Ezra 7:7
Ezra 7:7 in Multiple Translations
So in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, he went up to Jerusalem with some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants.
And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
And some of the children of Israel went up, with some of the priests and the Levites and the music-makers and the door-keepers and the Nethinim, to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
In the seventh year of King Artaxerxes Ezra left for Jerusalem, accompanied by some of the people of Israel, and some of the priests and Levites, singers and gatekeepers, and Temple servants.
And there went vp certaine of the children of Israel, and of the Priests, and the Leuites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims vnto Ierusalem, in the seuenth yere of King Artahshashte.
And there go up of the sons of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
Some of the children of Israel, including some of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants went up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
And there went some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the children of the priests, and of the children of the Levites, and of the singing men, and of the porters, and of the Nathinites to Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
Some of the priests, some other descendants of Levi, some singers, some ◄gatekeepers/men who guarded the gates of the temple►, and some men who worked in the temple, and some other Israeli people came up with me here to Jerusalem. That was during the seventh year that Artaxerxes was the king of Persia.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 7:7
BAB
Word Study
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Ezra 7:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּֽעֲל֣וּ
מִ/בְּנֵֽי
יִ֠שְׂרָאֵל
וּ/מִן
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֨ים
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּ֜ם
וְ/הַ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֧ים
וְ/הַ/שֹּׁעֲרִ֛ים
וְ/הַ/נְּתִינִ֖ים
אֶל
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
בִּ/שְׁנַת
שֶׁ֖בַע
לְ/אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֥סְתְּא
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
וַ/יַּֽעֲל֣וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִ/בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
יִ֠שְׂרָאֵל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וּ/מִן
min
H4480
from
Conj | Prep
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֨ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּ֜ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
וְ/הַ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֧ים
shîyr
H7891
to sing
Conj | Art | V-o
וְ/הַ/שֹּׁעֲרִ֛ים
shôwʻêr
H7778
gatekeeper
Conj | Art | N-mp
וְ/הַ/נְּתִינִ֖ים
Nâthîyn
H5411
temple servant
Conj | Art | N-mp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
בִּ/שְׁנַת
shâneh
H8141
year
Prep | N-fs
שֶׁ֖בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
seven
Adj
לְ/אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֥סְתְּא
ʼArtachshashtâʼ
H783
Artaxerxes
Prep | N-proper
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 7:7
וַ/יַּֽעֲל֣וּ
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
מִ/בְּנֵֽי
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
יִ֠שְׂרָאֵל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
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 § 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 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וּ/מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֨ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּ֜ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
וְ/הַ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֧ים
shîyr
H7891
"to sing"
Conj | Art | V-o
This Hebrew word means to sing, and it is used in the Bible to describe the act of singing, like when the Israelites sang after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15. It can also refer to a singer or songstress. The Bible often mentions singing as a way to praise God.
Definition: 1) to sing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sing 1a2) singer, songstresses (participle) 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to sing 1b2) singer, songstress (participle) 1c) (Hophal) to be sung
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: behold (by mistake for H7789 (שׁוּר)), sing(-er, -ing man, -ing woman). See also: Exodus 15:1; Nehemiah 12:45; Psalms 7:1.
וְ/הַ/שֹּׁעֲרִ֛ים
shôwʻêr
H7778
"gatekeeper"
Conj | Art | N-mp
A gatekeeper or porter was a person responsible for guarding and maintaining a gate or door. This word is used to describe someone who controls access to a building or area. In the Bible, it is translated as doorkeeper or porter.
Definition: gatekeeper, porter
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: doorkeeper, porter. See also: 2 Samuel 18:26; 2 Chronicles 23:4; Nehemiah 13:5.
וְ/הַ/נְּתִינִ֖ים
Nâthîyn
H5411
"temple servant"
Conj | Art | N-mp
This term refers to temple servants, called Nethinim, who helped the Levites and priests in the sanctuary. They were assigned to serve in the temple, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah. The Nethinim played a vital role in temple duties.
Definition: 1) Nethinims 1a) temple slaves assigned to the Levites and priests for service in the sanctuary Aramaic equivalent: ne.tin (נְתִין "temple servant" H5412)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Nethinims. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:2; Nehemiah 3:26; Nehemiah 11:21.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
בִּ/שְׁנַת
shâneh
H8141
"year"
Prep | N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
שֶׁ֖בַע
shebaʻ
H7651
"seven"
Adj
This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.
Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.
לְ/אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֥סְתְּא
ʼArtachshashtâʼ
H783
"Artaxerxes"
Prep | N-proper
Artaxerxes was a title given to several Persian kings, including the one who ruled during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He played a significant role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.7 Also named: ar.tach.shash.ta (אַרְתַּחְשַׁשְׂתְּא "Artaxerxes" H0783B) § Artaxerxes = "I will make the spoiled to boil: I will stir myself (in) winter" son and successor of Xerxes as emperor of Persia, 465-424 BC
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Artaxerxes. See also: Ezra 4:7; Ezra 7:11; Nehemiah 13:6.
הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
Study Notes — Ezra 7:7
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Context — Ezra Arrives in Jerusalem
5the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—
6this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him.
7So in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, he went up to Jerusalem with some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants.
8Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. 9He had begun the journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was upon him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 8:1–20 | These are the family heads and genealogical records of those who returned with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes: from the descendants of Phinehas, Gershom; from the descendants of Ithamar, Daniel; from the descendants of David, Hattush of the descendants of Shecaniah; from the descendants of Parosh, Zechariah, and with him were registered 150 men; from the descendants of Pahath-Moab, Eliehoenai son of Zerahiah, and with him 200 men; from the descendants of Zattu, Shecaniah son of Jahaziel, and with him 300 men; from the descendants of Adin, Ebed son of Jonathan, and with him 50 men; from the descendants of Elam, Jeshaiah son of Athaliah, and with him 70 men; from the descendants of Shephatiah, Zebadiah son of Michael, and with him 80 men; from the descendants of Joab, Obadiah son of Jehiel, and with him 218 men; from the descendants of Bani, Shelomith son of Josiphiah, and with him 160 men; from the descendants of Bebai, Zechariah son of Bebai, and with him 28 men; from the descendants of Azgad, Johanan son of Hakkatan, and with him 110 men; from the later descendants of Adonikam, these were their names: Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them 60 men; and from the descendants of Bigvai, both Uthai and Zaccur, and with them 70 men. Now I assembled these exiles at the canal that flows to Ahava, and we camped there three days. And when I searched among the people and priests, I found no Levites there. Then I summoned the leaders: Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, as well as the teachers Joiarib and Elnathan. And I sent them to Iddo, the leader at Casiphia, with a message for him and his kinsmen, the temple servants at Casiphia, that they should bring to us ministers for the house of our God. And since the gracious hand of our God was upon us, they brought us Sherebiah—a man of insight from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel—along with his sons and brothers, 18 men; also Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah, from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and their sons, 20 men. They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 6:31–48 | These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them. These are the men who served, together with their sons. From the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah, the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel. Heman’s kinsman was Asaph, who served at his right hand: Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea, the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah, the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, the son of Jahath, the son of Gershom, the son of Levi. On the left were their kinsmen, the sons of Merari: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, the son of Hilkiah, the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer, the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. Their fellow Levites were assigned to every kind of service of the tabernacle, the house of God. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 9:17–27 | These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD. In earlier times Phinehas son of Eleazar had been in charge of the gatekeepers, and the LORD was with him. Zechariah son of Meshelemiah was the gatekeeper at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. So they and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent. The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south. Their relatives came from their villages at fixed times to serve with them for seven-day periods. But the four chief gatekeepers, who were Levites, were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries of the house of God. They would spend the night stationed around the house of God, because they were responsible for guarding it and opening it every morning. |
| 4 | Ezra 7:11–12 | This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel: Artaxerxes, king of kings. To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings. |
| 5 | Ezra 7:24 | And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 10:28 | “The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God—along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand, |
| 7 | Nehemiah 7:45–73 | The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 138 in all. The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, the descendants of Keros, the descendants of Sia, the descendants of Padon, the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Shalmai, the descendants of Hanan, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar, the descendants of Reaiah, the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda, the descendants of Gazzam, the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah, the descendants of Besai, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephushesim, the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur, the descendants of Bazlith, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha, the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah, the descendants of Neziah, and the descendants of Hatipha. The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Perida, the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Amon. The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all. The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but could not prove that their families were descended from Israel: the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 642 in all. And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim. The whole assembly numbered 42,360, in addition to their 7,337 menservants and maidservants, as well as their 245 male and female singers. They had 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys. Some of the heads of the families contributed to the project. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 bowls, and 530 priestly garments. And some of the heads of the families gave to the treasury for the project 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver. The rest of the people gave a total of 20,000 darics of gold, 2,000 minas of silver, and 67 priestly garments. So the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants, along with some of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns. And by the seventh month the Israelites had settled in their towns. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 25:1–8 | Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. From the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. All these sons of Heman the king’s seer were given him through the promises of God to exalt him, for God had given Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king. Together with their relatives, who were all trained and skillful in the songs of the LORD, they numbered 288. They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil. |
| 9 | Ezra 6:14 | So the Jewish elders built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. |
| 10 | Nehemiah 2:1 | Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, |
Ezra 7:7 Summary
Ezra 7:7 tells us that Ezra, a scribe and priest, traveled to Jerusalem with a group of Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants, in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes' reign. This journey was significant because it showed God's providence and care for His people, as seen in Psalm 121:1-8 and Isaiah 40:28-31. Just like Ezra, we can trust in God's plan and timing for our lives, and we can be faithful servants of God by using our skills and talents to serve Him and others, as seen in 1 Peter 4:10-11. By surrendering to God's will and trusting in His providence, we can experience His peace and guidance, as seen in Philippians 4:6-7 and John 14:27.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was King Artaxerxes and why is he mentioned in Ezra 7:7?
King Artaxerxes was a Persian king who ruled from 465 to 424 BC, and he is mentioned in Ezra 7:7 because he allowed Ezra to return to Jerusalem with a group of Israelites, as seen in Ezra 7:6, where it says the king granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the Lord his God was upon him, similar to how God worked through King Cyrus in Ezra 1:1-4 and Isaiah 44:28.
What was the significance of the seventh year of King Artaxerxes' reign?
The seventh year of King Artaxerxes' reign marked a significant time for Ezra's journey to Jerusalem, as it was a year of rest and renewal, similar to the Sabbath year commanded in Leviticus 25:4 and Deuteronomy 15:1-11, and it showed God's providence in Ezra's life.
Who were the temple servants mentioned in Ezra 7:7?
The temple servants, also known as the Nethinim, were a group of people who assisted the Levites and priests in the temple, as seen in Ezra 2:43 and Nehemiah 7:46, and they were considered an essential part of the temple staff, similar to the gatekeepers in 1 Chronicles 9:17-27.
What can we learn from Ezra's journey to Jerusalem?
Ezra's journey to Jerusalem teaches us about the importance of obedience, faith, and trust in God's providence, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11, and how God can use us to accomplish great things when we surrender to His will, similar to how God used Ezra to restore the temple and the people in Ezra 7:10 and Nehemiah 8:1-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can trust in God's providence like Ezra did, and how can I apply this trust in my daily life?
- How can I, like Ezra, be a faithful servant of God and use my skills and talents to serve Him and others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Matthew 25:14-30?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender to God's will, and how can I take steps to do so, as seen in Romans 12:1-2 and Galatians 2:20?
- How can I, like the Israelites in Ezra 7:7, be a part of a community that supports and encourages one another in our faith journey, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25 and Acts 2:42-47?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 7:7
And there went up some of the children of Israel,.... Perhaps some of the ten tribes, as well as others of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin; who, notwithstanding the edict of Cyrus, chose to remain
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 7:7
And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 7:7
This is here related in the general, but how he procured this is particularly related hereafter.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 7:7
Ezra 7:7 And there went up [some] of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.Ver. 7. And there went up some of the children of Israel] And but some; for many chose rather to continue in the land of their captivity, though God by his prophets, and the king by his proclamation, had cried out, "Ho, ho, come forth," &c. "Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon," Zechariah 2:6-7; And the Nethininms]
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 7:7
7. And there went up some of the children of Israel] For “some of” compare Ezra 2:70. some of the children of Israel] i.e. a portion of the lay element of the Jewish community at Babylon, mainly of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, cf. Ezra 2:2 ‘the men of the people of Israel’. The division into Priests, Levites, Singers, Porters, Nethinim, as in chap. Ezra 2:36; Ezra 2:40-43. the Levites] The difficulty of obtaining Levites to accompany the caravan is described in Ezra 8:15-21. Nethinims] R.V. Nethinim, see note on Ezra 2:43. the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king] i.e. 458 b.c.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 7:7
7. There went up — A list of the chief persons who accompanied Ezra to Jerusalem is given in Ezra 8:1-20. Singers… porters… Nethinim — Comp. Ezra 2:41-43, and the passages there referred to.
Sermons on Ezra 7:7
| Sermon | Description | |
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Greenwood Hills Conference 1989-04 Nehemiah 6 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins as a road to revival. He encourages the audience to approach their ministries with renewed zeal and de |
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It's Not Enough to Get Out of Babylon by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the trend of showcase charities that are primarily focused on raising money for airtime and advertisement. He warns that ministers will be h |
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(Through the Bible) 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra by Zac Poonen | The sermon covers the journey of the children of Israel from Babylon back to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, focusing on the building of the temple and the challenges faced. |
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The Angel' S Message by Sir Robert Anderson | Sir Robert Anderson delves into the prophecy of the seventy weeks in the book of Daniel, highlighting the specific timeline decreed upon the people and the holy city, leading to th |
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(Daniel) Daniel's Seventy Weeks by Willie Mullan | Willie Mullan explores the profound prophecy of Daniel's Seventy Weeks, emphasizing its significance as one of the greatest prophetic revelations in the Bible. He discusses the ang |
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Leadership Qualities of Nehemiah by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the leadership qualities of Nehemiah, highlighting his deep concern for the people and the state of Jerusalem, which ignited a burden in his heart. Nehemiah's |
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Daniel 9:22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the prophetic significance of Daniel 9:22, detailing the necessity of a Messiah for the Jewish people who were in captivity due to their sins and rebellion a |