Lexical Summary Iddow: Iddo Original Word: אִדּוֹ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Iddo Of uncertain derivation; Iddo, an Israelite -- Iddo. Brown-Driver-Briggs אִדּוֺ proper name, masculine a chief Israelite Ezra 8:17 (twice in verse). Topical Lexicon Name and Identity Iddo appears in the post-exilic record as head of a community of Levites and temple servants located at Casiphia (Ezra 8:17). Though otherwise unknown, his leadership is decisive for the success of Ezra’s mission. Historical Setting The events unfold in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes of Persia (circa 458 BC) when Ezra gathers volunteers for the return to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:7-9). At the Ahava River camp Ezra discovers no Levites among the pilgrims, a serious deficiency because temple service required their presence (Numbers 3:5-10). Role in Ezra’s Return Ezra “sent them to Iddo the leader at the place Casiphia and told them what to say to Iddo and his brothers, the temple servants at the place Casiphia, that they should bring us ministers for the house of our God” (Ezra 8:17). Iddo’s response is immediate: Thus Iddo supplies both the teaching Levites (Deuteronomy 33:10) and the supporting Nethinim initiated by David (1 Chronicles 9:2). Ezra attributes this provision to “the good hand of our God” (Ezra 8:18), yet God’s hand works through Iddo’s willing leadership. Ministry Significance 1. Restoration of Worship: Without Levites, the newly rebuilt temple would lack its ordained ministers. Iddo ensures that the covenant pattern of worship can resume in Jerusalem (Ezra 9:9). Character Lessons • Faithful Obscurity: Though mentioned only in one verse, Iddo advances redemptive history. God often employs leaders whose names rarely headline Scripture (cf. Romans 16:1-16). Connections with Other Bearers of the Name Distinct figures named Iddo serve as prophet (2 Chronicles 9:29) or priest (Nehemiah 12:4). Though unrelated to the Casiphia leader, each Iddo contributes to covenant fidelity, reinforcing the theme of generational “witness,” a nuance embedded in the name itself. Theological Insights God preserves a remnant equipped for worship even in dispersion (Isaiah 11:11-12). The swift cooperation between Ezra and Iddo illustrates how divine sovereignty and human responsibility converge: God stirs hearts (Ezra 1:5) while servants organize and act (Ezra 8:17-20). Practical Applications • Churches should maintain intentional preparation—training servants before opportunities arise. Key Reference Ezra 8:17 (with fruit in 8:18-20) Iddo’s brief but strategic appearance reminds readers that God often advances His kingdom through quiet, prepared communities and leaders whose prompt obedience enables public revivals of worship. Forms and Transliterations אִדּ֣וֹ אִדּ֨וֹ אדו ’id·dōw ’iddōw idDoLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 8:17 HEB: אוֹתָם֙ עַל־ אִדּ֣וֹ הָרֹ֔אשׁ בְּכָסִפְיָ֖א NAS: I sent them to Iddo the leading man KJV: them with commandment unto Iddo the chief INT: after and to Iddo the leading Casiphia Ezra 8:17 2 Occurrences |
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