Ezra 8:8

KJV

And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the sons {H1121} of Shephatiah {H8203}; Zebadiah {H2069} the son {H1121} of Michael {H4317}, and with him fourscore {H8084} males {H2145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of the descendants of Sh'fatyah: Z'vadyah the son of Mikha'el, and with him 80 males;

Berean Standard Bible

from the descendants of Shephatiah, Zebadiah son of Michael, and with him 80 men;

American Standard Version

And of the sons of Shephatiah, Zebadiah the son of Michael; and with him fourscore males.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 8:8 meticulously records the return of a specific group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, highlighting "the sons of Shephatiah," led by Zebadiah the son of Michael, accompanied by "fourscore males" (eighty men). This verse is part of a comprehensive roster detailing the families and individuals who courageously joined Ezra's second wave of returnees, underscoring the careful organization and divine oversight involved in the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their homeland after the Babylonian captivity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 8 immediately follows Ezra's commission from King Artaxerxes in [Ezra 7](/ezra/7 "Ezra 7 - Ezra's Journey to Jerusalem") to lead a second group of exiles back to Jerusalem, bringing temple treasures, and establishing the Law of God. This chapter serves as a detailed manifest of those who responded to the call, listing family heads and the number of men accompanying them. The meticulous enumeration, including Ezra 8:8, is not merely a dry list but a vital historical and theological record, affirming the identity and legitimacy of the returnees, ensuring the continuation of family lines, and providing a foundation for the re-establishment of the community and its religious practices. It sets the stage for the challenges and spiritual renewal that follow in the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The return described in Ezra takes place during the Persian Empire's rule, specifically under Artaxerxes I (465–424 BC). This period followed the initial return under Zerubbabel and Joshua (c. 538 BC) and the rebuilding of the temple. The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem was arduous and dangerous, fraught with risks from bandits and hostile populations, necessitating divine protection and careful planning. For the Jewish exiles, maintaining accurate genealogical records was paramount for confirming their Israelite identity, their right to inherit ancestral land, and, for some, their eligibility for priestly or Levitical service, as seen in [Ezra 2:62](/ezra/2-62 "Ezra 2:62 - Exclusion from Priesthood due to Unproven Genealogy"). Their willingness to leave the relative comfort and established lives in Babylon for the uncertainties of a devastated homeland demonstrates a profound commitment to their ancestral faith and the rebuilding of their nation.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed listing in Ezra 8:8 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous care in gathering His people and orchestrating their [restoration to their homeland](/ezra/9-9 "Ezra 9:9 - God's Restoration of His People"). Every individual, though part of a larger group, was known and accounted for in God's plan. Secondly, the emphasis on lineage underscores the **Importance of Identity and Continuity**, particularly the preservation of Israelite identity and the covenant community through successive generations. Finally, the act of returning itself embodies **Commitment and Obedience to God's Call**, as these individuals, including Zebadiah and the eighty men, made a conscious decision to participate in this divinely mandated undertaking, leaving behind familiar comforts for the challenges of rebuilding Jerusalem and re-establishing the Law of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shephatiah (Hebrew, _Shĕphaṭyāh_):** This name means "Yah has judged" or "Yah has defended." It belongs to a prominent family, with descendants mentioned among those who returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:4) and those who settled in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:4). The inclusion of "the sons of Shephatiah" here signifies the continued participation of established and respected families in the post-exilic community's restoration efforts, emphasizing a legacy of faithfulness and divine vindication.
* **Zebadiah (Hebrew, _Zĕbaḏyāh_):** Meaning "Yah has bestowed" or "Yah has given," this name is common in the Old Testament, often associated with individuals in positions of leadership or service (e.g., a Levite in 2 Chronicles 17:8, a gatekeeper in 1 Chronicles 26:2). His specific mention as "the son of Michael" (meaning "who is like God?") further identifies him, highlighting the individual leaders God raised up for this crucial work, acknowledging their specific contributions as gifts from God.
* **Fourscore (English, _archaic for eighty_):** This archaic English term from the King James Version precisely translates the Hebrew number "eighty." The use of a specific number, rather than a general term, emphasizes the meticulous record-keeping by Ezra and the substantial, quantifiable contribution of this particular family group to the returning exiles. It underscores the tangible nature of the commitment made by these men to join Ezra's perilous journey and the significant human resources dedicated to the rebuilding of Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the sons of Shephatiah;":** This clause introduces a specific family lineage, indicating that the Shephatiah clan was a recognized and contributing group among the returning exiles. The emphasis on "sons" highlights the male heads of households or adult males who were counted for the journey, underscoring the patriarchal structure and the importance of family units in the re-establishment of the nation.
* **"Zebadiah the son of Michael,":** This identifies a particular leader from the Shephatiah family. The naming of individuals within these lists is crucial. It personalizes the narrative, showing that the return was not just a mass movement but comprised specific individuals known to God and to the community, each with a unique identity and role in the divine plan. Zebadiah's leadership role suggests his influence and commitment to the return.
* **"and with him fourscore males.":** This final clause specifies the number of men who accompanied Zebadiah. "Fourscore males" (eighty men) represents a significant contingent, demonstrating the substantial contribution of this family group to the overall number of returnees. This numerical detail not only serves as a historical record but also illustrates the collective strength and unity of purpose among those who chose to embark on this challenging journey of faith and restoration.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezra 8:8, and indeed throughout much of Ezra 8, is **Enumeration** or **Listing**. This meticulous cataloging of names, family lineages, and precise numbers serves multiple purposes. It functions as a historical record, authenticating the returnees and providing a verifiable account of the second wave of exiles. The **Precision** of the numbers ("fourscore males") and the specific naming of individuals like "Zebadiah the son of Michael" lend an air of factual accuracy and divine oversight to the narrative, reinforcing the idea that this was not a haphazard migration but a divinely orchestrated and carefully managed return. This detailed listing also implicitly highlights the **Symbolism** of the restored community, each name representing a living stone in the rebuilding of God's people and their covenant relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 8:8, though seemingly a mere genealogical entry, offers profound theological insights into God's character and His interaction with humanity. The meticulous record-keeping reflects a God of order and precision, who is intimately involved in the details of His people's lives and their history. It reveals His faithfulness to His covenant promises, orchestrating the return from exile as a fulfillment of prophecy and a testament to His redemptive plan. This verse reminds us that in God's grand design, every individual and every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or numerically listed, holds significance. Just as these individuals were counted and valued for the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, so too are all believers integral to the spiritual building of God's kingdom.

* [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2-3 - The Census in the Wilderness")
* [Nehemiah 7:6-7](/nehemiah/7-6 "Nehemiah 7:6-7 - List of the First Returnees")
* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane details of Ezra 8:8 invite us to consider the profound truth that God values every individual and every contribution to His purposes. Just as Zebadiah and the eighty men were essential to the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, so too are we, as believers, called to participate in God's ongoing work in the world. This verse challenges us to recognize that our individual gifts, talents, and willingness to serve, even in what might appear to be a small or unglamorous role, are vital to the collective body of Christ. It encourages us to embrace our place within the community of faith, understanding that true strength and effectiveness come from unity and shared commitment to God's call, often requiring us to step out of our comfort zones and trust in His leading, much like the exiles who left Babylon for an uncertain future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 8:8 challenge our perception of what God considers important in His kingdom work?**
* **In what ways might we be called to step out of our comfort zones to participate in God's work today, similar to the exiles returning to Jerusalem?**
* **How can we better recognize and affirm the value of every individual's contribution within our community of faith, even those whose roles may seem less prominent?**

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

Answer: These lists are crucial for several reasons. Historically, they provide verifiable records of the returning exiles, authenticating their lineage and right to their ancestral lands and roles (e.g., priestly service). Theologically, they demonstrate God's meticulous care and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to gather His people and restore them. They underscore the divine order and precision in His plans, showing that even seemingly small details are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative. Furthermore, they confirm the identity and continuity of the covenant people of Israel, ensuring the proper re-establishment of their community and religious practices, as also seen in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - List of Returnees").

**What does "fourscore" mean, and why is it used here?**

Answer: "Fourscore" is an archaic English term from the King James Version, meaning eighty (four times twenty). It is used here to provide a precise numerical detail, indicating that exactly eighty males accompanied Zebadiah. Its inclusion highlights the meticulous record-keeping by Ezra, which was vital for organizational purposes, for assessing the human resources available for rebuilding, and for demonstrating the substantial commitment of individuals and families to the return journey. It underscores that this was not a vague or uncounted movement, but a carefully managed and documented undertaking.

**What was the significance of the "sons of Shephatiah" in the broader narrative of the return?**

Answer: The "sons of Shephatiah" represent one of the prominent and established families among the Jewish exiles, with descendants having returned in the first wave under Zerubbabel as well (Ezra 2:4). Their continued participation, now under the leadership of Zebadiah, signifies the broad and sustained commitment across various family lines to the restoration of Judah. Their inclusion in Ezra's list demonstrates that the return was not limited to a specific class or tribe but involved a wide cross-section of the community, highlighting their leadership, resources, and willingness to contribute to the national and spiritual rebuilding efforts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 8:8, with its meticulous listing of individuals returning to Jerusalem, foreshadows the ultimate gathering and restoration of God's people through Jesus Christ. Just as the physical return from Babylon was orchestrated by God, so too is the spiritual liberation from sin and the gathering of believers into God's kingdom. The careful accounting of each person in Ezra points to God's intimate knowledge and value of every individual who becomes part of His new covenant community. Christ, the true Shepherd, gathers His sheep from every nation and tribe, not merely from a specific lineage, as prophesied in [John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - Jesus Gathers All Sheep"). The rebuilding of the temple and the community in Ezra prefigures the building of the spiritual temple—the Church—where every believer is a "living stone" being built into a spiritual house, with Christ as the cornerstone ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). The journey back to Jerusalem, fraught with peril yet divinely protected, symbolizes the journey of faith towards the New Jerusalem, the eternal city, where Christ leads His redeemed people into everlasting communion with God ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, the historical return in Ezra finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the comprehensive redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly accomplishes the gathering and restoration of all who believe 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.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 7:9

The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

Ezra 2:4

The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

Nehemiah 11:4

And at Jerusalem dwelt [certain] of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;