Ezra 8:32
And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.
Original Language Analysis
וַנָּב֖וֹא
And we came
H935
וַנָּב֖וֹא
And we came
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 6
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
to Jerusalem
H3389
יְרֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
to Jerusalem
Strong's:
H3389
Word #:
2 of 6
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
וַנֵּ֥שֶׁב
and abode
H3427
וַנֵּ֥שֶׁב
and abode
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Cross References
Historical Context
Jerusalem in 458 BC remained partially ruined from Babylonian destruction (586 BC). Though the temple was rebuilt (515 BC), the city walls remained broken (necessitating Nehemiah's later rebuilding, 445 BC). The returning caravan's arrival brought desperately needed resources to the struggling community. The three-day rest before formal treasure delivery (v. 33) allowed news of the caravan's safe arrival to spread through the community, building anticipation for the public celebration that would follow the formal accounting and temple dedication of the offerings.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the three-day rest pattern (before and after the journey) teach about healthy spiritual rhythms in ministry?
- How should the successful completion of faith-risking ventures be commemorated to strengthen community confidence in God?
- In what ways does physical rest after intense spiritual labor demonstrate wise stewardship rather than weak faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days—וַנָּבוֹא יְרוּשָׁלִָם (vannavo yerushalaim, and we came to Jerusalem) marks the journey's successful completion. Departing on the first month, twelfth day (v. 31) and arriving on the fifth month, first day (Ezra 7:9) makes the journey exactly 110 days—nearly four months traversing 900 miles. The וַנֵּשֶׁב־שָׁם שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים (vanneshev-sham sheloshet yamim, and we sat there three days) echoes the three-day encampment at Ahava before departure (v. 15). This rest period allowed physical recovery from grueling travel, preparation for formal treasure delivery, and likely included thanksgiving worship for safe arrival.
The three-day pattern (before and after the journey) suggests deliberate spiritual rhythm: pause before major undertaking for prayer and preparation, pause after completion for thanksgiving and transition. The brevity of the verse belies its significance—successful arrival with immense treasure intact proved God's faithfulness and vindicated Ezra's faith-risk in refusing military escort. This testimony became foundation for the remnant community's confidence in divine protection during Nehemiah's wall-rebuilding opposition (Nehemiah 4).