Ezra 8:8

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Ezra 8:8 KJV is part of a crucial passage detailing the second wave of Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra. This verse specifically lists members of the family of Shephatiah, highlighting Zebadiah the son of Michael, and the significant number of "fourscore males" (eighty men) who accompanied him.

Context

This chapter meticulously records the names of the family heads and the number of males who joined Ezra on his perilous journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. Ezra's mission, sanctioned by King Artaxerxes, was to bring more people, temple treasures, and to establish the law of God in Judah. These lists, including the one in Ezra 8:8, were vital for several reasons: they affirmed the identity of the returnees, ensured the continuation of family lines, and helped in the re-establishment of the community and its religious practices after the Babylonian captivity. It underscores the careful planning and organization involved in this divinely orchestrated return.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Order: The detailed enumeration of families and individuals reflects God's meticulous care in gathering His people and orchestrating their restoration to their homeland. Each person, though part of a larger group, was known and accounted for.
  • Importance of Lineage: For the returning exiles, maintaining accurate genealogical records was paramount. It confirmed their Israelite identity, their right to inherit land, and for some, their eligibility for priestly or Levitical service (see Ezra 2:62).
  • Commitment to God's Call: Those listed in Ezra 8, including Zebadiah and the 80 men, made a conscious decision to leave the relative comfort of Babylon for the challenges of rebuilding Jerusalem. Their participation demonstrates faith and obedience to God's call to return.

Linguistic Insight

The term "fourscore" is an archaic English word found in the King James Version, meaning eighty. This precise numerical detail in the original Hebrew emphasizes the careful record-keeping by Ezra and the substantial number of people willing to join this significant undertaking.

Practical Application

Ezra 8:8, though seemingly just a list, reminds us that every individual matters in God's grand plan. Even in what appears to be a mere census, there is a testament to:

  • Individual Value: God sees and values every person who commits to His purposes, regardless of their perceived prominence. Zebadiah and the 80 males were vital to the rebuilding effort.
  • Community and Unity: The return was a collective effort, emphasizing the strength found in unity and shared purpose. God often works through communities of believers.
  • Responding to God's Call: Like these exiles who chose to return, believers today are called to step out in faith, sometimes leaving behind familiar comforts, to participate in God's work in the world.

This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of every person's contribution within the body of Christ and in the advancement of God's kingdom.

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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 7:9 (2 votes)

    The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

  • Ezra 2:4 (2 votes)

    The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

  • Nehemiah 11:4 (2 votes)

    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;