Ezra 2:66
Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;
Original Language Analysis
שְׁבַ֥ע
were seven
H7651
שְׁבַ֥ע
were seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
2 of 9
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
וְשִׁשָּׁ֑ה
and six
H8337
וְשִׁשָּׁ֑ה
and six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
5 of 9
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
Historical Context
Horses were expensive to maintain, requiring feed and care. The 736 horses shows substantial wealth in the returning community—not all were poor. Some returnees had prospered in Babylon. Archaeological evidence shows horses were imported and valuable in the ancient Near East. The horses would have served transportation needs for the 900-mile journey and subsequent work establishing settlements. Their presence demonstrates that God provided practical resources for commanded work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does possession of 736 horses demonstrate that God provides practical resources, not just spiritual encouragement, for His work?
- What does the specificity (736, not 'about 700') teach about biblical attention to historical detail and accuracy?
Analysis & Commentary
The animal count begins: 'Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six.' The precision (736 horses) demonstrates administrative thoroughness. Horses were valuable—used for transportation, military purposes, and status symbols. That the community possessed hundreds of horses shows material resources accompanied the return. God provided not just permission but practical means for the journey and settlement.