Ezra 8:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezra 8:10
10 And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males.
Chapter Context
Ezra 8 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, fellowship, wisdom. Written during the post-exilic return (c. 458-440 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The Persian Empire allowed religious freedom while maintaining political control.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-36: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezra and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezra 8:10
10 And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males.
Analysis
And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males. The Shelomith family contributed 160 males ('an hundred and threescore'). Shelomith likely derives from shalom (peace, wholeness, welfare), suggesting the name means 'peaceful' or 'my peace.' Josiphiah means 'Yahweh will add/increase,' expressing hope that God would multiply blessings or descendants. Like verse 5, the text lacks a specific leader's name, reading literally 'the son of Josiphiah' without naming which son.
The 160 males represented substantial family group, demonstrating that Shelomith clan responded generously to restoration call. The name's connection to shalom is theologically rich—true peace comes through covenant relationship with Yahweh, not political stability or economic prosperity. Jerusalem's restoration promised shalom: right relationship with God, harmonious community, and creation's flourishing. The family bearing this name participated in peace's physical manifestation by rebuilding God's city.
Josiphiah's name ('Yahweh will add') expressed faith in divine multiplication. God doesn't merely sustain but increases—multiplying descendants (Abraham), harvests (seed sown), and kingdom impact (mustard seed). This family's name testified that God's economy operates on abundance, not scarcity, because the Creator inexhaustibly pours out blessing to covenant people.
Historical Context
Shelomith appears as both masculine and feminine name in Scripture. The family's prominence in Ezra's list (160 males) suggests significance, though they don't appear in Ezra 2's earlier return. This may indicate either a family that remained in Babylon initially but responded to Ezra's call, or textual/genealogical connections not immediately apparent. The name's association with shalom resonated deeply in exile context—Jeremiah 29:7 commanded exiles to 'seek the peace [shalom] of the city' even in Babylon.
Reflection
- How does the name Shelomith (connected to shalom/peace) challenge misconceptions of peace as mere absence of conflict versus comprehensive covenant wholeness?
- What does Josiphiah's name ('Yahweh will add') teach about trusting God's multiplication rather than clinging to present resources?