Ezra 8:3

KJV

Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the sons {H1121} of Shechaniah {H7935}, of the sons {H1121} of Pharosh {H6551}; Zechariah {H2148}: and with him were reckoned by genealogy {H3187} of the males {H2145} an hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of the descendants of Sh'khanyah: of the descendants of Par'osh: Z'kharyah, and with him 150 males officially registered;

Berean Standard Bible

from the descendants of David, Hattush of the descendants of Shecaniah; from the descendants of Parosh, Zechariah, and with him were registered 150 men;

American Standard Version

Of the sons of Shecaniah, of the sons of Parosh, Zechariah; and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males a hundred and fifty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 8:3 provides a meticulous record of one specific family group, the sons of Shechaniah, from the lineage of Pharosh, led by Zechariah, who returned with Ezra from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. This verse, part of a larger register in Ezra 8, highlights the precise and organized nature of this second major return, underscoring the importance of verifiable lineage and the divine preservation of a faithful remnant. It serves as a testament to God's hand in gathering His people and establishing order for the monumental task of rebuilding the community and restoring proper worship in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 8:3 is situated within a detailed list of the heads of families and their numbers who accompanied Ezra on his journey from Babylon to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:1-14). This chapter immediately follows Ezra's commission by King Artaxerxes (Ezra 7), which outlines his authority and resources for the return. The meticulous enumeration of individuals and families in Ezra 8 serves several purposes: it validates the legitimacy of the returnees, ensures accountability for the precious temple vessels entrusted to them, and emphasizes the organized, divinely orchestrated nature of this significant movement. These lists are not mere historical footnotes but theological statements, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving and gathering His people, even down to specific family units.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra 8 occurred around 458 BC, during the reign of Artaxerxes I of Persia, roughly 80 years after the initial return led by Zerubbabel and Joshua (c. 538 BC). For the Jewish people, who had endured generations of exile in Babylon, the preservation of genealogical records was paramount. Lineage determined tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and critically, eligibility for priestly and Levitical service. After the disruption of exile, verifying ancestry was essential for re-establishing the social, religious, and political structures of the community in Judah. The Persian Empire, known for its administrative efficiency, would have also encouraged such meticulous record-keeping, aligning with Ezra's own commitment to order and the Law of God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of Ezra 8, contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Preservation and Restoration**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in gathering a "remnant" of His people despite the devastation of exile, enabling them to return and fulfill His covenant promises. Secondly, the emphasis on "reckoned by genealogy" highlights the **Importance of Purity, Order, and Accountability** within the community. This meticulousness was vital for re-establishing proper worship, ensuring the integrity of the priesthood, and maintaining the distinct identity of Israel. The detailed lists, akin to those found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Returnees") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of Those Who Returned"), underscore the Jewish people's profound respect for their heritage and tribal identity, which was crucial for maintaining tribal land allocations and priestly roles, especially after generations in exile, as seen with the strict requirements for priestly lineage in [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Priestly Exclusion Due to Unverified Lineage"). Finally, it speaks to the **Sovereignty of God** in orchestrating historical events, even using pagan kings like Artaxerxes to facilitate the return and restoration of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **reckoned by genealogy (Hebrew, _yachas'_):** This phrase translates the Hebrew verb יַחַשׂ (yachas), meaning "to register by genealogy," "to enroll oneself," or "to be recorded in a genealogical register." It implies a formal, official, and documented process of counting and verifying individuals based on their ancestral records. This was not a casual tally but a meticulous, authoritative enrollment, crucial for establishing legitimacy, particularly for those claiming roles within the restored community or priestly service. It underscores the importance of identity and belonging rooted in verifiable lineage.
* **males (Hebrew, _zakar'_):** The specification "of the males" (לַזְּכָרִים, *la-z'kharim*) highlights the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society and the primary role of male heads of households in genealogical records and public rolls. While women and children were undoubtedly part of the returning families, the official census and public accounting focused on the men, who represented their households and bore the legal and communal responsibilities. This detail emphasizes the formal and structured nature of the census.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah:"**: This clause precisely identifies Zechariah through a double lineage. He is first identified as belonging to the "sons of Shechaniah," indicating a direct paternal line or a prominent family branch. The further specification "of the sons of Pharosh" indicates that Shechaniah himself belonged to the larger, foundational family of Pharosh, one of the prominent families who returned from exile. This detailed identification underscores the meticulous nature of the genealogical record-keeping, ensuring that each individual's heritage was clearly documented and verifiable.
* **"and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty."**: This part of the verse provides the numerical count associated with Zechariah's family group. The phrase "reckoned by genealogy" reinforces the idea of an official, verified census. The number "an hundred and fifty" refers specifically to the adult males, who would have been the heads of households or eligible for military and communal service. This precise accounting was vital for logistical planning, assigning responsibilities, and ensuring the accountability of the returning exiles as they embarked on the challenging task of rebuilding Jerusalem and re-establishing the nation.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezra 8:3 and the surrounding list is **Enumeration** or **Cataloging**. The detailed listing of names, family heads, and specific numbers is not merely historical reporting but a deliberate literary choice that serves several functions. It emphasizes the **Precision** and **Order** inherent in God's work of restoration, demonstrating that the return was not chaotic but meticulously planned and executed. The **Repetition** of the phrase "of the sons of" throughout the chapter highlights the profound importance of **Genealogy** and lineage in establishing identity, legitimacy, and continuity for the post-exilic community. This detailed accounting also conveys a sense of **Completeness** and **Divine Oversight**, suggesting that every individual, no matter how seemingly small their contribution, was known and valued in God's grand plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 8:3, though a concise historical record, resonates with profound theological and thematic connections throughout Scripture. It showcases God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly His commitment to preserving a remnant of His people and bringing them back to the land He promised. The meticulous recording of names and numbers reflects God's own attention to detail and His intimate knowledge of those who belong to Him. This divine care for individual identity within the larger community foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on every believer being known by God and having a place in His spiritual household. The careful verification of lineage also speaks to the biblical theme of purity and accountability, essential for a people called to represent a holy God.

* [Ezra 2:1](/ezra/2-1 "Ezra 2:1 - The First Returnees from Exile")
* [Nehemiah 7:6](/nehemiah/7-6 "Nehemiah 7:6 - Register of Those Who Returned with Zerubbabel")
* [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Priestly Exclusion Due to Unverified Lineage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 8:3, despite its seemingly dry enumeration, offers enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Just as the ancient Israelites meticulously tracked their heritage to establish identity and belonging, we are called to understand our spiritual lineage as part of God's family, adopted through Christ. This verse reminds us that every individual, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is counted and valued in God's grand plan of redemption. It highlights the importance of order, accountability, and intentionality in our spiritual lives and communal ministries. God works through organized efforts, and our participation, whether in personal spiritual growth or collective ministry, is part of a larger, divinely orchestrated movement. We are called to live with purpose, recognizing our place within the body of Christ, contributing to the ongoing work of building His kingdom with diligence and integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding our spiritual lineage in Christ, as adopted sons and daughters of God, shape our identity and purpose today?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate greater order and accountability in our personal lives and church communities, reflecting God's meticulousness and commitment to purity?**
* **How does Ezra 8:3 encourage us to see our individual contributions, however seemingly small, as valued and essential parts of God's larger plan for His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why were genealogies so important in post-exilic Israel?**

Answer: Genealogies were critically important in post-exilic Israel for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, they established **identity and tribal affiliation**, which was crucial for land inheritance and maintaining the distinct social structure of the twelve tribes. After generations in exile, many records were lost or fragmented, making verification essential. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, genealogies determined **eligibility for priestly and Levitical service**. Only those who could prove direct descent from Aaron (for priests) or Levi (for Levites) were permitted to serve in the temple, ensuring the purity and legitimacy of worship (as seen in [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Priestly Exclusion Due to Unverified Lineage")). Finally, these records helped to confirm **covenant membership** and the preservation of the "seed" through whom God's promises would be fulfilled.

**What was the significance of "reckoned by genealogy" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "reckoned by genealogy" signifies far more than a simple headcount; it indicates an official, verified, and documented registration based on ancestral records. This meticulous process underscored the **legitimacy and authenticity** of the returning exiles. It ensured accountability for the resources entrusted to Ezra and the people, and it validated their right to participate in the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the restoration of temple worship. It highlights God's meticulous attention to detail and His providential hand in gathering a specific, identifiable remnant, ensuring that the return was orderly and purposeful, not a random, unorganized migration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezra 8:3 details a physical genealogy and a historical return, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The meticulous recording of lineages in Ezra foreshadows the ultimate importance of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, which establishes His rightful claim as the Messiah, the Son of David, and the Son of Abraham, fulfilling all covenant promises (e.g., [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ") and [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23 "Luke 3:23-38 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). The concept of a "remnant" returning from exile finds its spiritual culmination in the church, which is the new Israel, gathered by Christ not by physical descent but by faith in Him ([Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not All Israel Is Israel")). Just as Ezra led a people back to rebuild a physical temple, Christ is the ultimate builder of His spiritual temple, the church, composed of believers from every nation, tribe, and tongue ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")). The emphasis on purity and order in Ezra's return points to Christ's work in purifying His church, making her holy and blameless through His sacrifice ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loved the Church and Gave Himself Up for Her")). Ultimately, the divine preservation and meticulous counting of individuals in Ezra 8:3 prefigure God's intimate knowledge and valuing of every believer, whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, demonstrating His sovereign care for His redeemed people ([Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - Hairs of Your Head Numbered")).

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 2:3

The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.

Nehemiah 7:8

The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.

Nehemiah 10:14

The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,