Ezra 8:10

Ezra 8:10 is a concise yet significant verse within the detailed record of those who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem with Ezra. It specifically names "the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males," highlighting the meticulous accounting of the returning Jewish community.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of a lengthy genealogical register in Ezra Chapter 8, which meticulously lists the families and their male members who accompanied Ezra on the second major return to Jerusalem. This occurred decades after the initial return led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, as detailed in Ezra 2:1. Ezra, a priest and a skilled scribe, was commissioned by King Artaxerxes to restore the Law of Moses and proper worship in Jerusalem. For the returning exiles, accurate genealogies were paramount, not only for tribal identity and land claims but also to ensure the purity of priestly lines and to document those committed to the monumental task of rebuilding the temple and the city walls.

Key Themes and Messages

• Meticulous Accountability: The detailed lists, including specific individuals like Josiphiah and the number of men with him (160 males, as "an hundred and threescore" means 160), underscore the importance of order and precision in God's work. It reflects Ezra's dedication to proper record-keeping, essential for the re-establishment of a functional society and religious system in Jerusalem.
• Divine Providence and Remnant: Each name and number represents God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant of His people and orchestrating their return to their homeland. This echoes themes found in prophetic books concerning God's commitment to His covenant people, such as Isaiah 10:21.
• Commitment to Restoration: The individuals mentioned in these lists were not merely passive participants; they were men who voluntarily left their lives in Babylon to embark on a challenging journey to rebuild a desolate land and a broken spiritual heritage. Their inclusion signifies their active role in the restoration of Jerusalem and the Mosaic Law.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "an hundred and threescore males" is a classic example of KJV English. "Threescore" means sixty, so "an hundred and threescore" literally translates to 100 + 60 = 160. This simple numerical detail highlights the tangible contribution of these specific families to the returning population.

Practical Application

Ezra 8:10, though seemingly just a list, offers several practical insights:

• Every Contribution Matters: Even seemingly small or administrative details, like being counted in a list, are significant in God's larger plan. It reminds us that every individual's presence and participation contribute to the community's overall mission.
• Order and Diligence: Ezra's meticulousness in record-keeping serves as a model for diligence and accountability in spiritual and communal endeavors.
• Valuing Community: The emphasis on family units and their collective numbers underscores the importance of community and mutual support in undertaking challenging tasks, such as rebuilding a nation and its spiritual foundations.