Ezra 2:13

The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.

Ezra 2:13 (KJV)

Context

The book of Ezra tells how the Israelites returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and rebuilt the temple. In chapter 2, the writer lists the families who returned with Zerubbabel, giving the number of people in each family. This verse records that 666 descendants of Adonikam came back.

The name Adonikam means “my lord has risen up.” This family is also mentioned in Nehemiah 7:18, where the count is 667. The small difference may come from copying or counting methods. Later, a group from this family, called “the last ones,” returned with Ezra, as recorded in Ezra 8:13.

Meaning

In this verse, the number 666 is simply a factual record. It does not carry any negative meaning here. Many readers think of Revelation 13:18, where 666 is called the “number of the beast.” But in Ezra, the number is only a count of people. The writer recorded it as part of the official list of returning exiles.

This careful record shows the importance of genealogies in ancient Jewish life. Families used such lists to prove their lineage, claim inheritance, and serve in the temple. Every family mattered in the restoration of Israel.

Biblical connections

The list in Ezra 2 is similar to the one in Nehemiah 7. Both chapters record the same return, and both include the family of Adonikam. The later mention in Ezra 8:13 shows that some of this family stayed longer in Babylon and returned with Ezra. These connections help confirm the historical reliability of the account.

Application

This verse teaches that God values each person and family. The names and numbers may seem ordinary, but they show that God kept His promise to bring His people home. No family was too small or unimportant to be included.

Readers today can learn that faithful service does not depend on fame or large numbers. God sees and remembers every individual who takes part in His work.

Reflection

When we read lists like this, we should remember that every name represents a real person with a story. The children of Adonikam returned to rebuild what had been destroyed. Their obedience helped restore worship in Jerusalem.

This verse also warns us not to force symbolic meanings onto plain historical records. We should interpret each passage in its own context, while allowing the whole Bible to guide our understanding.