Ezra Chapter 8 · Verse 16
Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.
Original Language Analysis
וָֽאֶשְׁלְחָ֡ה
Then sent
H7971
וָֽאֶשְׁלְחָ֡ה
Then sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 14
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
לֶֽאֱלִיעֶ֡זֶר
I for Eliezer
H461
לֶֽאֱלִיעֶ֡זֶר
I for Eliezer
Strong's:
H461
Word #:
2 of 14
eliezer, the name of a damascene and of ten israelites
לַֽאֲרִיאֵ֡ל
for Ariel
H740
לַֽאֲרִיאֵ֡ל
for Ariel
Strong's:
H740
Word #:
3 of 14
ariel, a symbolical name for jerusalem, also the name of an israelite
לִֽ֠שְׁמַעְיָה
for Shemaiah
H8098
לִֽ֠שְׁמַעְיָה
for Shemaiah
Strong's:
H8098
Word #:
4 of 14
shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites
וּלְאֶלְנָתָ֖ן
and for Elnathan
H494
וּלְאֶלְנָתָ֖ן
and for Elnathan
Strong's:
H494
Word #:
5 of 14
elnathan, the name of four israelites
וּלְאֶלְנָתָ֖ן
and for Elnathan
H494
וּלְאֶלְנָתָ֖ן
and for Elnathan
Strong's:
H494
Word #:
7 of 14
elnathan, the name of four israelites
וְלִזְכַרְיָ֥ה
and for Zechariah
H2148
וְלִזְכַרְיָ֥ה
and for Zechariah
Strong's:
H2148
Word #:
9 of 14
zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites
וְלִמְשֻׁלָּ֖ם
and for Meshullam
H4918
וְלִמְשֻׁלָּ֖ם
and for Meshullam
Strong's:
H4918
Word #:
10 of 14
meshullam, the name of seventeen israelites
רָאשִׁ֑ים
chief men
H7218
רָאשִׁ֑ים
chief men
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
11 of 14
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וּלְיֽוֹיָרִ֥יב
also for Joiarib
H3114
וּלְיֽוֹיָרִ֥יב
also for Joiarib
Strong's:
H3114
Word #:
12 of 14
jojarib, the name of four israelites
Historical Context
The eleven delegates represent significant families within the exile community. 'Men of understanding' likely means those skilled in Torah interpretation and persuasive argument—necessary to counter the Levites' rational objections to returning. The journey to Casiphia (v. 17) was probably 10-20 miles from Ahava, suggesting the Levites had established a separate religious community, perhaps a diaspora study center or synagogue, making their absence from Ezra's caravan even more puzzling.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Ezra's strategic selection of influential and wise men teach about mobilizing people for difficult ministry?
- Why is 'understanding' (wisdom) as important as positional authority when calling people to costly obedience?
- How might modern ministry leaders learn from Ezra's approach to recruiting reluctant but necessary workers?
Analysis & Commentary
Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan...—Ezra dispatches a delegation of eleven men, carefully listed by name. The שָׁלַח (shalach, sent) indicates formal commission. The names reveal theological significance: אֱלִיעֶזֶר (Eliezer, 'God is my help'), אֲרִיאֵל (Ariel, 'lion of God'), שְׁמַעְיָה (Shemaiah, 'Yahweh has heard'). These weren't random selections but strategic choices of influential leaders.
Chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding—רָאשִׁים (rashim, chief men/heads) indicates tribal or family leadership status. The phrase אַנְשֵׁי בִינָה (anshei binah, men of understanding/discernment) distinguishes the final two as particularly wise, suitable for the delicate task of persuading reluctant Levites to leave comfortable Babylonian life for uncertain future in impoverished Judah. This combination of political authority (chiefs) and wisdom (understanding) shows Ezra's strategic leadership—he knew convincing the Levites required both status and eloquence.