Ezra 8:7

And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males.

And of the sons {H1121} of Elam {H5867}; Jeshaiah {H3470} the son {H1121} of Athaliah {H6271}, and with him seventy {H7657} males {H2145}.

of the descendants of 'Eilam: Yesha'yah the son of 'Atalyah, and with him 70 males;

from the descendants of Elam, Jeshaiah son of Athaliah, and with him 70 men;

And of the sons of Elam, Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah; and with him seventy males.

Commentary

Ezra 8:7 is a concise entry within a meticulous list of Jewish families and their leaders who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra the scribe. This verse specifically names "Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah" from the "sons of Elam" and notes that "with him seventy males" accompanied this significant journey of restoration.

Context

This verse is part of Ezra's detailed account in Ezra chapter 8, which enumerates the heads of families and the numbers of men who joined him for the second major return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Judah. This return, taking place approximately 80 years after the first wave of returnees (led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua), was crucial for the continued rebuilding of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of Jewish religious and national identity. Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, carefully registered each group, emphasizing their lineage and contribution to this vital undertaking. His journey is detailed starting in Ezra 7:6.

Key Themes

  • Meticulous Record-Keeping: The detailed enumeration of individuals and family units, like the sons of Elam, underscores the extreme importance of genealogy and lineage in ancient Israel. This was vital for maintaining tribal identities, establishing claims to land, ensuring priestly succession, and preserving the purity of the community after generations in exile.
  • Community and Restoration: Each group listed, including the seventy males with Jeshaiah, represented a vital component of the returning community. Their collective presence was essential for the daunting task of rebuilding the nation, its spiritual life, and the physical structures of Jerusalem, particularly the Temple which had been completed earlier but needed ongoing support (see Ezra 6:15).
  • Divine Providence: The successful organization and safe passage of these numerous groups back to their homeland highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to restore His people to their land after the seventy years of exile, as prophesied by Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 29:10).

Linguistic Insights

The names themselves, like 'Jeshaiah' (meaning "salvation of Yahweh") and 'Athaliah' (meaning "Yahweh is exalted"), carry significant theological weight in Hebrew. However, in this specific context, their primary importance is their function within the genealogical record. The phrase "seventy males" is precise, indicating a significant contribution in terms of manpower to the returning community, crucial for the physical and spiritual rebuilding efforts.

Practical Application

While seemingly a mere list, Ezra 8:7 reminds us that every individual and family, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a vital role in God's larger plan of restoration and redemption. It teaches us the value of meticulousness and order in carrying out God's work, and the importance of knowing our identity and place within the larger community of faith. Just as these individuals contributed to the rebuilding of Israel, we are called to contribute our unique gifts and presence to the ongoing work of God's kingdom today.

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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 7:12 (2 votes)

    The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

  • Ezra 2:31 (2 votes)

    The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

  • Ezra 2:7 (2 votes)

    The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

  • Nehemiah 7:34 (2 votes)

    The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.