Ezra 2 66

Ezra 2:66 kjv

Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;

Ezra 2:66 nkjv

Their horses were seven hundred and thirty-six, their mules two hundred and forty-five,

Ezra 2:66 niv

They had 736 horses, 245 mules,

Ezra 2:66 esv

Their horses were 736, their mules were 245,

Ezra 2:66 nlt

They took with them 736 horses, 245 mules,

Ezra 2 verses

Ezra 2 66 Meaning

Ezra 2:66 precisely quantifies the number of horses and mules that accompanied the returning exiles from Babylon to Judah. It highlights the significant resources and logistical planning involved in this major movement of people. These animals were essential for transport, carrying provisions, and potentially for agricultural or military purposes upon resettlement, underscoring the substantial nature of the restored community. The inclusion of such detailed animal counts in this census emphasizes the comprehensive inventory of the restored nation and their God-given provision for their re-establishment in the land.

Ezra 2 66 Context

Ezra chapter 2 is a detailed register of the first group of exiles who returned from Babylonian captivity to Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, following Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BC. This chapter meticulously lists the family heads, the number of individuals by family, various priestly and Levitical lines, temple servants, and even their financial contributions. Verses 64-67 serve as a summary of the entire returning community and their livestock. The specific enumeration of horses and mules in verse 66, alongside camels and donkeys in the following verse, provides concrete evidence of the scale and self-sufficiency of this return, which marked a foundational step in the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their homeland after seventy years of exile. This meticulous record highlights divine faithfulness in bringing a remnant back and underscores the material means God provided for their restoration.

Ezra 2 66 Word analysis

• Their horses: (Hebrew: סוּסֵיהֶם, suseihem, from סוּס sus 'horse' with possessive suffix 'their').
  • Significance: Horses were valuable assets, often associated with status, speed, travel, and military power (cf. Psa 20:7). Their presence indicates a substantial and well-equipped contingent.
• were: The verb "were" is not explicit in the Hebrew but implied by context in a list format.
  • Significance: This typical Hebrew construct highlights the declarative nature of the census: these numbers are what they possessed.
• seven hundred thirty-six: (Hebrew: שְׁבַע מֵאוֹת שְׁלֹשִׁים וְשֵׁשׁ, sheva' me'ot shloshim v'shesh).
  • Significance: A precise number indicating careful accounting. Such details validate the historical accuracy and seriousness of the register. This number specifically suggests capability for riding and potential for warfare, though God's people were taught not to trust in such earthly strength alone (Isa 31:1-3).
• their mules, (Hebrew: פְּרָדֵיהֶם, pradeihem, from פֶּרֶד pered 'mule' with possessive suffix 'their').
  • Significance: Mules were hardy, durable hybrid animals (donkey x horse) ideal for carrying heavy burdens and for riding over rugged terrain. They were crucial for the logistics of a long journey and for agricultural or transport needs in the nascent community. Royal figures sometimes rode mules (1 Kgs 1:33, 38).
• two hundred forty-five; (Hebrew: מָאתַיִם אַרְבָּעִים וַחֲמִשָּׁה, matayim arba'im vachamishah).
  • Significance: Another exact number, reinforcing the meticulous record-keeping. The presence of these work animals underscores the practical aspects of resettlement – their role in carrying materials for building and sustaining the new community.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five;": This enumeration signifies the returning community's physical capacity and material wealth. It is a tangible demonstration of God's provision for His people as they embarked on the arduous task of rebuilding their nation and temple. The possession of horses suggests a potential for defense or rapid movement, while mules underscore their practical capacity for transport and labor. This combination speaks to a prepared and resourceful, albeit a smaller, returning remnant.

Ezra 2 66 Bonus section

The specific numbers of animals listed in Ezra 2 are remarkably consistent with the parallel account in Nehemiah 7, reinforcing the accuracy of the historical record despite minor variances in the total human population figures between the two books. This general agreement regarding the valuable animals strengthens the overall veracity of the post-exilic return. The detailed census in Ezra, including animals, not only validates the historical event but also serves a theological purpose: demonstrating God's meticulous care for His covenant people and His providence in enabling their return and restoration. It reminds believers that even seemingly minor logistical details in life are under the sovereign hand of God, just as He supplied horses and mules for His people's grand mission of returning to their land.

Ezra 2 66 Commentary

Ezra 2:66 is a brief, factual statement within a larger list that serves as a divine ledger. While seemingly mundane, its inclusion is profoundly significant. It showcases the detailed preservation of the returned exiles, not just by family and numbers of people, but by the tangible assets—like animals—that enabled their monumental undertaking. This precision points to God's hand in orchestrating the return; He did not send His people back empty-handed, but provided for their journey and future. The large number of horses indicates a level of preparedness and possibly even social standing, as horses were costly to maintain. Mules highlight the practicality and resourcefulness required for reconstruction. Together with the lists of people and other animals, this verse underscores the completeness of God's restoration and the orderly beginning of the Second Temple era. It reminds us that God's great redemptive acts are often woven into the fabric of everyday details and logistical realities.