Ezra 7 3

Ezra 7:3 kjv

The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,

Ezra 7:3 nkjv

the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,

Ezra 7:3 niv

the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,

Ezra 7:3 esv

son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth,

Ezra 7:3 nlt

son of Amariah, son of Azariah, son of Meraioth,

Ezra 7 verses

Ezra 7 3 Meaning

Ezra 7:3 continues the enumeration of Ezra’s priestly ancestry, specifying "the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, the son of Shallum." This verse highlights three direct predecessors in his lineage, connecting him through Hilkiah—the renowned High Priest during King Josiah’s reform—to Azariah, and further back to Shallum. The detailed genealogy underscores Ezra's legitimate priestly authority and pure Israelite descent, crucial for his mission in post-exilic Judah.

Ezra 7 3 Context

Ezra 7:3 is embedded within the detailed genealogy of Ezra, specifically verses 1-5. This genealogical record establishes Ezra's direct descent from Aaron, the first high priest, which was of paramount importance in post-exilic Judah. It affirms his legitimacy and authority as both a priest and a scribe tasked with enforcing God's law. Chapter 7 introduces Ezra as a central figure in the restoration of Judah after the Babylonian exile, highlighting his spiritual passion and his divinely appointed mission by King Artaxerxes to bring the law of God to the returnees. The meticulous listing of names emphasizes not only the purity of his lineage but also links him to a legacy of spiritual revival through his forebear, Hilkiah, the High Priest who discovered the Book of the Law during King Josiah’s reign.

Ezra 7 3 Word analysis

• the son of Azariah: (Hebrew: בֶּן־עֲזַרְיָה - ben-Azaryah)

  • ben: "son of." This recurring phrase signifies direct lineage and succession, vital for establishing tribal and priestly claims in ancient Israel.
  • Azariah: (עֲזַרְיָה - 'Azaryah). Meaning "Yahweh has helped." A common name in biblical times. This particular Azariah is part of the high priestly line. In 1 Chr 6:1-15 (Hebrew text, 5:27-41), several high priests are named Azariah. His position in this list marks him as a significant link in the sacerdotal succession, connecting Ezra's line directly back to Aaron.

• the son of Hilkiah: (Hebrew: בֶּן־חִלְקִיָּהוּ - ben-Hilqiyahu)

  • Hilkiah: (חִלְקִיָּהוּ - Hilqiyahu). Meaning "my portion is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my portion." This is a profoundly significant name within the lineage. Hilkiah was the High Priest who famously discovered the "Book of the Law" (likely a portion of Deuteronomy or the Pentateuch) in the temple during King Josiah’s extensive renovations (2 Kgs 22:8-10, 2 Chr 34:14-15). This discovery led to a national spiritual revival and widespread covenant renewal. Ezra’s direct descent from such a pivotal figure amplifies his own credentials and authority to lead a similar spiritual reformation in his time. It suggests a spiritual heritage of commitment to the Law.

• the son of Shallum: (Hebrew: בֶּן־שַׁלּוּם - ben-Shallum)

  • Shallum: (שַׁלּוּם - Shallum). Meaning "retribution," "recompense," or "peaceful." This name also appears in other high priestly lists (1 Chr 6:12). While less prominently featured in historical narratives than Hilkiah, Shallum’s presence here ensures the continuity of the high priestly line from the time preceding Hilkiah. His inclusion confirms the meticulous preservation of the ancestral records vital for Ezra's mission.

Words-group analysis:

• "the son of... the son of... the son of": This repetitive phrase emphasizes a direct, unbroken line of succession. In a culture where identity and rights were tied to genealogy, this structure robustly validates Ezra's heritage and qualification for his priestly role. For a priest, this ancestral purity was non-negotiable.

Ezra 7 3 Bonus section

The genealogical record in Ezra 7:1-5, specifically including this verse, differs slightly in its number of generations from other parallel lists found in 1 Chronicles 6. This is common in biblical genealogies, which often employ abridged or thematic listings rather than comprehensive ones for specific purposes. The inclusion of key figures like Hilkiah (Ezra 7:3) ensures that the most impactful and significant individuals are highlighted, reinforcing the qualitative aspect of the lineage (e.g., connection to a reformer high priest) rather than just an exhaustive numerical list. This verse's inclusion of Hilkiah deliberately strengthens Ezra's claim to high spiritual authority and capacity for reform, positioning him as a divinely appointed leader continuing a legacy of adherence to God's Law.

Ezra 7 3 Commentary

Ezra 7:3, while seemingly a simple list of names, functions as a critical component in establishing Ezra's credentials. It solidifies his direct lineage within the Zadokite priesthood, descending from Aaron. The presence of Hilkiah in this verse is not merely coincidental; it is strategically significant. Hilkiah’s discovery of the Book of the Law under King Josiah served as the catalyst for one of Judah's most profound spiritual revivals. By highlighting his direct descent from Hilkiah, Ezra’s mission gains powerful resonance, echoing a past commitment to divine law. It implicitly asserts that Ezra is walking in the footsteps of a venerated ancestor known for restoring the Law of God, thus reinforcing his own divine mandate and prophetic authority. This careful genealogical record dispels any potential doubts about Ezra’s fitness to lead the people back to the covenant.For practical usage, this passage underscores that God often prepares His chosen vessels through generations of heritage and providential timing, empowering them to fulfill His purposes in significant moments of history, akin to how He chooses leaders for His Church based on character and faithful background.