Tyndale Open Study NotesEzra 8

This list shows the family leaders who bravely traveled with Ezra to Jerusalem to join the Jewish community. It includes fifteen families represented by 1,515 men. With women and children, the total might have been around 5,000 people.

• The Ahava Canal branched off the Euphrates River near Babylon.

• I found no Levites there: Only a few Levites had come earlier with Sheshbazzar (Ezra 2:40). The reason why so few Levites returned to Jerusalem is unclear.

The Hebrew term translated as "men of discernment" refers to those who could interpret and explain the Torah. These men were likely respected for their expertise in Scripture (compare Nehemiah 8:8–9). Ezra tasked them with using their influence to recruit more Levites.

the gracious hand of our God: Ezra, his leaders, and Iddo acted to fix the problem, but God's grace made it possible. Only thirty-eight Levites, including the leaders, and 220 temple servants responded.

David and the officials had appointed them: See 1 Chronicles 24–26.

a fast, so that we might humble ourselves: Ezra saw the need to ask God for protection, safety, and health for 5,000 people walking 800 miles. Robbers might hide in the hills, crossing rivers was dangerous, and people could get sick.

ashamed: Ezra had openly declared his faith in God's power to protect the Israelites on their journey. Asking the king for help now would imply that Ezra doubted God's ability to provide.

fasted and petitioned: In the Old Testament, people often fasted while praying to show their need before God (1 Kings 21:9; 2 Chronicles 20:3; Nehemiah 1:4; Daniel 9:3).

The leaders were responsible for transporting offerings for the temple and sacrifices. Since these gifts were holy and belonged to God (Ezra 8:28), the priests needed to care for them.

The Persians and supportive Jews donated a large amount of money. Transporting it without a royal escort was very risky.

On the twelfth day of the first month we set out: It took twelve days to organize, encourage some Levites to join, and pray for God's protection. Only then could Ezra lead the people toward Jerusalem (see Ezra 7:9).

sacrificed burnt offerings: Many Jews who came to Jerusalem with Ezra likely offered their first sacrifice. This was probably a moving spiritual experience for them to confess their sins and dedicate their lives to God. For details on the burnt offering, see Leviticus 1.