Ezra 3:8
Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.
Ezra 3:8 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Ezra, we see Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and their fellow Israelites beginning the work of rebuilding the house of God in Jerusalem. This event took place in the second year of their return from captivity, during the second month. Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, along with the priests, Levites, and all who had come back from exile, gathered together to start the important task of restoring the temple. They diligently organized the Levites, who were twenty years old and above, to lead the effort in reconstructing the house of the LORD. This verse highlights the unity, determination, and commitment of the Israelites to worship their God and reclaim their homeland after years of exile. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness of God's people and their willingness to work together to fulfill His purposes.
Theological Overview
From a theological standpoint, this verse highlights the importance of community and collaboration in fulfilling the work of the Lord. Zerubbabel, Jeshua, the priests, the Levites, and all those who returned from captivity joined together in the task of rebuilding the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. This demonstrates the unity and dedication of God's people in carrying out His plans. The emphasis on age, with Levites aged twenty and older being appointed for the work, signifies the importance of experience and maturity in service to God. Through this verse, we see the value of working together as a community of believers to accomplish God's purposes, with each individual playing a crucial role in advancing His kingdom.
Ezra 3:8 in other translations
American Standard Version
Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem, and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to have the oversight of the work of the house of Jehovah.
World English Bible
Now in the second year of their coming to God’s house at Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brothers the priests and the Levites, and all those who had come out of the captivity to Jerusalem, began the work and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to have the oversight of the work of Yahweh’s house.
Douay-Rheims
And in the second year of their coming to the temple of God in Jerusalem, the second month, Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Josue the son of Josedec, and the rest of their brethren the priests, and the Levites, and all that were come from the captivity to Jerusalem began, and they appointed Levites from twenty years old and upward, to hasten forward the work of the Lord.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And in the seconde yeere of their comming vnto the house of God in Ierusalem in the second moneth began Zerubbabel the sonne of Shealtiel, and Ieshua the sonne of Iozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the Priests and the Leuites, and all they that were come out of the captiuitie vnto Ierusalem, and appointed the Leuites from twentie yeere olde and aboue, to set forwarde the worke of the house of the Lord.