Ezra 8:6

KJV

Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the sons {H1121} also of Adin {H5720}; Ebed {H5651} the son {H1121} of Jonathan {H3129}, and with him fifty {H2572} males {H2145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of the descendants of 'Adin: 'Eved the son of Yonatan, and with him 50 males;

Berean Standard Bible

from the descendants of Adin, Ebed son of Jonathan, and with him 50 men;

American Standard Version

And of the sons of Adin, Ebed the son of Jonathan; and with him fifty males.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 8:6 is a concise yet significant entry within a meticulously detailed roster of Jewish families and their leaders who embarked on the second major return from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. This verse specifically identifies Ebed, the son of Jonathan, as the head of the "sons of Adin," leading a contingent of fifty males. It underscores the organized nature of this sacred journey, highlighting the importance of lineage, leadership, and the faithful commitment of those who chose to participate in the restoration of their community and the rebuilding of the temple in post-exilic Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 8:6 is situated within the broader narrative of Ezra's second return to Jerusalem, specifically within a detailed genealogical register spanning [Ezra 8:1-14](/ezra/8-1 "Ezra 8:1-14 - The Leaders Who Returned with Ezra"). This chapter serves as a crucial bridge between Ezra's commissioning by King Artaxerxes in [Ezra 7](/ezra/7 "Ezra 7 - Ezra's Journey to Jerusalem") and the actual journey and subsequent events in Jerusalem. Following the initial return under Zerubbabel and Jeshua (as detailed in [Ezra 1-6](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree") and [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Return")), Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, is divinely appointed to lead a second wave of exiles, temple vessels, and resources back to Judah. The meticulous listing of family heads and the number of males accompanying them, as seen in [Ezra 8:6](/ezra/8-6 "Ezra 8:6 - The Sons of Adin"), emphasizes the orderly and deliberate nature of this undertaking. This section is not merely a dry list but a testament to the preservation of Israelite identity and the careful planning required for such a monumental journey, setting the stage for the re-establishment of the Law and temple worship upon their arrival.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra 8 takes place around 458 BC, during the reign of Artaxerxes I, nearly 80 years after the initial return under Zerubbabel. The Jewish community in Babylon had established itself, and many had become prosperous, making the decision to return to a desolate homeland a significant act of faith and sacrifice. Genealogies were of paramount importance in ancient Israelite culture, serving not only to establish tribal identity and land claims but also to validate priestly lineage (as seen in [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Exclusion from the Priesthood")). The Persian Empire, under which this return occurred, maintained a policy of allowing conquered peoples to return to their lands and practice their religion, often for administrative stability. Ezra's journey was not a clandestine escape but a state-sanctioned expedition, complete with royal decrees and provisions, underscoring the divine hand at work even through pagan rulers. The "males" count, as in [Ezra 8:6](/ezra/8-6 "Ezra 8:6 - The Sons of Adin"), typically refers to adult men capable of contributing to the journey and the rebuilding efforts, highlighting the practical and communal nature of the return.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed enumeration in Ezra 8, including the mention of the "sons of Adin" in [Ezra 8:6](/ezra/8-6 "Ezra 8:6 - The Sons of Adin"), contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezra and the post-exilic period. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Orchestration and Faithfulness**. God, through His covenant promises, is actively gathering His scattered people and bringing them back to the land, fulfilling prophecies like those found in [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Israel's Future"). Second, the emphasis on **Genealogy and Identity** is crucial; these lists served to preserve the distinct tribal and family identities of Israel, essential for maintaining the purity of the priesthood and the allocation of land, as also highlighted in [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Importance of Genealogies"). Third, the presence of specific leaders like Ebed underscores the theme of **Organized Leadership and Accountability**. The return was not chaotic but a well-structured endeavor, with designated individuals responsible for their respective family groups. Finally, the individuals who chose to return represent the **Faithful Remnant**—those who, despite comfort and security in Babylon, responded to God's call to rebuild the temple and the community in Jerusalem, demonstrating profound commitment to their heritage and God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adin (עָדִין, _‘Adin'_):** This Hebrew name, meaning "delicate," "luxurious," or "effeminate," appears in the biblical record as a family name among those who returned from exile. The inclusion of the "sons of Adin" in this list is significant because it suggests that even those from potentially more comfortable or privileged backgrounds in Babylon were willing to undertake the arduous and dangerous journey back to a desolate homeland. It speaks to the diverse social strata represented in the returning remnant and their shared commitment to God's call.
* **Ebed (עֶבֶד, _‘Eved'_):** Meaning "servant" or "slave," this name was common in ancient Semitic cultures. In the context of Ezra 8:6, Ebed is identified as the son of Jonathan and the leader of the Adin contingent. While the name literally denotes servitude, in a leadership role, it can carry the connotation of a "servant-leader"—one who leads through service and dedication to the community's welfare. This aligns with the biblical ideal of leadership, where true authority is often demonstrated through humility and service to others.
* **Jonathan (יְהוֹנָתָן, _Yehonatan'_):** A popular Hebrew name meaning "the Lord has given" or "Yahweh has given." The prevalence of this name throughout Israelite history (e.g., King Saul's son, a mighty man of David) reflects a deep-seated belief in God's active provision and generosity. In the context of the return from exile, the name "Jonathan" subtly reinforces the overarching theme that the entire repatriation effort was a gift from God, a demonstration of His faithfulness in restoring His people to their land and heritage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the sons also of Adin;":** This phrase identifies a specific family group, the "sons of Adin," as participants in the return. The meticulous listing of family names throughout [Ezra 8](/ezra/8 "Ezra 8 - Those Who Returned with Ezra") emphasizes the importance of lineage and identity within the post-exilic community. It highlights that the return was not a random migration but an organized gathering of specific families, preserving their heritage and ensuring their place within the restored Israel.
* **"Ebed the son of Jonathan,":** This clause names the specific leader of the "sons of Adin" contingent. Ebed, identified by his father Jonathan, signifies the structured leadership within each family unit. Such identification was crucial for accountability, organization, and the proper recording of those who committed to the journey. It underscores the hierarchical yet communal nature of the expedition, where each group had a designated head responsible for their members.
* **"and with him fifty males.":** This final phrase quantifies the number of adult men who accompanied Ebed from the family of Adin. The explicit count of "fifty males" provides a concrete detail, illustrating the scale and composition of the returning groups. It likely refers to men of fighting age or those capable of contributing labor and resources, emphasizing the practical strength and potential for rebuilding that each family brought to the monumental task of re-establishing Jerusalem and the temple.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 8:6, though brief, is a prime example of **Enumeration** and **Genealogy**, which are pervasive literary devices throughout the book of Ezra and other historical books of the Old Testament. The meticulous listing of names, patronymics (son of Jonathan), and precise numbers (fifty males) serves to establish the authenticity and historical accuracy of the account. This detailed **Roster** not only provides a record of those who returned but also underscores the divine order and human organization behind the repatriation. Furthermore, the very act of listing these names carries a subtle **Symbolism** of divine remembrance and preservation; each name represents an individual chosen by God and committed to His purposes, ensuring the continuity of the covenant people. The dry nature of the list itself paradoxically highlights the profound significance of each person's participation in God's unfolding plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 8:6, as part of a larger genealogical register, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly His commitment to gather His scattered people and restore them to their land. It demonstrates that even in the midst of exile and dispersion, God preserves a remnant and orchestrates their return, not through a chaotic migration, but through an organized, divinely sanctioned movement. The emphasis on specific family names and their leaders highlights the importance of identity and continuity within God's people, ensuring that the lineage and heritage of Israel were maintained for future generations and for the unfolding of His redemptive plan. This meticulous record serves as a testament to God's meticulous care for each individual and family who chose to participate in His work of restoration.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - God's Promise of Return")
* [Isaiah 43:5-6](/isaiah/43-5 "Isaiah 43:5-6 - God Gathers His People")
* [Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Importance of Genealogies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 8:6, though seemingly a mere historical detail, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every individual, no matter how seemingly small their role, is significant in God's grand narrative. The meticulous recording of each family and their contribution underscores God's valuing of every person who responds to His call and participates in His work. This verse challenges us to consider our own place within God's ongoing redemptive story: Are we, like the sons of Adin, willing to leave comfort and security to follow God's leading, even when the path is arduous? It also highlights the importance of organized leadership and accountability within the community of faith, demonstrating that God's work is often accomplished through structured, purposeful action. We are called to contribute our unique gifts and presence, trusting that God sees and values our commitment, just as He did for those who returned with Ezra.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous listing of individuals in Ezra 8:6 encourage you about God's attention to detail and His valuing of every person in His plan?**
* **What "Babylon" (comfort zone, familiar patterns) might God be calling you to leave behind in order to participate more fully in His work of restoration today?**
* **In what ways can you embrace a "servant-leader" mindset, like Ebed, in your sphere of influence, whether in your family, church, or community?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies and lists of names so important in biblical texts like Ezra?**

Answer: Genealogies and lists of names, such as the one found in [Ezra 8](/ezra/8 "Ezra 8 - Those Who Returned with Ezra"), are critically important for several reasons in biblical texts. Firstly, they establish **identity and lineage**, which was foundational for the Jewish people. It confirmed tribal affiliations, inheritance rights, and, crucially, the eligibility for priestly service, as only descendants of Aaron could serve as priests (e.g., [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Priests with Disputed Genealogies")). Secondly, they served as **historical validation**, authenticating the narrative by providing concrete details of participants and their numbers, lending credibility to the account of the return from exile. Thirdly, these lists demonstrate **God's faithfulness** in preserving His covenant people through generations, ensuring the continuity of the nation of Israel despite periods of judgment and exile. Finally, they highlight **divine order and human accountability**, showing that God’s plans are often executed through organized human effort, with specific leaders responsible for specific groups, as seen with Ebed leading the sons of Adin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly dry list in Ezra 8:6, detailing the return of a specific family group under Ebed, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the greater spiritual return and gathering of God's people through Jesus Christ. Just as Ebed, whose name means "servant," led a contingent back to Jerusalem, Christ is the ultimate [Servant of the Lord](/isaiah/53-11 "Isaiah 53:11 - The Suffering Servant") who leads His people not merely to a physical city, but into the spiritual Jerusalem, the Kingdom of God. The meticulous recording of physical lineage in Ezra foreshadows the new, spiritual lineage established through faith in Christ, where believers from every tribe and nation are adopted into God's family, becoming [sons and daughters of God](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Children of God Through Faith"). The "remnant" who returned with Ezra prefigures the church, the new covenant community, whom Christ gathers from all corners of the earth, making them [one body in Him](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with God's People"). The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem symbolizes the believer's journey from spiritual bondage and exile to freedom and fellowship with God, a journey made possible by the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, Ezra 8:6, in its small detail, points to the grand redemptive work of Christ, who gathers His people, establishes their true identity, and leads them into their eternal inheritance.

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.