Ezra 8

1 them that went up. The number of male adults (for such those here numbered appear to have been) amounts only to 1,754 persons; but the whole body who accompanied Ezra, including women and children, would, according to the usual proportions, consist of nearly seven thousand.

7 the sons of Elam, etc. Many from the families mentioned here had previously gone up with Zerubbabel: see ch. ii.

13 the last sons. These are called “the last,” probably because part of the family had returned to Judæa before, and all who remained now followed.

15. Ahava. The place and the river (21, 31) seem to have had the same name. It is supposed that the modern Hit, on the Euphrates, occupies the site. The river, however, may have been one of the numerous canals of the Euphrates near Babylon (Hastings’ Dict. Bible).

none of the sons of Levi. That is, none who were simply Levites; for there were several priests.

17. Casiphia. It is uncertain where Casiphia was situated, or who “Iddo the chief” was.

18 a man of understanding. “Discretion,” R.V.

22 the enemy in the way. Roving Arab tribes, who lived by plunder.

24. Sherebiah. Read “to Sherebiah,” i.e., priests in addition to these two Levites (see 18, 19; Neh. viii. 7; xi. 15, etc.).

31 on the twelfth day. See vii. 9. The interval had been occupied in reviewing the people (viii. 15) and in gathering the Levites and Nethinim.

35 twelve bullocks for all Israel. Cp. ii. 70; vi. 17, and notes.

36 lieutenants. “Satraps,” the chief governors of provinces under Nebuchadnezzar and the Persian kings: see R.V.