Ezra 8:15
And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.
Original Language Analysis
הַנָּהָר֙
to the river
H5104
הַנָּהָר֙
to the river
Strong's:
H5104
Word #:
3 of 18
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
הַבָּ֣א
that runneth
H935
הַבָּ֣א
that runneth
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
4 of 18
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וַנַּֽחֲנֶ֥ה
and there abode we in tents
H2583
וַנַּֽחֲנֶ֥ה
and there abode we in tents
Strong's:
H2583
Word #:
7 of 18
properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
יָמִ֣ים
days
H3117
יָמִ֣ים
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 18
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
שְׁלֹשָׁ֑ה
three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָׁ֑ה
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
10 of 18
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
וָֽאָבִ֤ינָה
and I viewed
H995
וָֽאָבִ֤ינָה
and I viewed
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
11 of 18
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
בָעָם֙
the people
H5971
בָעָם֙
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
12 of 18
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וּבַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
and the priests
H3548
וּבַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
and the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
13 of 18
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
וּמִבְּנֵ֥י
there none of the sons
H1121
וּמִבְּנֵ֥י
there none of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
14 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
16 of 18
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Ezra 7:7And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.Ezra 8:31Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.Ezra 8:21Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.Psalms 137:1By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.Ezekiel 3:15Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.Ezra 8:2Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.
Historical Context
This second return occurred in 458 BC under Persian King Artaxerxes I, nearly 60 years after the temple's completion (515 BC). Ezra led approximately 1,500 males plus families (8:1-14), far smaller than Zerubbabel's initial return of 42,360 (2:64). The Levites' reluctance to return may reflect comfortable assimilation into Babylonian society after 140+ years of exile, prioritizing economic security over covenant obligation—a pattern Ezra had to overcome through personal appeal (8:16-20).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the three-day preparation period teach about the importance of spiritual readiness before undertaking God's work?
- Why would Levites, called to temple service, be reluctant to return to Jerusalem despite the opportunity?
- In what ways do modern believers prioritize comfort and security over costly obedience to God's calling?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava—the נָהָר אַהֲוָא (nahar Ahava, Ahava river/canal) was likely an irrigation canal near Babylon, though its exact location is unknown. This gathering point served as a mustering site where Ezra could review his caravan before the dangerous 900-mile journey to Jerusalem. And there abode we in tents three days—the three-day encampment echoes Israel's pattern of preparation before significant movements (Joshua 1:11, 3:2), suggesting deliberate spiritual preparation, not mere logistical organization.
And I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi—בָּקַר (baqar, reviewed/inspected) implies careful examination. Ezra's discovery that no Levites had volunteered for the return expedition created a crisis. Priests (כֹּהֲנִים, kohanim, descendants of Aaron) were present, but לְוִיִּם (Leviyyim, Levites from non-Aaronic clans) who performed essential temple support functions—music, gatekeeping, teaching—were absent. Without Levites, proper temple worship couldn't be established in Jerusalem, undermining the entire expedition's purpose.