Ezra 6:17
Ezra 6:17 in Multiple Translations
For the dedication of the house of God they offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and a sin offering for all Israel of twelve male goats, one for each tribe of Israel.
And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
And they offered at the dedication of this house of God a hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin-offering for all Israel, twelve he-goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
And they gave as offerings at the opening of this house of God a hundred oxen, two hundred sheep, four hundred lambs; and for a sin-offering for all Israel, twelve he-goats, being the number of the tribes of Israel.
To dedicate God's Temple they sacrificed one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and a sin offering for the whole of Israel comprising twelve male goats, one for each Israelite tribe.
And offred at the dedication of this house of God an hundreth bullockes, two hundreth rams, foure hundreth lambes, and twelue goates, for the sinne of all Israel, according to the nomber of the tribes of Israel.
and have brought near for the dedication of this house of God, bullocks a hundred, rams two hundred, lambs four hundred; and young he-goats for a sin-offering for all Israel, twelve, according to the number of the tribes of Israel;
They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
And offered at the dedication of this house of God a hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin-offering for all Israel, twelve he-goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
And they offered at the dedication of the house of God, a, hundred calves, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and for a sin offering for all Israel twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
During the ceremony to dedicate the temple, they sacrificed 100 young bulls, 200 rams, and 400 lambs. They also sacrificed twelve male goats as an offering in order that God would forgive the sins of the people of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 6:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezra 6:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַקְרִ֗בוּ
לַ/חֲנֻכַּת֮
בֵּית
אֱלָהָ֣/א
דְנָה֒
תּוֹרִ֣ין
מְאָ֔ה
דִּכְרִ֣ין
מָאתַ֔יִן
אִמְּרִ֖ין
אַרְבַּ֣ע
מְאָ֑ה
וּ/צְפִירֵ֨י
עִזִּ֜ין
ל/חטיא
לְ/חַטָּאָ֤ה
עַל
כָּל
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
תְּרֵֽי
עֲשַׂ֔ר
לְ/מִנְיָ֖ן
שִׁבְטֵ֥י
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
וְ/הַקְרִ֗בוּ
qᵉrêb
H7127
to approach
Adj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3mp
לַ/חֲנֻכַּת֮
chănukkâʼ
H2597
dedication
Adj | N-fs
בֵּית
bayith
H1005
house
Adj
אֱלָהָ֣/א
ʼĕlâhh
H426
god
Adj | Art
דְנָה֒
dên
H1836
this
Adj
תּוֹרִ֣ין
tôwr
H8450
bullock
Adj
מְאָ֔ה
mᵉʼâh
H3969
hundred
Adj
דִּכְרִ֣ין
dᵉkar
H1798
ram
Adj
מָאתַ֔יִן
mᵉʼâh
H3969
hundred
Adj
אִמְּרִ֖ין
ʼimmar
H563
lamb
Adj
אַרְבַּ֣ע
ʼarbaʻ
H703
four
Adj
מְאָ֑ה
mᵉʼâh
H3969
hundred
Adj
וּ/צְפִירֵ֨י
tsᵉphîyr
H6841
male goat
Adj | N-mp
עִזִּ֜ין
ʻêz
H5796
goat
Adj
ל/חטיא
chăṭṭâyâʼ
H2409
sin offering
Adj | V-Piel-Inf-a
לְ/חַטָּאָ֤ה
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2402
sin offering
Adj | V-Piel-Inf-a
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
כָּל
kôl
H3606
all
Adj
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3479
Israel
Adj
תְּרֵֽי
tᵉrêyn
H8648
two
Adj
עֲשַׂ֔ר
ʻăsar
H6236
ten
Adj
לְ/מִנְיָ֖ן
minyân
H4510
number
Adj | N-ms
שִׁבְטֵ֥י
shᵉbaṭ
H7625
tribe
Adj
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3479
Israel
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 6:17
וְ/הַקְרִ֗בוּ
qᵉrêb
H7127
"to approach"
Adj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3mp
To approach or draw near to someone or something, often in a physical or spiritual sense, as seen in Psalm 119:151 where the psalmist draws near to God's commandments. This word can also mean to offer or present something to someone.
Definition: 1) to approach, come near 1a) (P'al) to approach 1b) (Pael) to offer, draw near 1c) (Aphel) to be summoned
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: approach, come (near, nigh), draw near. See also: Ezra 6:10; Daniel 3:26; Daniel 7:16.
לַ/חֲנֻכַּת֮
chănukkâʼ
H2597
"dedication"
Adj | N-fs
This word refers to the act of dedicating something, like the dedication of the temple in 2 Chronicles. It involves consecrating or setting something apart for a special purpose, often with a ceremony or ritual. The concept is seen in the story of the Maccabees.
Definition: dedication Aramaic of cha.nuk.kah (חֲנֻכָּה "dedication" H2598)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: dedication. See also: Ezra 6:16; Daniel 3:2; Daniel 3:3.
בֵּית
bayith
H1005
"house"
Adj
This Hebrew word for house is similar to H1004, but it primarily refers to a physical building, either a home or a temple. It is used in many passages, including those describing the construction of the temple in 1 Kings. The word emphasizes the idea of a physical structure.
Definition: 1) house (of men) 2) house (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: house. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:12; Daniel 6:11.
אֱלָהָ֣/א
ʼĕlâhh
H426
"god"
Adj | Art
This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.
Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.
דְנָה֒
dên
H1836
"this"
Adj
This Hebrew word means 'this' or 'therefore' and is used to point to something specific. It is often used in the Bible to connect ideas or explain a reason.
Definition: demons pron 1) this, on account of this adv 2) therefore
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (afore-) time, [phrase] after this manner, here (-after), one...another, such, there(-fore), these, this (matter), [phrase] thus, where(-fore), which. See also: Ezra 4:11; Daniel 2:29; Jeremiah 10:11.
תּוֹרִ֣ין
tôwr
H8450
"bullock"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means a bull or young ox, often used for sacrifice, as seen in the Aramaic word 'shor' meaning cattle.
Definition: bull, young bull, ox (for sacrifice) Aramaic of shor (שׁוֹר "cattle" H7794)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: bullock, ox. See also: Ezra 6:9; Daniel 4:22; Daniel 5:21.
מְאָ֔ה
mᵉʼâh
H3969
"hundred"
Adj
Similar to H3967, it means a hundred in Aramaic, used in the Bible to express large numbers or quantities. It appears in books like Ezra and Daniel.
Definition: hundred, one hundred Aramaic of me.ah (מֵאָה "hundred" H3967)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: hundred. See also: Ezra 6:17; Ezra 7:22; Daniel 6:2.
דִּכְרִ֣ין
dᵉkar
H1798
"ram"
Adj
The Hebrew word for a male sheep, or ram, is used in the Bible to describe a strong and powerful animal, often used in sacrifices and offerings. It appears in Exodus and Leviticus, describing the animals used in worship. The word is also used in Psalm 118:27.
Definition: ram
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: ram. See also: Ezra 6:9; Ezra 6:17; Ezra 7:17.
מָאתַ֔יִן
mᵉʼâh
H3969
"hundred"
Adj
Similar to H3967, it means a hundred in Aramaic, used in the Bible to express large numbers or quantities. It appears in books like Ezra and Daniel.
Definition: hundred, one hundred Aramaic of me.ah (מֵאָה "hundred" H3967)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: hundred. See also: Ezra 6:17; Ezra 7:22; Daniel 6:2.
אִמְּרִ֖ין
ʼimmar
H563
"lamb"
Adj
This Hebrew word simply means a lamb, a young sheep. It is used in the Bible to describe a sacrificial animal or a symbol of innocence. The KJV translates it as lamb.
Definition: lamb
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: lamb. See also: Ezra 6:9; Ezra 6:17; Ezra 7:17.
אַרְבַּ֣ע
ʼarbaʻ
H703
"four"
Adj
The Hebrew word for four is used to describe quantities and measurements in the Bible. It is mentioned in various biblical books and is an important number in biblical numerology. The word for four is also used in Aramaic as arba.
Definition: four Aramaic of ar.ba (אַרְבַּע "four" H0702)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Ezra 6:17; Daniel 7:3; Daniel 7:17.
מְאָ֑ה
mᵉʼâh
H3969
"hundred"
Adj
Similar to H3967, it means a hundred in Aramaic, used in the Bible to express large numbers or quantities. It appears in books like Ezra and Daniel.
Definition: hundred, one hundred Aramaic of me.ah (מֵאָה "hundred" H3967)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: hundred. See also: Ezra 6:17; Ezra 7:22; Daniel 6:2.
וּ/צְפִירֵ֨י
tsᵉphîyr
H6841
"male goat"
Adj | N-mp
Tsephir refers to a male goat, a he-goat, as seen in the Bible. This word is used to describe a specific type of animal, often used in sacrifices. It's a common animal in biblical times.
Definition: he-goat Aramaic of tsa.phir (צָפִיר "male goat" H6842)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: he (goat). See also: Ezra 6:17.
עִזִּ֜ין
ʻêz
H5796
"goat"
Adj
Same as H5795, refers to a she-goat or goat, used in Aramaic sections of the Bible like Daniel and Ezra.
Definition: she-goat Aramaic of ez (עֵז "goat" H5795)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: goat. See also: Ezra 6:17.
ל/חטיא
chăṭṭâyâʼ
H2409
"sin offering"
Adj | V-Piel-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for a sin offering, an act to make amends for wrongdoing, as seen in the Bible. It is first mentioned in Leviticus 4:1-35, where God instructs Moses on the procedures for sin offerings. This concept is crucial in the Old Testament.
Definition: sin offering Aramaic of chat.tat (חַטָּאת ": sin" H2403B)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: sin offering. See also: Ezra 6:17.
לְ/חַטָּאָ֤ה
chaṭṭâʼâh
H2402
"sin offering"
Adj | V-Piel-Inf-a
This word specifically refers to a sin offering, a sacrifice made to atone for sin. It is used in the Bible to describe the sacrifices made to cleanse people from sin. The KJV translates it as 'sin offering'.
Definition: sin offering Aramaic of cha.ta.ah (חֲטָאָה "sin" H2401)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: sin (offering). See also: Ezra 6:17.
עַל
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
כָּל
kôl
H3606
"all"
Adj
The Hebrew word for all or everything, used in the Bible to describe the entirety of something, like all people or all things. It appears in Genesis and Psalms to emphasize God's power over everything. This word is often translated as 'all' or 'every' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) all, whole, the whole 1a) the whole of, all 1b) every, any, none
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: all, any, + (forasmuch) as, + be-(for this) cause, every, + no (manner, -ne), + there (where) -fore, + though, what (where, who) -soever, (the) whole. See also: Ezra 4:14; Daniel 3:29; Daniel 7:27.
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
Yisrâʼêl
H3479
"Israel"
Adj
Israel represents Jacob and his descendants, a nation chosen by God. The name appears throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, symbolizing God's people and their covenant with Him. Israel's history is a central theme in the Bible.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Aramaic of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Ezra 5:1; Ezra 6:16; Ezra 7:15.
תְּרֵֽי
tᵉrêyn
H8648
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for two, used to describe a number or quantity, such as two items or the second item in a list. It appears in various forms, including twelve and second.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (as cardinal number) 1b) second (as ordinal number) 1c) two (in combination with other numbers)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: second, [phrase] twelve, two. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 4:26; Daniel 6:1.
עֲשַׂ֔ר
ʻăsar
H6236
"ten"
Adj
This Aramaic word also means the number ten, similar to its Hebrew counterpart, and is used in the book of Daniel to describe the ten horns of the beast. It is translated as 'ten' in the KJV.
Definition: ten Aramaic of e.ser (עֶשֶׂר "ten" H6235)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: ten, [phrase] twelve. See also: Ezra 6:17; Daniel 7:7; Daniel 7:24.
לְ/מִנְיָ֖ן
minyân
H4510
"number"
Adj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a number or count, like a census. It appears in books like Numbers and Ezekiel. It refers to a total or amount of something.
Definition: number Aramaic of mo.neh (מֹנֶה "time" H4489)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: number. See also: Ezra 6:17.
שִׁבְטֵ֥י
shᵉbaṭ
H7625
"tribe"
Adj
This Hebrew word refers to a clan or tribe, like the groups of people in the book of Genesis. It is also related to the word for staff or rod. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tribes of Israel.
Definition: clan, tribe Aramaic of she.vet (שֵׁ֫בֶט ": staff" H7626)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: tribe. See also: Ezra 6:17.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3479
"Israel"
Adj
Israel represents Jacob and his descendants, a nation chosen by God. The name appears throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, symbolizing God's people and their covenant with Him. Israel's history is a central theme in the Bible.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Aramaic of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Ezra 5:1; Ezra 6:16; Ezra 7:15.
Study Notes — Ezra 6:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 6:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 6:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 6:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 6:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 6:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 6:17
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 6:17
- Barnes' Notes on Ezra 6:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 6:17
- Sermons on Ezra 6:17
Context — Dedication of the Temple
15And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius.
16Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.
17For the dedication of the house of God they offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and a sin offering for all Israel of twelve male goats, one for each tribe of Israel.
18They also appointed the priests by their divisions and the Levites by their groups to the service of God in Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses. 19On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles kept the Passover.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 8:35 | Then the exiles who had returned from captivity sacrificed burnt offerings to the God of Israel: 12 bulls for all Israel, 96 rams, 77 lambs, and a sin offering of 12 male goats. All this was a burnt offering to the LORD. |
| 2 | Revelation 7:4–8 | And I heard the number of those who were sealed, 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel: From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, and from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 29:21–23 | They brought seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven male goats as a sin offering for the kingdom, for the sanctuary, and for Judah. And the king commanded the priests, the descendants of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the LORD. So they slaughtered the bulls, and the priests took the blood and sprinkled it on the altar. They slaughtered the rams and sprinkled the blood on the altar. And they slaughtered the lambs and sprinkled the blood on the altar. Then they brought the goats for the sin offering before the king and the assembly, who laid their hands on them. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 7:5 | And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 29:31–35 | Then Hezekiah said, “Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the LORD.” So the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings. The number of burnt offerings the assembly brought was seventy bulls, a hundred rams, and two hundred lambs; all these were for a burnt offering to the LORD. And the consecrated offerings were six hundred bulls and three thousand sheep. However, since there were not enough priests to skin all the burnt offerings, their Levite brothers helped them until the work was finished and until the priests had been consecrated. For the Levites had been more diligent in consecrating themselves than the priests had been. Furthermore, the burnt offerings were abundant, along with the fat of the peace offerings and the drink offerings for the burnt offerings. So the service of the house of the LORD was established. |
| 6 | Leviticus 4:28 | When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed, he must bring an unblemished female goat as his offering for that sin. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 18:31 | And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.” |
| 8 | 1 Kings 8:63–64 | And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD. On that same day the king consecrated the middle of the courtyard in front of the house of the LORD, and there he offered the burnt offerings, the grain offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, since the bronze altar before the LORD was too small to contain all these offerings. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 16:1–3 | So they brought the ark of God and placed it inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD. Then he distributed to every man and woman of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. |
| 10 | Leviticus 4:22–23 | When a leader sins unintentionally and does what is prohibited by any of the commandments of the LORD his God, he incurs guilt. When he becomes aware of the sin he has committed, he must bring an unblemished male goat as his offering. |
Ezra 6:17 Summary
Ezra 6:17 tells us about the special ceremony to dedicate the new Temple in Jerusalem, where the Israelites offered many animals to God as a symbol of their gratitude and to ask for forgiveness. This event shows us the importance of worshiping God with our best and being thankful for what He has done for us, just like the Israelites were thankful for their new Temple, as seen in 1 Chronicles 16:1-6. The different animals represented different aspects of their relationship with God, and the twelve goats reminded them that all twelve tribes of Israel were included in God's plan, much like how we are all part of God's family through faith in Jesus Christ, as explained in Galatians 3:26-29. By reading about this ceremony, we can learn more about what it means to truly worship and dedicate ourselves to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the different types of animals offered in Ezra 6:17?
The various animals offered, such as bulls, rams, lambs, and goats, each held specific meanings in the context of Israelite worship, as seen in Leviticus 1:1-7:38, and were used to atone for sin and express gratitude to God.
Why were twelve male goats offered, one for each tribe of Israel?
The twelve male goats represented the unity and completeness of the nation of Israel, as each tribe was included in the sin offering, much like the twelve stones set up by Joshua in Joshua 4:1-24 to commemorate God's faithfulness.
How does this dedication ceremony relate to the broader biblical narrative?
This ceremony in Ezra 6:17 is part of the larger story of God's covenant with Israel, echoing the dedication of the tabernacle in Exodus 40:1-38 and looking forward to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ, as hinted at in Hebrews 10:1-18.
What can we learn from the Israelites' actions in this verse about worship and dedication?
The Israelites' elaborate offerings and careful attention to detail in Ezra 6:17 demonstrate their reverence for God and their desire to worship Him in a way that is pleasing, as also taught in Romans 12:1-2, highlighting the importance of intentional and sincere worship in our own lives.
Reflection Questions
- What does the elaborate nature of the offerings in Ezra 6:17 teach me about the importance of giving my best to God?
- How can I, like the Israelites, express my gratitude to God through tangible acts of worship and service?
- In what ways can I contribute to the unity and wholeness of the body of Christ, just as the twelve male goats represented the unity of Israel?
- What role does remembrance and commemoration play in my own walk with God, and how can I incorporate these practices into my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 6:17
And offered, at the dedication of this house of God, an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs,.... Hecatombs of various sorts, which were always reckoned grand sacrifices, even among
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 6:17
And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 6:17
Ezra 6:17 And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.Ver. 17. An hundred bullocks, &c.] This little (in comparison of what was done at Solomon’ s dedication, 1 Kings 8:63) was highly accepted in heaven: as was likewise Noah’ s sacrifice, which yet could not be great: because that after a great trial of affliction, "the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality," 2 Corinthians 8:2; which, saith Aristotle, is not to be measured by the worth of the gift, but by the will of the giver, Oυτωπληθειτωνδιδομενων, αλλατητουδιδοντοςεξει (Arist. Ethic. lib. 4). Twelve he-goats] A fit creature for a sin offering, because nasty, unruly, &c. According to the number of the tribes of Israel] All whom (wheresoever dispersed) they remember in their prayers; as we should likewise do all the Israel of God, in all places.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 6:17
(17) Twelve he goats.—The people are not now “Judah” or “Judah and Benjamin,” but “all Israel.” On the Day of Atonement, on the new moons, and on all the great feasts the kid was the sin-offering for the people. But only here is one offered for each tribe.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 6:17
Verse 17. Twelve he-goats] This was a sin-offering for every tribe.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 6:17
17. and offered] R.V. And they offered. A fresh sentence: Ezra 6:16 treated of the general festivities: this verse describes the special sacrificial offerings. at the dedication of this house] These words evidently imply a comparison between the modest sacrifices offered at this dedication and the enormous number offered by Solomon at the dedication of the firs Temple (1 Kings 8:5; 1 Kings 8:63). Solomon offered then for ‘the sacrifice of peace-offerings … two and twenty thousand oxen, and an hundred and twenty thousand sheep’. The numbers also mentioned in connexion with the dedication-festivals of Hezekiah (2 Chronicles 30:24) and Josiah (2 Chronicles 35:7) very largely exceed the offerings of Zerubbabel and his companions. The decay of material wealth and splendour must have vividly impressed itself upon the mind of many a patriot Jew, who looked only for a renewal of worldly empire. To them it must have seemed ‘a day of small things’ (Zechariah 4:10) by the side of the recollections of the kingdom. a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats &c.] Compare Numbers 7:87, ‘and the males of the goats for a sin-offering twelve’, at the dedication of the altar. It is noticeable that in the reign of Hezekiah, at the purification of the Temple, we are told ‘they brought seven bullocks, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he-goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom and for the sanctuary and for Judah’ (2 Chronicles 29:21). The number ‘seven’ there denotes the consecration, the number ‘twelve’ here denotes the ideal unity, of the community. The sin offering ‘of twelve he-goats according to the number of the tribes of Israel’, was an incident full of deep religious pathos.
The remnant who had returned make solemn confession of sin in the name of the whole scattered and dispersed race. They acknowledge the essential unity of Israel’s tribes alike in the consequences of sin, in the possibilities of restoration, and in the renewed consecration to God’s service. The symbolical representation of a restored and ideal Israel is thus indicated by the verse (cf. Ezra 2:2; Ezra 2:70, Ezra 8:35). We need not necessarily assume (as some commentators) that each tribe was literally represented upon the occasion. Compare the prophet’s picture of a reunited Israel (Ezekiel 37:15-28) and Elijah’s offering on Mt. Carmel, 1 Kings 18:31.
Barnes' Notes on Ezra 6:17
Compare with this modest sacrifice, which suits well “the day of small things” Zechariah 4:10, the lavish offering of Solomon (see the marginal reference “n”).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 6:17
17. A hundred bullocks — Compare the far larger offering of Solomon at the dedication of the first temple. 1 Kings 8:63. But the present offering was large and liberal, according to the circumstances of the worshippers.
Sermons on Ezra 6:17
| Sermon | Description | |
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Israel in the End Times by David Pawson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the signs that Jesus gave regarding his second coming. He explains that there are four main signs: famine, wars, earthquakes in the world; a g |
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(Through the Bible) 1 John 4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the love of God as demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He highlights that God's love is not based on our love for Him, |
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Good Friday Sermon by Martin Geehan | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a near-death encounter where he felt a sense of darkness and void. He emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ as a p |
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(Revelation) the Sorrows in Earth by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the fifth field in heaven by Jesus Christ. This event is accompanied by great signs on earth, including a great earthquake, th |
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Skyland Conference 1979-11 Report on the Mideast by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a personal experience of being protected from shrapnel during a bombing. Despite the danger, the speaker and their family were miraculously unh |
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The Hour of His Judgement Is Come by Bakht Singh | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the first five verses of the book of Revelation. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the vision given to John and its relevance to |
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Nor-02 Mysteriumisraelog Kirken (The Mystery of Israel and the Church) by Art Katz | Art Katz emphasizes the critical relationship between Israel and the Church, presenting it as a divine mystery that must not be ignored. He explains that both Israel and the Church |