Ezra 8:9

KJV

Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the sons {H1121} of Joab {H3097}; Obadiah {H5662} the son {H1121} of Jehiel {H3171}, and with him two hundred {H3967} and eighteen {H8083}{H6240} males {H2145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

of the descendants of Yo'av: 'Ovadyah the son of Yechi'el, and with him 218 males;

Berean Standard Bible

from the descendants of Joab, Obadiah son of Jehiel, and with him 218 men;

American Standard Version

Of the sons of Joab, Obadiah the son of Jehiel; and with him two hundred and eighteen males.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 8:9 meticulously records the return of a specific family group, the sons of Joab, led by Obadiah the son of Jehiel, comprising two hundred and eighteen males. This verse is part of a detailed census of those who accompanied Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem during the second major wave of post-exilic return, highlighting the importance of lineage, community identity, and the careful divine orchestration of Israel's restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 8:9 is situated within a crucial section of the book of Ezra (Ezra 7-10) that details Ezra's journey from Babylon to Jerusalem and his subsequent reforms. Specifically, chapter 8 provides a comprehensive roster of the families and their leaders who returned with Ezra. This list, beginning in [Ezra 8:1](/ezra/8-1 "Ezra 8:1 - Beginning of the List of Returnees with Ezra"), serves as a vital record, demonstrating the organized and intentional nature of this second major return, which occurred approximately 58 years after the first return under Zerubbabel and Joshua (as described in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Group of Returnees")). The meticulous enumeration of individuals and family heads underscores the importance of identity and continuity for the re-establishing community. The inclusion of specific numbers, like the "two hundred and eighteen males" in this verse, reflects the detailed accounting necessary for the journey and the subsequent resettlement, ensuring the integrity of the community and its tribal and priestly lines.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Ezra 8 is the Persian Empire in the mid-5th century BCE, specifically during the reign of Artaxerxes I (circa 458 BCE). The Jewish people had been in Babylonian exile for several decades, and the Persian policy, initiated by Cyrus the Great, allowed conquered peoples to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples. For the returning exiles, maintaining accurate genealogies was paramount. In ancient Israelite society, lineage determined tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service (as seen in [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Exclusion from Priesthood Due to Unclear Genealogy")). The returnees were not merely individuals but representatives of their ancestral houses, essential for re-establishing the social, religious, and economic fabric of Judah. The journey itself was perilous, requiring careful organization, leadership, and divine protection, as highlighted by Ezra's reliance on God rather than a military escort (see [Ezra 8:21-23](/ezra/8-21 "Ezra 8:21-23 - Ezra's Fast and Prayer for Protection")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader context of Ezra 8, contributes significantly to several key themes. The most prominent is **Restoration**, as it chronicles the physical return of God's people to their land, a fulfillment of prophetic promises (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - God's Plans for Restoration")). Closely linked is the theme of **Identity**, as the detailed genealogies affirm who truly belongs to the covenant community, crucial for maintaining purity and continuity in post-exilic Judah. The mention of "Obadiah the son of Jehiel" emphasizes **Leadership** within the returning groups, recognizing those who took responsibility for their families and led them back to Jerusalem. Finally, the entire undertaking, from the decree of the Persian king to the successful journey, points to **Divine Providence**—God's sovereign hand guiding and orchestrating the return of His remnant, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant people despite their past failures (as articulated in [Nehemiah 9:31](/nehemiah/9-31 "Nehemiah 9:31 - God's Mercy and Faithfulness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obadiah (Hebrew, _‘Ovadyah_):** Meaning "servant of Yahweh" or "worshipper of Yahweh." This name is particularly fitting for a leader participating in the return to Jerusalem, a journey fundamentally aimed at restoring the worship of God in His temple. The name itself reflects a theological commitment and personal devotion, aligning with the spiritual aspirations of Ezra's mission.
* **Jehiel (Hebrew, _Yekhi’el_):** Meaning "God lives" or "May God live." This name serves as a powerful declaration of faith, especially poignant for a family that had endured generations in exile. It speaks to the enduring hope and belief in God's continued existence and active presence, even when His people were far from their homeland and temple.
* **Joab (Hebrew, _Yo’av_):** Meaning "Yahweh is father." This name identifies the ancestral head of the family group. While not the immediate leader of this specific returning contingent, the mention of "sons of Joab" anchors Obadiah's group within a recognized and established lineage, emphasizing tribal continuity and collective identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the sons of Joab;":** This initial phrase identifies the larger ancestral family unit from which this specific group of returnees originates. It signifies that Obadiah and his contingent are part of a recognized clan, reinforcing the importance of lineage and tribal affiliation in post-exilic Israel. This connection to a known family head, Joab, provides a sense of continuity with the pre-exilic Israelite community.
* **"Obadiah the son of Jehiel,":** This clause specifies the immediate leader and his paternal lineage for this particular group. Obadiah is presented as the responsible head, indicating his role in organizing and leading his family members on the arduous journey. The naming of both the individual and his father (‘son of Jehiel’) further solidifies the genealogical record and personal identity within the broader family structure.
* **"and with him two hundred and eighteen males.":** This final clause provides the precise numerical count of the adult males accompanying Obadiah. The specificity of the number highlights the meticulous nature of the census and the careful accounting of the returning population. This detail was crucial for logistical planning, community organization, and understanding the demographic composition of the re-establishing Judahite community. The focus on "males" likely indicates those capable of contributing to the rebuilding efforts and forming the core of the community.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 8:9, like much of Ezra 8, primarily employs **Enumeration** and **Genealogy**. The entire chapter functions as a **Register** or **Census**, meticulously listing family heads and their accompanying numbers. This systematic listing provides a factual, almost bureaucratic, account of the returning exiles, emphasizing the organized and official nature of the second return. The **Specificity** of the numbers (e.g., "two hundred and eighteen males") and the precise naming of individuals and their paternal lineages (e.g., "Obadiah the son of Jehiel") lend an air of authenticity and historical accuracy to the narrative. This detailed record-keeping underscores the importance of identity and continuity for the post-exilic community, ensuring that the restored Israel was built upon recognized and legitimate lines, vital for matters of inheritance, priestly service, and tribal affiliation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 8:9, though a seemingly dry genealogical entry, powerfully underscores God's meticulous care for His people and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises of restoration. The detailed accounting of individuals reflects God's attention to every person within His covenant community, demonstrating that no one is overlooked in His grand plan. It highlights the divine orchestration of the return, emphasizing that the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple was not merely a human endeavor but a divinely initiated and sustained work. The preservation of genealogies also speaks to the importance of identity and heritage within God's people, ensuring the continuity of the covenant line through which the Messiah would ultimately come. This commitment to detail reinforces the truth that God works through specific individuals and communities to accomplish His redemptive purposes, valuing each component of His chosen remnant.

* [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2 "Numbers 1:2-3 - Census in the Wilderness")
* [Luke 10:20](/luke/10-20 "Luke 10:20 - Rejoicing in Names Written in Heaven")
* [Revelation 21:27](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Names in the Book of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The inclusion of such specific details as "Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males" in Ezra 8:9 invites us to reflect on the profound truth that God is a God of detail and purpose. In the grand narrative of salvation history, every individual, every family, and every seemingly small contribution plays a vital role in His overarching plan. This verse reminds us that our own lives, our identities, and our participation in God's kingdom work are not insignificant. Just as God meticulously recorded the names and numbers of those returning to rebuild His earthly temple, He knows each of us intimately and has a place for us in the building of His spiritual temple. Our identity in Christ, our spiritual lineage, and our collective contribution to the body of believers are all precious in His sight. This passage encourages us to embrace our unique calling and place within the community of faith, trusting that our seemingly small acts of faithfulness contribute to a much larger, divinely orchestrated purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's attention to detail in a seemingly simple list like Ezra 8:9 encourage you about His care for your own life?**
* **In what ways does your personal identity and "lineage" (spiritual or physical) connect you to God's ongoing work in the world?**
* **What "return" or "rebuilding" is God calling you to participate in within your own life or community, and how might you embrace your specific role?**
* **How does the emphasis on community and collective return in Ezra 8 challenge or affirm your understanding of individual faith versus corporate faith?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: These lists, often called genealogies or censuses, are critically important for several reasons. First, they establish **identity and legitimacy**. In ancient Israelite society, one's lineage determined tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and eligibility for specific religious roles, particularly for priests and Levites (as seen in [Ezra 2:61-63](/ezra/2-61 "Ezra 2:61-63 - Exclusion from Priesthood Due to Unclear Genealogy")). For the returning exiles, this was crucial for re-establishing the social and religious order. Second, they demonstrate **continuity and fulfillment of promise**. The return of a specific remnant, meticulously recorded, shows God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His covenant promises to restore them to the land after exile (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return")). Third, they highlight **divine providence**. The fact that these specific individuals and families made the arduous journey back underscores God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the events necessary for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. Finally, they provide **historical and logistical data**, offering insight into the scale and organization of these monumental returns.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezra 8:9 details a physical return to an earthly city, its underlying themes find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The meticulous recording of a returning remnant, led by figures like Obadiah ("servant of Yahweh"), foreshadows the ultimate "return" and restoration initiated by Christ. Just as the exiles returned to rebuild a physical temple, Christ's work establishes a spiritual temple, the Church, composed of those who are "called out" from the world (see [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). The emphasis on lineage and identity in Ezra points to the new identity believers receive in Christ, becoming part of a new spiritual family, children of God by adoption (as in [Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26-29 - All Are One in Christ Jesus")). The "two hundred and eighteen males" represent a specific, counted group, much like the Church is a chosen people, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession (from [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). Ultimately, the restoration of Israel under Ezra anticipates the greater, eternal restoration accomplished through the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who gathers His people from every tribe and nation into His eternal kingdom, where their names are written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Names in the Book of Life"), ensuring their perfect and permanent identity and belonging.

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 2:6

The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua [and] Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.

Nehemiah 7:11

The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred [and] eighteen.