Topical Encyclopedia Ezra 8:9 · "from the descendants of Joab, Obadiah son of Jehiel, and with him 218 men;" (Berean Standard Bible)Context and Background: Ezra 8:9 is part of a larger passage detailing the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra, a scribe and priest. This chapter lists the heads of the families and the number of men accompanying Ezra on this significant journey. The return from exile is a pivotal moment in Jewish history, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their homeland after seventy years of captivity. Analysis: 1. The Descendants of Joab: · The mention of "the descendants of Joab" refers to a family lineage within the tribe of Judah. Joab, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, was the nephew of King David and served as the commander of his army. The inclusion of Joab's descendants in the return to Jerusalem underscores the continuity of Davidic leadership and the restoration of the Jewish community. 2. Obadiah son of Jehiel: · Obadiah, identified as the son of Jehiel, is the leader of this group. The name Obadiah means "servant of Yahweh," reflecting a common practice of naming children in a way that honors God. Jehiel, his father, is not extensively detailed in the biblical text, but his mention signifies the importance of family heritage and leadership in the post-exilic community. 3. The Number of Men: · The text specifies that 218 men accompanied Obadiah. This enumeration highlights the organized and communal nature of the return. Each family group is accounted for, emphasizing the collective effort and unity among the exiles as they embark on the journey back to their ancestral land. Theological Significance: Ezra 8:9, while seemingly a simple record of names and numbers, carries profound theological implications. It reflects God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises. The return to Jerusalem is not merely a physical relocation but a spiritual renewal and reestablishment of the covenant community. The detailed listing of families and leaders serves as a testament to God's providence and the importance of maintaining a faithful remnant. Application: For contemporary readers, Ezra 8:9 serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and leadership within the community of believers. It encourages the recognition of God's hand in guiding and restoring His people, even through challenging circumstances. The passage also underscores the value of heritage and the role of each individual in contributing to the larger mission of God's kingdom. In summary, Ezra 8:9, while brief, is a vital component of the narrative of return and restoration, illustrating the themes of faithfulness, leadership, and divine providence that resonate throughout the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Concordance 218 (1 Occurrence)Ezra 8:9 Thesaurus 218 (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance 218 (1 Occurrence). Ezra 8:9 Of the sons of Joab, Obadiah the son of Jehiel; and with him two hundred and eighteen males. ... /num/218.htm - 6k Better (218 Occurrences) Sirach 220 (1 Occurrence) 212 (1 Occurrence) Zeeb (3 Occurrences) Oreb (4 Occurrences) Gadara Melita (1 Occurrence) Resources What are the most common denominations of Christianity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the 613 commandments in the Old Testament Law? | GotQuestions.org Who was Obadiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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