Ezra 8:10
And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
And of the sons
H1121
בֶּן
And of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶּן
And of the sons
H1121
בֶּן
And of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְעִמּ֕וֹ
H5973
וְעִמּ֕וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Historical Context
Shelomith appears as both masculine and feminine name in Scripture. The family's prominence in Ezra's list (160 males) suggests significance, though they don't appear in Ezra 2's earlier return. This may indicate either a family that remained in Babylon initially but responded to Ezra's call, or textual/genealogical connections not immediately apparent. The name's association with shalom resonated deeply in exile context—Jeremiah 29:7 commanded exiles to 'seek the peace [shalom] of the city' even in Babylon.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the name Shelomith (connected to shalom/peace) challenge misconceptions of peace as mere absence of conflict versus comprehensive covenant wholeness?
- What does Josiphiah's name ('Yahweh will add') teach about trusting God's multiplication rather than clinging to present resources?
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Analysis & Commentary
And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males. The Shelomith family contributed 160 males ('an hundred and threescore'). Shelomith likely derives from shalom (peace, wholeness, welfare), suggesting the name means 'peaceful' or 'my peace.' Josiphiah means 'Yahweh will add/increase,' expressing hope that God would multiply blessings or descendants. Like verse 5, the text lacks a specific leader's name, reading literally 'the son of Josiphiah' without naming which son.
The 160 males represented substantial family group, demonstrating that Shelomith clan responded generously to restoration call. The name's connection to shalom is theologically rich—true peace comes through covenant relationship with Yahweh, not political stability or economic prosperity. Jerusalem's restoration promised shalom: right relationship with God, harmonious community, and creation's flourishing. The family bearing this name participated in peace's physical manifestation by rebuilding God's city.
Josiphiah's name ('Yahweh will add') expressed faith in divine multiplication. God doesn't merely sustain but increases—multiplying descendants (Abraham), harvests (seed sown), and kingdom impact (mustard seed). This family's name testified that God's economy operates on abundance, not scarcity, because the Creator inexhaustibly pours out blessing to covenant people.