Ezra's Fast, Prayer, and Safe Journey to Jerusalem
Ezra 8:15-36
Ezr.8.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואקבצם: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- אל: NEG
- הנהר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הבא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- אהוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונחנה: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- שם: ADV
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שלשה: NUM,m
- ואבינה: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- בעם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובכהנים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ומבני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- לוי: PROPN,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- מצאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- שם: ADV
Parallels
- Ezra 8:16-20 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: after assembling by the Ahava, Ezra sends for Levites because none were found among the assembled people (directly connects and completes the same episode).
- Ezra 2:36-39 (thematic): List of priests, Levites and temple servants who earlier returned with Zerubbabel — provides a contrast to Ezra 8:15’s report that no Levites were present with Ezra’s party.
- Nehemiah 7:67-69 (verbal): Parallel list of returnees (priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers) in the postexilic return tradition; echoes the concern for priestly/Levitical personnel reflected in Ezra 8:15.
- 2 Chronicles 29:11-12 (thematic): Hezekiah’s assembling and commissioning of the priests and Levites for temple service — a comparable scene of gathering and inspecting Levites/priestly personnel for cultic duties, highlighting the importance of their presence which is lacking in Ezra 8:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I gathered them to the river that flows toward Ahava, and we camped there three days; and I examined the people and the priests, and I found none of the sons of Levi there.
- I gathered them to the river that runs toward Ahava, and we camped there three days; I examined the people and the priests, and I found no Levite among them.
Ezr.8.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואשלחה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לאליעזר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאריאל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשמעיה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולאלנתן: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וליריב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולאלנתן: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולנתן: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולזכריה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולמשלם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ראשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וליויריב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולאלנתן: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבינים: PART,qal,part,,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 2:1-70 (structural): Extended list of returnees and family heads after the exile; parallels Ezra 8:16 in function and form (cataloguing leaders and groups involved in the return).
- Nehemiah 7:6-73 (verbal): Repetition/parallel of the Ezra 2 list in the Nehemiah tradition — another census-style catalogue of heads and families associated with the return from Babylon, mirroring the same structural purpose as Ezra 8:16.
- Ezra 8:17 (structural): Immediate continuation in the same episode about sending and appointing men to assist the return — closely related in purpose (appointing leaders/agents) and narrative context to Ezra 8:16.
- 1 Chronicles 9:1-2 (thematic): Post-exilic genealogical/leadership lists that locate returning families and officials in Jerusalem; thematically parallels Ezra 8:16’s concern with named leaders and organizational arrangements among returnees.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, the heads, and for Joiarib and for Elnathan, men of understanding.
- So I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam—chiefs—and for Joiarib and Elnathan, men of insight.
Ezr.8.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואצוה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- על: PREP
- אדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בכספיא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואשימה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- בפיהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl+PRON,3,m,pl
- דברים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לדבר: INF,qal
- אל: NEG
- אדו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- הנתינים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בכספיא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- המקום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- להביא: VERB,hif,inf
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- משרתים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 26:20-28 (structural): Describes officials appointed over the treasuries of the house of the LORD—parallels Ezra's sending to the leader at the place of the treasuries and ordering matters of the temple funds.
- 1 Chronicles 9:22 (verbal): States that certain priestly descendants had oversight of the vessels of the house of the LORD—verbal and functional parallel to arranging servants and custody of temple property.
- Nehemiah 10:38-39 (thematic): Speaks of bringing tithes and offerings into the treasuries for the priests and Levites; thematically parallels Ezra's concern with the treasuries and provision for temple ministers.
- 2 Chronicles 31:11-12 (thematic): Hezekiah appoints officers and organizes storehouses for the offerings so that priests and Levites may do their work—parallel in organizing resources and appointing servants for the house of God.
- Ezra 2:67-70 (structural): Lists priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers and Nethinim who ministered in the house of the LORD and mentions support for them—closely related organizational material within Ezra about staffing and provisioning the temple.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I charged them to Ado, the chief at the treasuries of the place, and I put into their mouths words to speak to Ado and to his brothers, the governors at the treasuries of the place, that they should give us servants for the house of our God.
- I appointed them over the treasuries of the place, and I put into their hand words to speak to the steward and his fellows at the treasuries of the place, that they should provide us servants for the house of our God.
Ezr.8.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויביאו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- כיד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- הטובה: ADJ,f,sg,def
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שכל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מבני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- מחלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לוי: PROPN,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושרביה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ובניו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואחיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
- שמנה: NUM,card,f,pl,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- Ezra 2:40-42 (structural): A parallel return-listing: like Ezra 8:18 this passage names Levites and their numbers among those who returned from exile—same genre and function within the postexilic roster tradition.
- Nehemiah 7:44-47 (structural): Nehemiah 7 largely reproduces the Ezra return-lists; these verses mirror Ezra’s catalogue of Levites and families, providing a parallel account of the same personnel and numbers.
- Numbers 3:6-9 (thematic): Describes the Levites’ consecration and assignment to temple service. The theme explains why Ezra emphasizes bringing Levites (and men of understanding) back to re-establish cultic/temple functions.
- 1 Chronicles 6:24-30 (allusion): Provides the Levitical genealogy and family designations (including lines related to Mahli/Maḥli). This genealogical material parallels Ezra’s identification of a Levite by lineage (“of the sons of Mahli, son of Levi”).
Alternative generated candidates
- And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, of the sons of Israel—Sherebiah and his sons and brothers, eighteen.
- And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought a man of understanding from the sons of Mahli, son of Levi, son of Israel—Sharabiah, and his sons and brothers, eighteen in all.
Ezr.8.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- חשביה: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ואתו: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- ישעיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- מררי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- ובניהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3mp
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 3:33-37 (verbal): Names and family grouping of Merari (a son of Levi) are given here; Ezra 8:19 cites a descendant (sons of Merari), echoing the same clan designation and genealogy.
- Numbers 4:29-33 (structural): Describes the duties assigned to the Merari clan in transporting the tabernacle furnishings; relates to Ezra’s listing of Merari descendants who accompany the return, highlighting continuity of Merarite service.
- 1 Chronicles 23:6 (thematic): Part of the Chronicler’s organization of Levite families and their service; parallels Ezra’s catalogue of Levites (including Merarite families) and their roles in post‑exilic restoration.
- Ezra 8:20-22 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter naming other Levites and their numbers who accompanied Ezra; provides the parallel roster and collective role of the Levites alongside the Merarite names in v.19.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Hashabiah and with him Jeshaiah, of the sons of Merari—his brothers and their sons, twenty.
- And Hashabiah with him, and Jeshaiah—of the sons of Merari—his brothers and their sons, twenty in all.
Ezr.8.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומן: CONJ+PREP
- הנתינים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- שנתן: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והשרים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- לעבדת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- נתינים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מאתים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- ועשרים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- כלם: PRON,3,m,pl
- נקבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בשמות: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-19 (structural): David calls and appoints Levites to prescribed duties (musicians, porters, ministers) when organizing worship—parallel instance of leaders assigning persons to the service of the Levites.
- 1 Chronicles 23:24-32 (structural): Account of David organizing the Levites into divisions and assigning specific duties and officers—comparable administrative ordering of Levite service and named personnel.
- Numbers 3:6-9 (thematic): The foundational law setting the Levites apart for service to Aaron and the tabernacle; provides the institutional background for later royal appointments over Levite service.
- 2 Chronicles 29:11-15 (thematic): Hezekiah summons and sets the priests and Levites to their work in temple worship—another post-exilic/late-monarchical episode of rulers assigning Levites to their proper service, echoing the Ezra passage.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of the native Israelites whom David and the chiefs had appointed to the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty; all were named.
- Also from the servants whom David and his princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, one hundred and twenty; all their names were written down.
Ezr.8.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואקרא: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,_,sg
- שם: ADV
- צום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- הנהר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אהוא: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להתענות: VERB,hithpael,inf,-,-,-
- לפני: PREP
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- לבקש: PREP+VERB,qal,infc
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ישרה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ולטפנו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,prs:1pl
- ולכל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- רכושנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prs:1pl
Parallels
- Nehemiah 1:4 (thematic): Nehemiah responds to news about Jerusalem by fasting, mourning, and praying—like Ezra's fast to humble themselves before God and seek his help for Israel's welfare.
- 2 Chronicles 20:3 (thematic): Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast throughout Judah when facing danger, calling the people to seek the Lord—parallel to Ezra instituting a communal fast to seek a right way and divine protection.
- Esther 4:16 (thematic): Esther instructs Mordecai to gather the Jews to fast and pray for deliverance—an example of communal fasting to seek God's intervention, echoing Ezra's purpose in fasting.
- Acts 13:2–3 (structural): The early church fasts and prays before receiving divine direction (the commissioning of Barnabas and Saul); similar to Ezra's fast to seek God's guidance for the journey and mission.
- Joel 2:12 (thematic): A prophetic summons to return to the Lord with fasting and repentance—mirroring Ezra's motive of humbling before God to obtain a right way and favor.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I proclaimed there a fast by the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek of him a straight way for us, our children, and all our goods.
- Then I proclaimed a fast there by the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek of him a straight way for us and for our little ones and for all our possessions.
Ezr.8.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- בשתי: PREP+NUM,card,f,dual
- לשאול: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- מן: PREP
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופרשים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לעזרנו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,pl
- מאויב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בדרך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- אמרנו: VERB,qal,perf,1,pl
- למלך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- מבקשיו: PART,pl,abs+PRON,3,ms
- לטובה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועזו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואפו: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,ms
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- עזביו: PART,pl,abs+PRON,3,ms
Parallels
- Psalm 121:3-8 (thematic): Assurance of divine protection for travelers — God watches over journeys and will keep from evil, paralleling Ezra’s reliance on God rather than armed escort.
- Psalm 91:11-12 (thematic): Promise of angelic guarding 'in all your ways' and protection from harm, resonating with Ezra’s trust that God will preserve those who seek Him on the road.
- 2 Chronicles 32:8 (verbal): Hezekiah’s claim that 'with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles' parallels Ezra’s refusal of military aid and appeal to God’s help over human forces.
- Proverbs 21:31 (thematic): 'The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD' emphasizes that military preparations are not ultimate, echoing Ezra’s decision to depend on God rather than a king’s soldiers.
- Isaiah 31:1 (thematic): A warning against seeking help from horses/Egypt and reliance on military power; thematically contrasts trusting human allies with trusting God, as Ezra affirms God’s hand is upon those who seek Him.
Alternative generated candidates
- For we had not asked the king for a military escort or horsemen to protect us on the way; for we had told the king, “The hand of our God is on all who seek him for good, but his power and his wrath are against all who abandon him.”
- For we were ashamed to request of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us on the road, since we had told the king, 'The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, but his power and his wrath are against all who forsake him.'
Ezr.8.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונצומה: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,pl
- ונבקשה: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,pl
- מאלהינו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:1pl
- על: PREP
- זאת: DEM,f,sg
- ויעתר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
Parallels
- Ezra 8:21 (structural): Same episode in Ezra 8: they proclaimed a fast to humble themselves and seek safe passage—verse 23 reports the result that God answered, forming a direct structural pair.
- Nehemiah 1:4-11 (thematic): Nehemiah fasts and prays for Israel and Jerusalem and seeks God's favor and guidance; like Ezra 8:23 the motif is fasting and entreaty resulting in seeking God's help.
- Daniel 9:3-4 (thematic): Daniel turns to fasting, sackcloth and prayer/ confession to seek the Lord's favor; parallels Ezra's use of fasting plus petition to obtain God's response.
- Jonah 3:5-10 (thematic): The people of Nineveh fast, put on sackcloth, and repent; God responds by relenting—a clear parallel of communal fasting/plea followed by God's answering.
- 1 Samuel 7:6 (verbal): The Israelites fast, confess and cry out to the LORD at Mizpah and God answers (delivering them); language and cause-effect between fasting/prayer and God's response closely resemble Ezra 8:23.
Alternative generated candidates
- So we fasted and entreated our God about this, and he granted our petition.
- So we fasted and entreated our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Ezr.8.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואבדילה: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- משרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- לשרביה: PREP+PROPN,m,sg,abs
- חשביה: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ועמהם: PREP,3mp
- מאחיהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,pl
- עשרה: NUM,card,m,pl
Parallels
- Ezra 8:2 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter listing the names and family groups of priests and Levites who accompanied Ezra; repeats the roster context for the twelve priests named in v.24.
- Ezra 7:1–5 (thematic): Background on Ezra’s priestly lineage and the composition of his company—establishes the priestly identity and official nature of those who travel with him.
- Nehemiah 7:7 (structural): A parallel list of returnees to Jerusalem (including priests and Levites) after the exile; structurally similar genealogical/roster material used to authorize who serves in the restored community.
- 1 Chronicles 24:1–6 (structural): Description of the formal assignment and division of priests into courses/castes for service—comparable administrative ordering of priests for religious duties, analogous to Ezra’s designation of priests.
- Numbers 3:6–9 (thematic): Early precedent for assigning priestly/Levitical service and responsibilities (the Levites ministering before the tabernacle); thematically related to the appointment and authorization of priests in postexilic Jerusalem.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I set apart twelve of the chief priests for Sherebiah and Hashabiah, and with them from their brothers ten.
- I appointed twelve of the priests for Sherebiah and Hashabiah, and with them ten of their brothers.
Ezr.8.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואשקלה: CONJ+VERB,piel,impf,1,m,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הכסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- הזהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- הכלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- תרומת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- ההרימו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויעציו: NOUN,m,pl,def,3,ms
- ושריו: NOUN,m,pl,poss,3,m,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנמצאים: ADJ,part,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Ezra 1:7-11 (verbal): Cyrus returns the silver, gold and vessels of the house of the Lord and they are counted/handed over to the temple—directly parallels the listing and transfer of temple silver, gold and vessels.
- 1 Chronicles 29:2-9 (thematic): David and the people provide abundant gold, silver and temple vessels for the house of God; kingly and popular contributions and the dedicatory/joyful character of the gift parallel Ezra’s royal and communal offerings.
- Exodus 35:21-29 (thematic): Voluntary offerings of gold, silver and sacred utensils for the sanctuary—parallels the motif of people giving precious metals and vessels for the house of God.
- Nehemiah 7:70-72 (structural): During the post‑exilic restoration various leaders and people give willingly of gold, silver and goods for the service of the house of God, reflecting the same communal provision and allocation described in Ezra 8:25.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I weighed to them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, the offerings of the house of our God, which the king and his counselors and his princes and all Israel present had offered.
- I weighed to them the silver and the gold and the vessels—the offering of the house of our God, which the king, his counselors, his princes, and all Israel present had offered.
Ezr.8.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואשקלה: CONJ+VERB,piel,impf,1,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ידם: NOUN,m,sg,suff,3,m,pl
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ככרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וחמשים: CONJ+NUM,card,pl,m
- וכלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- לככרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- ככר: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 7:16 (verbal): Mentions silver, gold and vessels given with Ezra — closely parallels the listing of weights and items (silver, silver vessels, gold) in 8:26.
- Ezra 7:18 (structural): Describes the royal grant of silver, gold and vessels to Ezra and his companions for temple service, paralleling the narrative context of transported/allocated treasure in 8:26.
- Ezra 2:68 (verbal): Earlier returnees gave gold, silver and vessels to the house of God; echoes the same categories of items and the theme of dedicatory/communal gifts found in 8:26.
- Nehemiah 7:69 (thematic): Notes contributions of the leaders and people (gold, silver, vessels) for the work — parallels the communal collection and inventorying of precious metals and vessels in Ezra 8:26.
- 1 Chronicles 29:3-5 (thematic): David’s large gifts of gold, silver and vessels for the temple project; thematically parallels the provision and furnishing of sacred service reflected in Ezra 8:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I weighed into their hand silver—six hundred and fifty talents; silver vessels, one hundred talents; gold, one hundred talents.
- I weighed to them silver, six hundred and fifty talents; silver vessels, a hundred talents; and gold, a hundred talents.
Ezr.8.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכפרי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- לאדרכנים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- וכלי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- נחשת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצהב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- חמודת: ADJ,f,sg,constr
- כזהב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 29:3-5 (verbal): David enumerates gifts of gold, silver and vessels for the house of the LORD—parallel vocabulary and the motif of providing precious metals and utensils for temple service.
- Ezra 1:7-11 (thematic): Cyrus orders the return of gold and silver vessels of the house of God—related theme of sacred treasures and temple vessels being restored or provided for God's house.
- Nehemiah 7:69-70 (thematic): The people bring large quantities of gold, silver and vessels for the work of the house of God—a parallel inventory of communal contributions for temple service.
- 1 Chronicles 22:14-16 (thematic): David describes giving gold, silver and brass for building the temple and instructing craftsmen—similar provision of precious metals and materials designated for the sanctuary.
Alternative generated candidates
- And of gold basins, twenty; of gold, one thousand darics; and of bronze vessels, two hundred.
- And of gold articles twenty; of silver articles one thousand; and bronze vessels two thousand; the rest of the vessels were of gold and silver.
Ezr.8.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואמרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- אלהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- והכלים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והכסף: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- והזהב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- נדבה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבתיכם: NOUN,m,pl,cons+PRON,2,pl
Parallels
- Exodus 35:5 (verbal): Calls for voluntary/willing offerings of gold, silver and other materials for the sanctuary—parallels Ezra's designation of silver and gold as a freewill offering to the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 29:3-9 (thematic): David and the people give gold, silver and other valuables willingly to consecrate the house of the LORD; echoes the communal, voluntary consecration of wealth and vessels in Ezra.
- Numbers 8:14-19 (thematic): Levites are set apart and declared holy to the LORD for service—parallels Ezra's statement that the people (and their vessels) are holy to the LORD.
- 2 Chronicles 29:11-16 (thematic): Hezekiah's reform: priests/Levites are sanctified and holy vessels are brought and consecrated to the LORD—closely parallels the sanctification of persons and vessels and the dedication of valuables in Ezra.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I said to them, “You are holy to the LORD, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers.
- And I said to them, 'You are holy to the LORD, and the vessels are holy; the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers.
Ezr.8.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שקדו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ושמרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- תשקלו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ושרי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- האבות: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לישראל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הלשכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 8:28 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same episode: the valuables are weighed and handed over to designated men—same language about accounting and transfer to temple custody.
- Nehemiah 7:69-72 (thematic): Returned exiles and leaders give offerings which are received by officials and placed into the treasuries/storerooms of the house of God—parallel concern for orderly receipt, safeguarding, and accounting.
- 2 Chronicles 31:11-12 (thematic): Hezekiah organizes storehouses and sets men in charge so that the offerings, tithes and dedicated things are brought into the treasuries by priests and Levites—similar institutional provisioning and supervision.
- 1 Chronicles 26:20-28 (structural): Passage describes officials (gatekeepers/treasurers) charged with the treasuries and storerooms of the house of God—parallels the offices and custodial responsibilities named in Ezra 8:29.
Alternative generated candidates
- Keep and guard them until you weigh them before the chiefs of the priests and the Levites and the heads of the fathers’ houses of Israel in Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the LORD.”
- Watch and keep them until you weigh them before the heads of the priests and Levites and the heads of the fathers of Israel in Jerusalem, in the treasury chambers of the house of the LORD.'
Ezr.8.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וקבלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- משקל: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הכסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והזהב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- והכלים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- להביא: VERB,hif,inf
- לירושלם: PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
Parallels
- Ezra 1:7-11 (quotation): Cyrus commands the return of the silver, gold, and vessels taken from the house of the LORD and orders them brought to Jerusalem — a direct parallel in content and purpose (return/transport of temple vessels).
- Ezra 7:18-20 (verbal): Artaxerxes grants Ezra silver, gold, and vessels and authority to use them for the house of the LORD and to bring them to Jerusalem — similar wording and function (royal provision/transport of sacred items).
- 1 Chronicles 29:3-9 (thematic): David gathers large quantities of gold, silver, and temple vessels for the building of the house of the LORD — parallels the collection and dedication of precious metals and sacred objects for Jerusalem's temple work.
- Nehemiah 12:44 (structural): Priests and Levites are appointed over the storerooms to receive and safeguard offerings and contributions for the house of God — parallels the custodial role of priests/Levites receiving and bringing temple resources into Jerusalem.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the priests and the Levites took the weight of the silver and the gold and the vessels to bring them to Jerusalem to the house of our God.
- So the priests and the Levites took the weight of the silver and the gold and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem to the house of our God.
Ezr.8.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונסעה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- מנהר: PREP
- אהוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- בשנים: PREP+NUM,m,pl
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- לחדש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הראשון: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויד: CONJ
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ויצילנו: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg+PRON,1,pl
- מכף: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אויב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואורב: VERB,qal,ptcp,ms,sg
- על: PREP
- הדרך: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Ezra 8:22 (verbal): Uses the same phrase about 'the hand of our God being upon us' and appeals to God's protection rather than armed escort against enemies on the road.
- Psalm 121:7-8 (structural): Promises God's protection of life and of 'your going out and your coming in,' paralleling the idea of safety 'on the way' during a journey.
- Psalm 91:3 (thematic): Speaks of God delivering from the snare of the fowler and from danger—themewise similar to being delivered from enemies and ambushes along the route.
- Isaiah 43:2 (allusion): God's promise to be with his people through perilous passages ('when you pass through the waters... you shall not be burned') echoes the theme of divine presence and deliverance on a journey.
Alternative generated candidates
- And we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambush on the way.
- Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes along the road.
Ezr.8.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ונבוא: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,pl
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ונשב: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,pl
- שם: ADV
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שלשה: NUM,m
Parallels
- Ezra 7:9 (structural): Both describe a leader-led return journey from Babylon to Jerusalem and the arrival there as a key transitional moment in the restoration narrative.
- Nehemiah 2:11 (structural): Nehemiah likewise describes arriving in Jerusalem and pausing to assess the situation—parallel as narratives of returned exiles who arrive and temporarily halt before undertaking reconstruction.
- Genesis 42:17 (verbal): Uses the same time-frame motif of 'three days' as a period of pause/holding (Joseph detains his brothers three days), linking the motif of a short, decisive interval of waiting or testing.
- Jonah 1:17 (thematic): The motif of 'three days' functions thematically as a period of transition/rescue; Jonah's three days in the fish parallels other biblical uses of a three-day interval marking deliverance or change.
Alternative generated candidates
- And we came to Jerusalem and stayed there three days.
- We came to Jerusalem and lodged there three days.
Ezr.8.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וביום: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הרביעי: ADJ,ord,m,sg,def
- נשקל: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- הכסף: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והזהב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- והכלים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אלהינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:1,pl
- על: PREP
- יד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מרמות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אוריה: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ועמו: PREP+3,m,sg
- אלעזר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פינחס: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ועמהם: PREP,3mp
- יוזבד: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישוע: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ונועדיה: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנוי: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- Ezra 8:34-35 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same episode: the weighed silver, gold and vessels are handed over to the priests and Levites for transport and custody—directly linked actions and personnel.
- 1 Chronicles 29:7-9 (thematic): David and the people dedicate large amounts of gold and silver for the house of the LORD and entrust officials, priests and Levites with the sacred materials—parallel practice of collecting, weighing/dedicating and placing valuables in God's care.
- Nehemiah 12:44 (thematic): Describes the practice of appointing Levites to receive and guard the tithes and temple resources in storerooms—parallels Ezra's transfer of weighed valuables into priestly/Levitical custody.
- 2 Chronicles 31:11-12 (thematic): Hezekiah organizes overseers and storehouses and has contributions brought in and apportioned—echoes the administrative safeguarding and accounting of temple silver, gold and vessels.
- Numbers 18:21-24 (thematic): God's allocation of tithes and sacred items to the Levites/priestly service establishes the principle that priests/Levites are responsible for receiving and managing holy offerings—background for the practice described in Ezra 8:33.
Alternative generated candidates
- And on the fourth day the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Urijah the priest; with him Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui, the Levites.
- On the fourth day the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed in the house of our God by the hands of Meremoth son of Urijah the priest, with Elazar son of Phinehas, and with Uzbad son of Jeshua, and Noadiah son of Binnui the Levites.
Ezr.8.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- במספר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במשקל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לכל: PREP
- ויכתב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- המשקל: DEF+NOUN,m,sg,def
- בעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ההיא: DEM,f,sg
Parallels
- Ezra 2:68-69 (verbal): The lists of gifts and the statement about leaders giving to the work closely parallel Ezra 8:34’s concern with amounts and recorded weights for the temple work.
- Nehemiah 7:70-73 (verbal): Nehemiah 7 repeats the Ezra return-list and contribution totals; it mirrors the same language about gifts, weights, and what was written down.
- Ezra 8:27 (structural): Earlier in the same chapter the leaders explicitly 'weighed' and handed over the silver and gold—an immediate internal parallel to the summary statement in 8:34 about weights being recorded.
- 1 Chronicles 29:3-9 (thematic): David’s collection of gold, silver, and voluntary offerings for the temple, with lists of donors and recorded amounts, parallels Ezra’s recording of weights and donations.
- Exodus 38:25-28 (thematic): The account of taking and weighing the census/atonement money for the tabernacle treasury shares the practice of weighing and accounting for silver used in sacred service, akin to Ezra’s recorded weights.
Alternative generated candidates
- By number and by weight for each, and all the weights were recorded at that time.
- Each item was counted and weighed; the whole weight was written down at that time.
Ezr.8.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הבאים: PART,qal,ptcp,masc,pl,def
- מהשבי: PREP
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- הגולה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- הקריבו: VERB,hiph,perf,3,pl
- עלות: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- לאלהי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,const
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אילים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תשעים: NUM,card,pl,m
- וששה: CONJ+NUM,card,pl
- כבשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שבעים: NUM,card,m,pl
- ושבעה: NUM,m,pl,abs
- צפירי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חטאת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- הכל: PRON,m,sg,abs
- עולה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ליהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Numbers 7 (structural): The dedicatory offerings of the twelve tribal leaders (Numbers 7) list bulls, rams, and lambs presented in a patterned, numbered way for the altar — a structural parallel to Ezra’s enumeration (twelve bulls, numerous rams and lambs) at a communal dedication/ceremony.
- Ezra 6:17 (thematic): After the temple's completion in the post-exilic period the returned exiles celebrated the Passover and offered sacrifices at the restored altar — a close thematic parallel of post-exilic communal offerings to Yahweh.
- Ezra 3:4-6 (thematic): Early in the return narrative the exiles rebuild the altar and begin offering burnt offerings and peace offerings — parallels Ezra 8:35 in context (returnees renewing sacrificial worship and offering communal sacrifices).
- Nehemiah 12:43-44 (thematic): The dedication of the wall features great burnt offerings and communal rejoicing; like Ezra 8:35 this describes post-return, celebratory communal sacrifices associated with a restoration event.
- Leviticus 1; Leviticus 4 (verbal): Ezra 8:35 uses the technical sacrificial terms olah (whole/burnt offering) and chatat (sin offering); Leviticus 1 (burnt offerings) and Leviticus 4 (sin offerings) provide the legal/ritual background and vocabulary for these offerings.
Alternative generated candidates
- The returned exiles offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel: twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and twelve male goats for sin offerings; all were burnt offerings to the LORD.
- The returned exiles who had come from the captivity offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel: twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and twelve male goats for a sin offering; all as a burnt offering to the LORD.
Ezr.8.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- דתי: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאחשדרפני: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ופחוות: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנהר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ונשאו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Ezra 7:21 (verbal): Artaxerxes’ decree addresses the king’s satraps and governors 'beyond the river' and grants authority/provisions—language and administrative framework echoed in Ezra 8:36.
- Ezra 8:29 (verbal): Same chapter recounts delivering the royal orders to the king’s officers and the governors beyond the river; closely parallels the procedural report of handing over the king’s instructions.
- Nehemiah 2:7-8 (structural): Nehemiah secures the king’s letters to the governors 'beyond the river' to obtain timber and safe passage—same structural motif of royal authorization communicated to provincial officials for the work of restoration and travel.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (cf. Ezra 1:1-4) (thematic): Cyrus/Artaxerxes’ royal authorization permitting exiles to return and to restore the house of God provides the broader theological and historical theme of Persian royal orders enabling the restoration of the temple and people, which Ezra 8:36 situates administratively.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they handed the king’s command to the king’s satraps and to the governors beyond the river, and they transported the people and the house of God.
- They delivered the king's commission to the king's satrap and to the governors beyond the river, and they carried the people and the house of God.
I gathered them at the river that flows into Ahava, and we camped there three days; I examined the people and the priests, and I found no one of the sons of Levi there. So I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam—heads—and for Jarib and Elnathan, men of understanding.
I charged them concerning the leaders of the province and the monies of the place, and I put into their hand matters to speak with the leaders, my brothers, the officials in the province, so that they might provide us ministers for the house of our God.
They brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, son of Levi—Sherebiah, and his sons and his brothers, eighteen. And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brothers and their sons, twenty. And of the Nethinim, whom David and his officials had appointed for the service of the Levites, one hundred and twenty; all these were named.
I proclaimed there a fast by the Ahava river, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a straight way for us, our children, and all our goods.
For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on the way, because we had told the king, 'The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, but his power and his wrath are against all who forsake him.' So we fasted and entreated our God on this matter, and he was entreated by us.
I set apart twelve of the priests for Sherebiah and Hashabiah, and with them ten of their brothers.
I weighed out to them the silver, the gold, and the vessels—freewill offerings for the house of our God, which the king, his counselors, his lords, and all Israel who were present had offered.
I weighed to them silver by weight: six hundred and fifty talents, and of silver vessels one hundred talents, and of gold one hundred talents.
Also twenty gold basins, one thousand silver basins, and two bronze basins, of good bronze and as precious as gold.
I said to them, 'You are holy to the LORD, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers.'
Guard and keep them until you weigh them before the heads of the priests and the Levites and the heads of the fathers of Israel in Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the LORD. So the priests and the Levites took up the weight of the silver and the gold and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem, to the house of our God.
Then we set out from the Ahava river on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambush along the way.
We came to Jerusalem and stayed there three days.
On the fourth day the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed in the house of our God by Meremoth son of Urijah the priest, with Eleazar son of Phinehas; and with them were Uzziel son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui, the Levites.
By number and by weight they were counted for all; and everything was written down at that time.
Those who had been carried away of the captivity offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel: twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven male lambs, and twelve male goats for a sin offering—all were a burnt offering to the LORD.
They delivered the king's orders to the king's satraps beyond the River, and the hand of the satraps was with them to support the people and the house of God.