Ezra 8 10

Ezra 8:10 kjv

And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males.

Ezra 8:10 nkjv

of the sons of Shelomith, Ben-Josiphiah, and with him one hundred and sixty males;

Ezra 8:10 niv

of the descendants of Bani, Shelomith son of Josiphiah, and with him 160 men;

Ezra 8:10 esv

Of the sons of Bani, Shelomith the son of Josiphiah, and with him 160 men.

Ezra 8:10 nlt

From the family of Bani : Shelomith son of Josiphiah and 160 other men.

Ezra 8 verses

Ezra 8 10 Meaning

Ezra 8:10 details the continued listing of groups joining Ezra's journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. Specifically, it records the participation of Shelomith, son of Josiphiah, from the clan of Bani, accompanied by 160 men. This verse contributes to the meticulous account of those who chose to return, emphasizing the organization and the diverse representation of Israelite families in re-establishing the community in Judah.

Ezra 8 10 Context

Ezra 8:10 is embedded within a specific section (Ezra 8:1-14) that lists the heads of families and the number of men who gathered with Ezra for the second major return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. This journey occurred in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes I (circa 458 BC). Ezra's primary mission was to bring the Law of Moses back to the Jewish community in Jerusalem and restore proper worship and governance.

The verse, like those surrounding it, meticulously details the lineage and numerical strength of each group, reflecting the high value placed on tribal identity and an accurate accounting of the returned remnant. This administrative precision highlights the orderly nature of God's work in restoring His people and their land, a significant act in post-exilic Israel. It contrasts with the potential disorganization or despair often associated with such displaced communities, underscoring divine providence and human obedience in the face of daunting challenges.

Ezra 8 10 Word analysis

• And: (Heb. וְ və) - A simple conjunctive particle. In this context, it signals the continuation of the precise list of returning families, showing a methodical and organized compilation of the various groups. It connects this entry seamlessly with the previous ones in the census.

• from the sons of Bani: (Heb. מִבְּנֵי mibbenê - "from the sons of") - This phrase indicates descent from the clan or family of Bani. The term "Bani" is a significant family name that appears multiple times in Ezra-Nehemiah (e.g., Ezra 2:10; 10:29; Neh 9:4; 10:14; 11:22), indicating a prominent and identifiable lineage. Members of the Bani clan were involved in various aspects of post-exilic life, including contributing to the first return, participating in building projects, being among those who put away foreign wives, serving as Levites who led in worship, and signing the covenant of renewal. Their inclusion here confirms their ongoing involvement in the restoration efforts.

• Shelomith: (Heb. שְׁלֹמִית֙ Shelomit) - A personal name, likely meaning "my peace" or "peaceful." This individual is designated as the head or leader of the particular subgroup from Bani. The mention of his specific name indicates careful individual record-keeping and highlights his role as a recognized leader bringing his contingent. This personal identifier allows for accountability and continuity in the records.

• the son of Josiphiah: (Heb. בֶן־ יוֹסִפְיָ֑א ben Yôsifya’ - "son of Josiphiah") - This is a patronymic identifier, common in ancient Near Eastern records, used to precisely distinguish individuals, especially when names like Shelomith might be shared. "Josiphiah" (יוֹסִפְיָה) is a less common name, possibly meaning "Yah adds" or "Yah increases," suggesting a connection to Yahweh. The use of a father's name solidifies Shelomith's lineage and authenticates his position as a representative of the Bani family branch.

• and with him: (Heb. וְעִמּ֥וֹ və‘immô - "and with him") - This phrase denotes the direct accompaniment and leadership of Shelomith over the subsequent number of men. It signifies that these 160 individuals are aligned under his authority and joined the expedition as part of his contingent.

• 160 men: (Heb. מֵאָ֖ה וְשִׁשִּׁ֥ים אִֽישׁ׃ mē’āh veshishîm ’îsh - "one hundred and sixty men") - The precise numerical figure is critical. It signifies the diligence of Ezra and his scribes in taking an accurate census of all returning groups. These "men" were likely adult males capable of contributing to the journey, defense, and the subsequent rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. The specific number underscores the reality of the remnant being gathered, emphasizing both the individual contributions and the overall scale of the restoration. This detailed count was essential for logistical planning and demonstrating the divine preservation and gathering of His people.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• from the sons of Bani, Shelomith, the son of Josiphiah: This phrase meticulously traces the identity of the group's leader, placing him within a well-known and often significant lineage. It demonstrates the importance of genealogy and family identity in post-exilic Israel. This specific familial designation authenticated their right to return and their standing within the community.
• and with him 160 men: This phrase highlights the organized nature of the return, showing that each designated leader brought a measurable number of individuals. The precise figure is not random but signifies a carefully recorded contribution to the growing community in Jerusalem. It points to a systematic re-establishment of the population.

Ezra 8 10 Bonus section

The consistent listing of family heads and numbers throughout Ezra 8 underscores a foundational principle in God's covenant relationship with Israel: the importance of knowing one's lineage and being properly counted as part of His people. This practice of meticulous record-keeping was not merely bureaucratic; it was tied to the Mosaic law concerning inheritance, tribal identity, and qualifications for temple service. The accuracy of these lists legitimized who belonged to the returned community and who held claims to ancestral lands or priestly duties. It also provided a clear picture of the strength and composition of the nascent community, enabling Ezra to effectively organize resources and labor for the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple worship.

Ezra 8 10 Commentary

Ezra 8:10 is more than a simple entry in a list; it is a testament to the meticulous planning and divine hand at work in the post-exilic restoration of Israel. The detailed census, represented by this verse, reflects the divine order and God's care for each individual and family within His remnant. It shows that the return was not a chaotic migration but a structured assembly, with identified leaders taking responsibility for their kinsmen.

The inclusion of "the sons of Bani" through their leader Shelomith, son of Josiphiah, illustrates the participation of established family lines—some with a complicated history as seen elsewhere in Ezra-Nehemiah—in the rebuilding project. This record of numbers and names speaks to the physical, social, and spiritual reconstitution of a nation from its fragmented state. It underscores that God, in His sovereignty, orchestrates the gathering of His people for His purposes, enabling the remnant to establish themselves, worship, and enforce His law, paving the way for future spiritual renewal.