Ezra 8:14
Of the sonnes also of Biguai, Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seuentie males. Ezra 8:14 (KJV)
Context: The book of Ezra is a historical account of the Jews returning from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem. The focus of this verse is on a group of people called the sons of Bigvai who were returning to Jerusalem with Ezra.
The Sons of Bigvai: In this verse, the sons of Bigvai are mentioned. Bigvai was a family or clan among the returning Jews. It is not clear who Bigvai himself was, but his descendants are identified as Uthai and Zabbud, along with seventy other males.
Note: This quotation does not appear in any standard translation of the Book of Ezra, and the names Bigvai, Uthai, and Zabbud are not listed among the returning exiles in the biblical text. Because the names Bigvai, Uthai, and Zabbud are absent from the canonical Ezra passages, it is unclear whether they refer to a historical family or represent a later tradition or textual variant.
The Number Seventy: The number seventy is significant in biblical symbolism. In the Bible, seventy often represents completeness and wholeness. For example, in the book of Exodus, seventy elders were chosen to assist Moses in leading the Israelites (Exodus 24:9). The number seventy is frequently used in the Bible as a symbol of completeness or wholeness—for example, the appointment of seventy elders in Exodus 24:9. However, without a verifiable source linking this number to the purported sons of Bigvai, its significance in this context remains uncertain.
Unity and Cooperation: The fact that the sons of Bigvai are mentioned by name indicates that they were recognized and valued as individuals within the larger community. This verse highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among God’s people. Each person had a role to play in the restoration of Jerusalem, and their contribution was significant, regardless of their number. While the restoration of Jerusalem involved many individuals and families working together, the specific contribution of a group identified as the sons of Bigvai cannot be confirmed from the biblical record.
