Ezra 8 13

Ezra 8:13 kjv

And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.

Ezra 8:13 nkjv

of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these?Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah?and with them sixty males;

Ezra 8:13 niv

of the descendants of Adonikam, the last ones, whose names were Eliphelet, Jeuel and Shemaiah, and with them 60 men;

Ezra 8:13 esv

Of the sons of Adonikam, those who came later, their names being Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah, and with them 60 men.

Ezra 8:13 nlt

From the family of Adonikam, who came later : Eliphelet, Jeuel, Shemaiah, and 60 other men.

Ezra 8 verses

Ezra 8 13 Meaning

Ezra 8:13 identifies specific individuals, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, from the family of Adonikam, as among the final group counted from their household. These men, along with sixty males under their leadership, joined Ezra's second return to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile, contributing to the human resources necessary for rebuilding the covenant community and temple services.

Ezra 8 13 Context

Ezra chapter 8 details Ezra's careful preparations for the second major return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. After securing King Artaxerxes' support and identifying those willing to accompany him, Ezra meticulously gathered and organized the returnees. He encountered a critical shortage of Levites and priests, leading to specific efforts to recruit them (Ezra 8:15-19). This verse (8:13) falls within a series of verses listing the leaders of various families and the number of males they brought, highlighting the detailed census Ezra conducted. The journey was fraught with danger from brigands and the desert, necessitating a strong, well-organized group prepared both physically and spiritually. The careful listing of individuals and numbers underscores the importance of a properly constituted community for re-establishing worship and societal order in post-exilic Judah.

Ezra 8 13 Word analysis

• and from the sons of Adonikam:

  • bene Adonikam (בְּנֵ֣י אֲדֹֽנִיקָ֑ם): "Sons of Adonikam." This family is mentioned in previous lists of returning exiles (Ezra 2:13; Neh 7:18), indicating a prominent family or one deeply committed to the restoration. The name "Adonikam" means "My Lord has risen" or "My Lord has stood up," possibly reflecting a belief in God's power in their deliverance or establishment.

• the last ones:

  • ha'acharônim (הָֽאֲחַרֹנִ֔ים): Literally "the hinder ones" or "the latter ones," meaning "the last ones" or "the very latest ones." This phrasing likely denotes those who were the latest to join Ezra's company from this particular family, or it signifies the final members enumerated from that lineage. It suggests Ezra's thoroughness in ensuring all who wished to join were accounted for.

• whose names were Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah:

  • Eliphelet: 'Elipelet (אֱלִיפָ֑לֶט): Meaning "My God is deliverance" or "God of escape." A name aptly suited for one participating in a return from exile, symbolizing divine liberation.
  • Jeiel: Ye‘iy'el (יְעִיאֵ֗ל): Potentially meaning "God sweeps away," "God gathers," or "treasured of God." This name can reflect God's action in assembling His people.
  • Shemaiah: Shemayah (שְׁמַעְיָ֛ה): Meaning "Heard of Yahweh" or "Yahweh has heard." A common biblical name signifying God's attentiveness to His people. These are key leaders or representatives of the Adonikam family group.

• and with them sixty males:

  • v'imam shishim zakar (וְעִמָּהֶ֖ם שִׁשִּׁ֥ים זָכָֽר): "and with them sixty males." The specification of "males" (Hebrew zakar) is significant. Males were crucial for strength, labor, and defense on the perilous journey, but primarily for establishing families and providing qualified individuals for priestly and Levitical service. The number sixty represents a notable contribution from a single family group.

• "from the sons of Adonikam, the last ones": This phrase highlights the systematic nature of the census Ezra conducted, identifying specific family groups and even subgroups within them. It emphasizes the importance of lineage and participation in the collective effort of the return.

Ezra 8 13 Bonus section

• The detail and precision of these genealogical lists were paramount for establishing identity, especially for confirming eligibility for priestly and Levitical service, a key concern post-exile.
• The act of gathering these specific families and numbers, under God's hand (as frequently mentioned in Ezra), serves as an example of God using human diligence and preparation to accomplish His will for His people's restoration.
• This specific verse illustrates Ezra's commitment to leadership by personal involvement in counting and naming, demonstrating careful pastoral oversight rather than a mere delegation of duties.

Ezra 8 13 Commentary

Ezra 8:13 is more than a mere numerical entry; it is a snapshot of God's people faithfully assembling for His purpose. The meticulous enumeration of families and the specific mention of male contributors underscore the earnestness with which Ezra approached the return and the rebuilding of Judah. The names of the leaders carry theological weight, reminding the reader of God's deliverance, gathering, and attentive ear, crucial virtues for the exiles. The phrase "the last ones" conveys a sense of completion and careful record-keeping, ensuring that the covenant community was thoroughly accounted for and prepared for the arduous task ahead. This verse reflects the principle that great undertakings for God require not only divine commission but also dedicated, organized human effort. The "sixty males" represent a vital contribution of strength and future capacity to the fragile returning community, a living testament to the ongoing restoration orchestrated by God.