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Ezra 8:35

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[Also] the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats [for] a sin offering: all [this was] a burnt offering unto the LORD.

Also the children {H1121} of those that had been carried away {H1473}, which were come out {H935} of the captivity {H7628}, offered {H7126} burnt offerings {H5930} unto the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, twelve {H8147}{H6240} bullocks {H6499} for all Israel {H3478}, ninety {H8673} and six {H8337} rams {H352}, seventy {H7657} and seven {H7651} lambs {H3532}, twelve {H8147}{H6240} he goats {H6842} for a sin offering {H2403}: all this was a burnt offering {H5930} unto the LORD {H3068}.

The exiles who had returned from captivity offered burnt offerings to the God of Isra'el - twelve young bulls for all Isra'el, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and twelve male goats as a sin offering; all this was a burnt offering for ADONAI.

Then the exiles who had returned from captivity sacrificed burnt offerings to the God of Israel: 12 bulls for all Israel, 96 rams, 77 lambs, and a sin offering of 12 male goats. All this was a burnt offering to the LORD.

The children of the captivity, that were come out of exile, offered burnt-offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he-goats for a sin-offering: all this was a burnt-offering unto Jehovah.

Commentary

Context

Ezra 8:35 marks a significant moment in the post-exilic history of Israel. This verse describes a climactic act of worship performed by the second wave of Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem, led by Ezra the scribe and priest. After a perilous four-month journey from the river Ahava, carrying valuable temple treasures, the returning community safely arrived in Jerusalem. This offering is their immediate response of gratitude, dedication, and renewed covenant commitment to God upon their arrival, following the successful delivery of the silver, gold, and vessels for the rebuilt temple. It signifies the spiritual purpose of their return: to re-establish proper worship and restore the community's relationship with the God of Israel in their homeland.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Restoration and Rededication: The offerings symbolize the people's profound gratitude and renewed commitment to God after their decades of Babylonian captivity. It was an act of purification, thanksgiving, and dedication to God for their safe return and the opportunity to resume worship in Jerusalem.
  • National Unity and Representation: The specific mention of "twelve bullocks for all Israel" is highly symbolic. It represents the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing the desire for national unity and a corporate identity, even though many tribes had been scattered or assimilated during the exile. This act was performed on behalf of the entire nation, signifying their shared purpose and identity under God, and echoing prophetic visions of a reunited Israel.
  • Atonement and Worship: The inclusion of both burnt offerings (symbolizing complete surrender, devotion, and propitiation) and sin offerings (for cleansing from unintentional sins or impurities) demonstrates their understanding of the need for atonement to stand rightly before a holy God. These sacrifices were central to Old Testament worship and were essential for maintaining fellowship with God under the Mosaic Covenant.
  • Covenant Renewal: This grand act of worship in Jerusalem was a tangible expression of their desire to live in renewed obedience to the Mosaic Law, which had been neglected, leading to their exile. It was a significant step towards returning to the Lord with all their heart and establishing a righteous community.

Linguistic Insights

The term "burnt offerings" in Hebrew is 'olah, meaning "that which goes up," referring to the entire animal being consumed by fire on the altar, with the smoke ascending to God. This type of offering symbolized complete surrender and devotion. The "sin offering" (Hebrew: chatta't) was specifically prescribed for atonement, to cleanse from impurity or unintentional sin, thereby restoring the offerer's ritual purity and fellowship with God. These terms reflect the specific ritual practices mandated by the Law of Moses for approaching a holy God.

Practical Application

Ezra 8:35 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as the returning exiles sought to re-establish their relationship with God through sacrifice and obedience, we are called to offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1) in grateful response to God's deliverance and provision. The emphasis on "all Israel" encourages unity within the body of Christ, reminding us of our shared identity and purpose as God's people. While animal sacrifices are no longer required due to Christ's perfect and final sacrifice on the cross, the principles of repentance, atonement (through Christ), wholehearted devotion, and corporate worship remain central to Christian faith and practice. We are to continually seek forgiveness, dedicate our lives to God's service, and strive for unity and holiness within the community of faith.

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Cross-References

  • Ezra 6:17 (5 votes)

    And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

  • Psalms 116:12 (2 votes)

    What shall I render unto the LORD [for] all his benefits toward me?

  • Psalms 116:19 (2 votes)

    In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

  • Psalms 66:10 (2 votes)

    For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.

  • Psalms 66:15 (2 votes)

    I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.

  • Ezra 2:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now these [are] the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;

  • Numbers 7:27 (2 votes)

    One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering: