Ezra 2:67
Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.
Original Language Analysis
שֵׁ֣שֶׁת
six
H8337
שֵׁ֣שֶׁת
six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
7 of 11
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
אֲלָפִ֔ים
thousand
H505
אֲלָפִ֔ים
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
8 of 11
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
שְׁבַ֥ע
seven
H7651
שְׁבַ֥ע
seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
9 of 11
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
Historical Context
Mules combined horses' strength with donkeys' sure-footedness, making them ideal for mountainous terrain and heavy work. The 245 mules would have been essential for construction work, agricultural labor, and transportation in Judah's hilly geography. Their cost and maintenance requirements show returning community had significant economic resources. Archaeological evidence confirms mules were valuable and relatively rare in the ancient Near East.
Questions for Reflection
- How does provision of work animals demonstrate that spiritual callings involve practical responsibilities requiring material resources?
- What does God's provision of specific tools (mules) for specific tasks teach about His attention to practical details?
Analysis & Commentary
The livestock continues: 'Their mules, two hundred forty and five.' Mules (crossbreed of horse and donkey) were valuable work animals. The possession of 245 mules demonstrates agricultural and transportation capacity. The accumulating inventory (horses, mules) shows God provided comprehensive resources for the enormous tasks ahead. Material provision accompanied spiritual calling.