Ezra 8:19
And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty;
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאִתּ֥וֹ
H854
וְאִתּ֥וֹ
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
יְשַֽׁעְיָ֖ה
and with him Jeshaiah
H3470
יְשַֽׁעְיָ֖ה
and with him Jeshaiah
Strong's:
H3470
Word #:
4 of 9
jeshajah, the name of seven israelites
וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם
and their sons
H1121
וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם
and their sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אֶחָ֥יו
his brethren
H251
אֶחָ֥יו
his brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
7 of 9
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
Historical Context
The Merarites' specialized role in temple infrastructure made them especially valuable to Jerusalem's struggling community. The temple was complete but likely needed ongoing maintenance and expansion. Bringing skilled craftsmen committed to sacred service addressed practical needs while also ensuring continuity of proper Levitical functions according to Mosaic law. These families would become part of the permanent Levitical establishment serving in rotation (1 Chronicles 24-26).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the recruitment of entire families rather than individuals teach about sustainable ministry?
- How does the Merarites' specialized role (structural maintenance) illustrate the diversity of gifts needed in God's work?
- In what ways do modern churches neglect 'support roles' (Merarites) while prioritizing 'visible roles' (priests)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari—חֲשַׁבְיָה (Chashabyah, 'Yahweh has considered/esteemed') and יְשַׁעְיָה (Yesha'yah, 'Yahweh is salvation') are both Merarite Levites (בְּנֵי מְרָרִי, benei Merari). The Merarites handled the tabernacle's structural framework—frames, bars, pillars, bases (Numbers 3:36-37, 4:29-33)—heavy labor requiring strength and organizational skill. Their willingness to return suggests they understood the rebuilt temple needed not just priests for sacrifice but Levites for maintenance and logistics.
His brethren and their sons, twenty—the enumeration (eighteen in v. 18, twenty here) emphasizes these weren't individuals but family units with multi-generational commitment. The אַחִים (achim, brothers/kinsmen) and בְּנֵיהֶם (beneihem, their sons) indicate entire clans making permanent relocation decisions. This family solidarity strengthened the fragile Jerusalem community—they brought not just workers but future generations committed to temple service.