Ezra 8 24

Ezra 8:24 kjv

Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

Ezra 8:24 nkjv

And I separated twelve of the leaders of the priests?Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them?

Ezra 8:24 niv

Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, namely, Sherebiah, Hashabiah and ten of their brothers,

Ezra 8:24 esv

Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests: Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their kinsmen with them.

Ezra 8:24 nlt

I appointed twelve leaders of the priests ? Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten other priests ?

Ezra 8 verses

Ezra 8 24 Meaning

Ezra 8:24 describes Ezra's careful selection of twelve prominent priests, specifically naming Sheribiah and Hashabiah, along with ten other priestly brethren. This appointment was for a critically important and sacred task: to be the custodians and carriers of the substantial offerings and valuable articles destined for the House of God in Jerusalem, ensuring their safe passage from Babylon to the temple treasury. This act underscores Ezra's commitment to divine order, meticulous planning, and the integrity required for handling sacred objects dedicated to the Lord.

Ezra 8 24 Context

Ezra 8:24 is situated within the narrative of Ezra's second return to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile, approximately 80 years after the initial return under Zerubbabel. Chapters 7 and 8 detail Ezra's journey, emphasizing God's hand upon him. Before departing Babylon with the precious temple articles and a large contingent of returnees, Ezra called for a fast at the river Ahava (Ezra 8:21-23). This was a crucial act of humility and trust in God for protection on the dangerous journey, as Ezra had not requested a military escort from King Artaxerxes to avoid diminishing God's reputation. Following this fast, he specifically chose twelve leading priests, the verse in question, along with twelve leading Levites, to take responsibility for transporting the sacred treasures. This was a direct response to the spiritual and material dangers of the journey, entrusting the physical temple wealth to consecrated, accountable individuals. The historical context is the post-exilic restoration, where the re-establishment of the temple and its services was paramount to Israel's identity and worship, emphasizing purity and order in sacred matters.

Ezra 8 24 Word analysis

• Then: Signifies a sequence of events, immediately following the Fast at Ahava where protection was sought from God. This act of setting apart priests is a direct outcome of prayer and planning, showcasing reliance on divine provision paired with human responsibility.
• I set apart: The Hebrew word is bāḏal (בָּדַל), which means to separate, distinguish, or consecrate. This verb is commonly used in Levitical contexts to denote something made holy or distinct for divine use, setting it apart from common use (e.g., Lev 10:10). Here, it highlights that the selected priests were dedicated for a special, sacred mission. It implies a formal and deliberate designation, emphasizing the solemnity and importance of the task ahead. This is not merely an appointment but a holy consecration to guard God's consecrated gifts.
• twelve: The number twelve holds profound theological significance throughout the Bible. It consistently symbolizes divine completeness, governmental structure, and God's people. There were twelve tribes of Israel, twelve pillars for the altar at Sinai (Exo 24:4), and later, Jesus chose twelve apostles. In Ezra, it signifies order, representative leadership, and God's consistent working through His chosen people. The selection of exactly twelve priests evokes a sense of continuity with God's covenant structure and suggests a full, sufficient, and symbolic representation for such an important task.
• of the leading priests: The Hebrew phrase miqqadmê haḵōhănîm (מִקְּדְמֵי הַכֹּהֲנִים) literally means "from among the chief priests" or "those who stood foremost/before." This indicates that these were not ordinary priests but those holding positions of authority, experience, and recognized integrity within the priesthood. Their prominence would add to the authority and trustworthiness of the mission. Selecting the most reputable ensured maximum accountability and minimum risk for the sacred cargo. This was critical as these precious items were for the restoration of temple worship, representing a vital link to the temple in Solomon's time.
• Sheribiah: (שֵׁרֵבְיָה) A prominent Levite mentioned elsewhere (Ezra 8:18, Neh 8:7; 9:4,5; 10:12). While primarily known as a Levite, some interpretations suggest "priest" here could encompass leading Levites in this specific context due to their designated role, or it points to a specific distinction made by Ezra regarding his office or lineage for this specific charge. He and Hashabiah were noted leaders who brought other Levites with them in previous verses, proving their capability and influence. Their inclusion underscores Ezra's focus on dependable individuals.
• Hashabiah: (חֲשַׁבְיָה) Also a leading Levite mentioned alongside Sheribiah (Ezra 8:19, Neh 3:17; 10:11; 11:15; 12:24). Their inclusion specifically by name highlights their trusted status and the meticulous record-keeping nature of Ezra's expedition. Naming them personally points to their direct and grave responsibility for the valuable temple articles.
• and ten others of their brothers with them: This clarifies the total of twelve leading priests (including Sheribiah and Hashabiah) and reinforces the concept of a cohesive, united group undertaking this sacred responsibility. "Brothers" signifies fellow members of the priestly lineage or community, emphasizing shared duty and collective accountability within the religious hierarchy.

Ezra 8 24 Bonus section

The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem was long, arduous, and fraught with dangers from bandits and wilderness. By deliberately appointing and "setting apart" specific priests to guard the temple treasury, Ezra avoided seeking a military escort from King Artaxerxes, as he had proclaimed God's hand was upon those who sought Him (Ezra 8:22). This decision was a powerful testimony to their faith in divine protection, but it did not negate human responsibility. Instead, it heightened the need for impeccable human stewardship. The precise inventorying of items later in the chapter (Ezra 8:33-34) further confirms the rigorous accountability standards applied to this sacred trust, making it a powerful example of faithful stewardship – both physical and spiritual – in God's service.

Ezra 8 24 Commentary

Ezra 8:24 illustrates a pivotal moment in the post-exilic return, showcasing Ezra's prudent and divinely-guided leadership. His decision to "set apart" (a word imbued with the concept of consecration) twelve leading priests for the immense responsibility of safeguarding and transporting the temple treasures underscores several key principles. First, it highlights the sacredness and value of the items themselves, symbolizing Israel's covenant relationship with God and the re-establishment of proper worship. Second, it emphasizes the importance of integrity and accountability in leadership, especially when entrusted with God's resources. Ezra chose not just any priests, but the "leading priests" (chief, foremost, those standing before), indicating a demand for experience, trustworthiness, and good repute, akin to requirements for spiritual leadership today. Third, the numerical choice of "twelve" subtly echoes divine order, completeness, and God's continued work through His chosen people, drawing a connection to the tribes of Israel and later to the apostles of Christ. This meticulous planning, preceded by prayer and fasting, demonstrates that human diligence and wise selection of personnel are integral to God's plans, working in harmony with His divine protection.