Ezra 8:9
Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males.
Original Language Analysis
בֶּן
Of the sons
H1121
בֶּן
Of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶּן
Of the sons
H1121
בֶּן
Of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 10
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יְחִיאֵ֑ל
of Jehiel
H3171
יְחִיאֵ֑ל
of Jehiel
Strong's:
H3171
Word #:
5 of 10
jechiel (or jechavel), the name of eight israelites
וְעִמּ֕וֹ
H5973
וְעִמּ֕וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 10
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
מָאתַ֛יִם
and with him two hundred
H3967
מָאתַ֛יִם
and with him two hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
7 of 10
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
וּשְׁמֹנָ֥ה
and eighteen
H8083
וּשְׁמֹנָ֥ה
and eighteen
Strong's:
H8083
Word #:
8 of 10
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
Historical Context
The Joab family (named after David's military commander?) sent 2,818 with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:6, though textual variants exist). The 218 males with Ezra represented continued commitment eighty years later. The precision of genealogical records indicates that scribes maintained careful documentation throughout exile. Archaeological discoveries of Neo-Babylonian business documents show Jews engaged in commerce, agriculture, and skilled trades—success that made return costly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Obadiah's name ('servant of Yahweh') challenge contemporary Christianity's emphasis on personal fulfillment over faithful service?
- What does meticulous counting (218 males, not rounded) teach about God's concern for individuals, not just aggregate numbers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males. The Joab family brought 218 males—specific number suggesting careful record-keeping. Obadiah means 'servant of Yahweh' or 'worshiper of Yahweh,' combining ebed (servant) with Yah (abbreviated divine name). This name confesses both submission (servant) and devotion (worshiper), capturing proper covenant relationship. Jehiel means 'God lives,' a confession particularly meaningful for exiles who might question whether God abandoned them during Babylon's seventy-year dominance.
The precise count—218, not rounded to 200 or 220—indicates meticulous census-taking. This precision served practical purposes (resource allocation, settlement planning) and theological ones (demonstrating that each person mattered individually to God and community). Every male counted wasn't generic 'population' but named covenant member with specific identity and role.
Obadiah's name—'servant of Yahweh'—defines proper human posture before God. Not autonomous agents or divine equals, but servants whose highest calling is worshiping and obeying the living God. This servanthood isn't demeaning slavery but dignified purpose: created beings fulfilling their design by serving their Creator.