Ezra 2:66: "They had 736 horses, 245 mules,"

Context and Background:

Ezra 2:66 is a verse found within the book of Ezra, which is part of the Old Testament. The book of Ezra, along with Nehemiah, chronicles the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity and the subsequent rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. This particular verse is part of a larger passage that lists the numbers of people, animals, and resources that returned with the exiles under the leadership of Zerubbabel.

Analysis:

The verse specifically mentions the number of horses and mules that accompanied the returning exiles. This detail, while seemingly minor, provides insight into the logistical and practical aspects of the return journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. The presence of 736 horses and 245 mules indicates the significant effort and resources required to transport people, goods, and materials over such a long distance.

Significance:

1. Symbol of Restoration: The enumeration of animals, alongside people and other resources, underscores the comprehensive nature of the restoration process. It highlights the community's preparedness and God's provision for their journey and the tasks ahead.

2. Practical Considerations: The mention of horses and mules reflects the practical needs of the returning exiles. Horses were likely used for transportation and possibly for military purposes, while mules, known for their strength and endurance, were essential for carrying heavy loads.

3. Historical Insight: This verse, along with the surrounding passage, provides valuable historical insight into the period of the Jewish return from exile. It reflects the organizational structure and the socio-economic conditions of the time.

4. Spiritual Implications: From a spiritual perspective, the detailed record-keeping seen in Ezra 2, including the listing of animals, can be viewed as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It serves as a reminder of the importance of stewardship and the careful management of resources in the service of God's purposes.

Conclusion:

Ezra 2:66, while brief, is a significant part of the narrative that illustrates the broader theme of restoration and renewal found in the book of Ezra. It highlights the practical and spiritual dimensions of the return from exile, emphasizing the community's reliance on God's provision and guidance. This verse, along with the entire chapter, serves as a reminder of the meticulous care and planning involved in fulfilling God's plans for His people.245 (3 Occurrences)

Ezra 2:66
Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five;
(See NAS NIV)

Nehemiah 7:67
besides their male servants and their female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven: and they had two hundred forty-five singing men and singing women.
(See NAS NIV)

Nehemiah 7:68
Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five;
(See NAS NIV)

245 (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance 245 (3 Occurrences). Ezra 2:66 Their horses were seven
hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five; (See NAS NIV). ...
/num/245.htm - 7k

Pharaoh (245 Occurrences)
... of Apries"); Herodotus ii.161-69. T. Nicol. Multi-Version Concordance Pharaoh
(245 Occurrences). Acts 7:10 and delivered him out ...
/p/pharaoh.htm - 60k

Tree (245 Occurrences)
... James Josiah Reeve. Multi-Version Concordance Tree (245 Occurrences). Matthew
3:10 "Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. ...
/t/tree.htm - 75k

Puteoli (1 Occurrence)
... on the Gulf of Naples (Livy xxxiv. 45; Strabo v0.245; Velleius, i.15). Its
subsequent remarkable prosperity and commercial activity ...
/p/puteoli.htm - 11k

250 (5 Occurrences)

/num/250.htm - 7k

242 (1 Occurrence)

/num/242.htm - 6k

Taanath-shiloh (1 Occurrence)
... A Roman road from Neapolis to the Jordan valley passed this way. At Ta`na there
are "foundations, caves, cisterns and rockcut tombs" (PEFM, II, 245). ...
/t/taanath-shiloh.htm - 8k

Taanathshiloh (1 Occurrence)
... A Roman road from Neapolis to the Jordan valley passed this way. At Ta`na there
are "foundations, caves, cisterns and rockcut tombs" (PEFM, II, 245). ...
/t/taanathshiloh.htm - 8k

Temptation (22 Occurrences)
... thou art the Son of God," ie "the Messiah," means, simply, "since thou art the Son
of God" (see Burton, Moods and Tenses, sections 244, 245; Robertson, Short ...
/t/temptation.htm - 30k

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