◄ Ezra 7:3 ►
the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
Study Bible
the son of Amariah
Amariah is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with priestly lineage. This particular Amariah is part of the genealogy of Ezra, a scribe and priest. The name means "Yahweh has promised" or "Yahweh speaks," reflecting the divine calling and promise associated with the priestly office. Amariah's inclusion in the genealogy underscores the continuity of the priestly line from Aaron, emphasizing the legitimacy and authority of Ezra's priestly role. This connection to the priesthood is significant in understanding Ezra's mission to restore the law and worship in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

the son of Azariah
Azariah, meaning "Yahweh has helped," is another name frequently found in the priestly genealogies. This name highlights the divine assistance and favor that the priestly line has received throughout Israel's history. Azariah's presence in the genealogy serves to reinforce the idea of divine support and guidance in the restoration efforts led by Ezra. The name also connects to other notable figures in the Bible, such as Azariah, the son of Ahimaaz, who served as a priest during King Solomon's reign, indicating a long-standing tradition of faithful service to God.

the son of Meraioth
Meraioth, meaning "rebellious" or "bitter," is less frequently mentioned but is still part of the priestly lineage. His inclusion in the genealogy of Ezra highlights the continuity of the priestly line despite the challenges and rebellions faced by Israel throughout its history. The name may also serve as a reminder of the struggles and hardships endured by the priestly families, yet God's faithfulness in preserving the line. This continuity is crucial for establishing Ezra's authority and the legitimacy of his reforms, as he seeks to reestablish the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Amariah
A priestly ancestor of Ezra, Amariah's name means "Yahweh has promised." He is part of the lineage that establishes Ezra's authority and credibility as a scribe and leader in Israel.

2. Azariah
Another priestly ancestor, Azariah's name means "Yahweh has helped." His inclusion in the genealogy highlights the divine assistance and favor that has been part of Ezra's heritage.

3. Meraioth
A lesser-known figure in the priestly line, Meraioth's name means "rebellious." His presence in the genealogy may serve as a reminder of the complex history of Israel's priesthood, which includes both faithfulness and rebellion.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can provide a sense of identity and purpose. Just as Ezra's lineage affirmed his role, believers can find strength in their spiritual lineage through Christ.

God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The genealogy in Ezra 7:3 reminds us of God's faithfulness to His promises across generations. We can trust that God is working through our lives and the lives of those who came before us.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
Ezra's priestly lineage equipped him for leadership in Israel's spiritual renewal. Believers are called to lead by example, using their God-given gifts and heritage to guide others toward God.

The Complexity of Our Spiritual Journey
The inclusion of names like Meraioth, meaning "rebellious," highlights that our spiritual journey can be complex. God can use both our strengths and weaknesses for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding Ezra's priestly lineage enhance our appreciation of his role in Israel's history?

2. In what ways can we draw strength and identity from our spiritual heritage in Christ?

3. How does the faithfulness of God across generations encourage you in your current walk with Him?

4. What qualities of leadership can we learn from Ezra's example that are applicable in our own lives today?

5. How can we reconcile the complexities of our spiritual journey, including moments of rebellion, with God's overarching plan for our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Chronicles 6
This chapter provides a detailed genealogy of the Levites, including the line of Aaron, to which Ezra belongs. It underscores the continuity of the priestly line and the importance of heritage in fulfilling God's purposes.

Nehemiah 8
Ezra's role in reading the Law to the people of Israel is a direct result of his priestly lineage and his dedication to God's Word. This event demonstrates the impact of a faithful leader in guiding the people back to God's commandments.

Hebrews 7
This chapter discusses the priesthood of Melchizedek and the eternal priesthood of Christ, drawing a parallel to the importance of priestly lineage and the ultimate fulfillment of the priestly role in Jesus.
Sermons
A Mind Saturated with ScriptureEzra 7:1-10
Divine Sequence in ServiceSunday School Teacher.Ezra 7:1-10
Ezra the DistinguishedWilliam Jones.Ezra 7:1-10
Ezra the ScribeJames Menzies.Ezra 7:1-10
Ezra the Type of as Ideal MinisterJ.S. Exell Ezra 7:1-10
Ezra: His Character and WorkW. Clarkson Ezra 7:1-10
Ezra's Exemplary ConductWilliam Jones.Ezra 7:1-10
God's Helping HandJ. M. Sherwood, D. D.Ezra 7:1-10
Man's Duty in Relation to God's Redemptive TruthHomilistEzra 7:1-10
New Year's DayD. Davies.Ezra 7:1-10
New Year's DayJ. Reid Howatt.Ezra 7:1-10
ScribismW. F. Adeney, M. A.Ezra 7:1-10
Study of the ScripturesJ. Bawden Allen.Ezra 7:1-10
Testimonies to the BibleSunday School TimesEzra 7:1-10
The Christian MinistryThe Preacher's Portfolio.Ezra 7:1-10
The Exodus Under EzraJ.A. Macdonald Ezra 7:1-10
The Inestimable Value of the ScripturesEzra 7:1-10
The Scriptures a Safeguard of a NationW. E. Gladstone.Ezra 7:1-10
The Scriptures a Winding SplendourChristian AgeEzra 7:1-10
People
Aaron, Abishua, Ahitub, Amariah, Artaxerxes, Azariah, Bukki, Eleazar, Ezra, Hilkiah, Israelites, Levites, Meraioth, Phinehas, Seraiah, Shallum, Uzzi, Zadok, Zerahiah
Places
Babylonia, Beyond the River, Jerusalem, Persia
Topics
Amariah, Amari'ah, Azariah, Azari'ah, Meraioth, Merai'oth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezra 7:1-5

     1350   covenant, with Israel's priests

Ezra 7:1-21

     7464   teachers of the law

Library
Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
1. The Greek word Apocrypha, hidden, that is, hidden or secret books, was early applied by the fathers of the Christian church to anonymous or spurious books that falsely laid claim to be a part of the inspired word. By some, as Jerome, the term was extended to all the books incorporated by the Alexandrine Jews, in their Greek version, into the proper canon of the Old Testament, a few of which books, though not inspired, are undoubtedly genuine. Another designation of the books in question …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
'And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel. 2. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. 3. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate, from the morning until midday, before …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Rome and Ephesus
Corinth as portrayed in the Epistles of Paul gives us our simplest and least contaminated picture of the Hellenic Christianity which regarded itself as the cult of the Lord Jesus, who offered salvation--immortality--to those initiated in his mysteries. It had obvious weaknesses in the eyes of Jewish Christians, even when they were as Hellenised as Paul, since it offered little reason for a higher standard of conduct than heathenism, and its personal eschatology left no real place for the resurrection …
Kirsopp Lake—Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity

Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

General Account of Jesus' Teaching.
^A Matt. IV. 17; ^B Mark I. 14, 15; ^C Luke IV. 14, 15. ^a 17 From that time Jesus began to preach [The time here indicated is that of John the Baptist's imprisonment and Jesus' return to Galilee. This time marked a new period in the public ministry of Jesus. Hitherto he had taught, but he now began to preach. When the voice of his messenger, John, was silenced, the King became his own herald. Paul quoted the Greeks as saying that preaching was "foolishness," but following the example here set by …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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