Ezra 8:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָֽאֶקְבְּצֵ֗ם

H6908

And I gathered them together

to grasp, i.e., collect

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַנָּהָר֙

H5104

to the river

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

הַבָּ֣א

H935

that runneth

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶֽל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַהֲוָ֔א

H163

to Ahava

ahava, a river of babylonia

וַנַּֽחֲנֶ֥ה

H2583

and there abode we in tents

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

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יָמִ֣ים

H3117

days

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

#10

שְׁלֹשָׁ֑ה

H7969

three

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

#11

וָֽאָבִ֤ינָה

H995

and I viewed

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

#12

בָעָם֙

H5971

the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#13

וּבַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים

H3548

and the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#14

וּמִבְּנֵ֥י

H1121

there none of the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#15

לֵוִ֖י

H3878

of Levi

levi, a son of jacob

#16

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#17

מָצָ֥אתִי

H4672

and found

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

#18

שָֽׁם׃

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezra Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on covenant community address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?