership and profound wisdom in those chosen for such a sensitive and vital mission.

Practical Application

Ezra 8:16 offers valuable lessons for today's believers, leaders, and communities:

  • Identify Needs: Like Ezra, we should be discerning about the needs within our communities, churches, or ministries. Don't overlook critical gaps in resources, personnel, or spiritual maturity.
  • Seek Capable People: When faced with a challenge or a crucial task, actively seek out individuals who possess the specific skills, wisdom, and leadership qualities required. Don't just pick anyone; choose those with "understanding" and proven capability. This aligns with New Testament principles of selecting those full of the Spirit and wisdom for service.
  • Delegate Strategically: Ezra delegated this vital recruitment task to trusted and capable individuals. Effective leadership involves empowering others to use their gifts for a common goal, fostering shared responsibility and building capacity within the community.
  • Proactive Planning: Ezra's foresight in addressing the Levite shortage *before* the journey began saved potential problems later. Proactive planning, rather than reacting to crises, is a mark of wise stewardship in any endeavor, whether personal, professional, or spiritual.
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 John 5:20

    And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

  • Ezra 8:13

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

  • 1 Chronicles 26:14

    And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.

  • 2 Chronicles 2:12

    Huram said moreover, Blessed [be] the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.

  • Ezra 10:21

    And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.

  • Proverbs 28:2

    ¶ For the transgression of a land many [are] the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding [and] knowledge the state [thereof] shall be prolonged.

  • 2 Timothy 2:7

    Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
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