Ezra 8:7

from the descendants of Elam, Jeshaiah son of Athaliah, and with him 70 men;

Study Bible

from the descendants of Elam
The descendants of Elam refer to a family group or clan within the Israelite community. Elam is one of the sons of Shem, mentioned in Genesis 10:22, and the name is associated with a region east of Mesopotamia. In the context of Ezra, Elam likely refers to a family that returned from the Babylonian exile. This highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land, as prophesied in Jeremiah 29:10-14.

Jeshaiah son of Athaliah
Jeshaiah, meaning "Yahweh is salvation," is a common name in the Old Testament, reflecting the hope and faith of the Israelites in God's deliverance. Athaliah, his father, shares a name with a notorious queen in Judah's history (2 Kings 11), though they are not the same person. This Jeshaiah is a leader among the returning exiles, emphasizing the importance of family lineage and leadership in the restoration process.

and with him 70 men
The number 70 is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or a large group. It recalls the 70 elders of Israel who assisted Moses (Exodus 24:1) and the 70 nations listed in Genesis 10. This group of 70 men represents a substantial contingent of the returning exiles, underscoring the collective effort and unity required for the journey back to Jerusalem. It also reflects the organized and communal nature of the return, as seen in the broader narrative of Ezra and Nehemiah.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elam
A family or clan within the Israelite community. The descendants of Elam were among those returning from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. Elam is also a region mentioned in the Bible, but here it refers to a family lineage.

2. Jeshaiah
The son of Athaliah, Jeshaiah is a leader among the returning exiles. His name means "Yahweh is salvation," reflecting a common theme of reliance on God.

3. Athaliah
The father of Jeshaiah. Not much is known about him, but his inclusion signifies the importance of lineage and heritage in the Jewish community.

4. 70 Men
This group accompanied Jeshaiah, representing a significant number of people committed to the journey back to Jerusalem. The number 70 often symbolizes completeness or a significant group in biblical terms.

5. Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem, a pivotal moment in Jewish history that signifies restoration and renewal.

Teaching Points

Heritage and Identity
The mention of specific names and lineages highlights the importance of knowing one's heritage and identity in God's plan. As believers, understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ is crucial.

Leadership and Responsibility
Jeshaiah's role as a leader among the exiles underscores the responsibility of leadership in guiding others towards God's purposes. We are called to lead by example in our communities.

Commitment to God's Plan
The 70 men who accompanied Jeshaiah demonstrate commitment and unity in pursuing God's plan. We are encouraged to commit ourselves fully to God's calling, even when it requires sacrifice.

Restoration and Hope
The return from exile is a powerful symbol of God's ability to restore and renew. In our lives, we can trust God to bring restoration and hope, even in difficult circumstances.

Bible Study Questions

1. What significance does the lineage of Elam have in the context of the return from exile, and how does this relate to our understanding of spiritual heritage today?

2. How does Jeshaiah's leadership role among the exiles inspire us to take on leadership responsibilities in our own faith communities?

3. In what ways can the commitment of the 70 men who accompanied Jeshaiah challenge us to be more committed to God's plans in our lives?

4. How does the theme of restoration in Ezra 8:7 connect with other biblical accounts of restoration, and what hope does this offer us today?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's restoration in your life. How can this experience encourage others who are going through similar situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 2
Provides a broader list of those returning from exile, offering context to the specific mention of Jeshaiah and his group in Ezra 8:7.

Nehemiah 7
Also lists the exiles returning to Jerusalem, showing the continuity and importance of these genealogies in the restoration of Israel.

Isaiah 11:11
Speaks of the Lord gathering the remnant of His people, which connects to the theme of return and restoration seen in Ezra.