Ezra 8:13

And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.

Ezra 8:13 (KJV)

Context

The book of Ezra records the period when the Jewish people were returning from exile in Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. This verse belongs to the census that accompanies Ezra’s journey back to Jerusalem, highlighting the organized effort of the returning community. The historical setting underscores a time of national restoration, when leaders and families gathered to re-establish worship and civic life in the holy city.

Meaning

Three individuals are named: Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah. In biblical narrative, personal names often carry meaning and reflect the character or destiny of the bearer. Although the specific meanings are not given here, the inclusion of each name affirms the value placed on individual identity within the larger group. By recording these names, the text reminds readers that the restoration was carried out by real people, each contributing uniquely to the communal mission.

The reference to “the last sons of Adonikam” indicates that these men belong to a later generation of his descendants, showing continuity of family lines across the exile and return. The Hebrew name Adonikam means “my lord has risen up.” Their presence demonstrates how the earlier pioneers laid a foundation for subsequent families to join the rebuilding effort.

The verse notes that, together with the three named individuals, there were threescore males—sixty in total—who traveled with Ezra. This sizable group reflects a collective commitment to the journey and to the work awaiting them in Jerusalem. Their participation signals willingness to leave familiar surroundings, endure hardship, and invest in the restoration of the temple and the city’s spiritual life.

Biblical connections

The family of Adonikam is also listed in Ezra 2:13 and Nehemiah 7:18, where 666 descendants returned with Zerubbabel. The group in Ezra 8:13, described as the “last sons” or those who came later, represents a later contingent from the same family that joined Ezra’s return. This connection shows how different waves of return were part of one ongoing work of restoration.

Application

The listing of both names and numbers emphasizes unity and community, reminding believers that every person, whether a named leader or an unnamed male, plays a vital role in God’s redemptive plan. The combined efforts of these individuals were essential for the success of the mission to rebuild and re-consecrate Jerusalem.

Reflection

Ezra’s careful preparation at the canal of Ahava, as recorded in Ezra 8, shows that God’s work involves both large groups and specific individuals. Faithful service includes being counted and named among those who respond to God’s call, and each believer’s participation matters in the ongoing story of God’s people.