Ezra 8:18-19
And by the good hand of our God on us, they brought us a man of discretion, of the sons of Mahli the son of Levi, son of Israel, namely Sherebiah with his sons and kinsmen, 18; also Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, with his kinsmen and their sons, 20;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While the verse mentions a "man of discretion," the original Hebrew suggests that "Sherebiah" is this man, not a separate individual. The wording points to Sherebiah himself being the wise leader sought among the Levites, rather than a description of an unknown person found alongside him.
Ezra is commissioning a group to travel back to Jerusalem to gather Levites and temple assistants. After sending messengers to find these crucial personnel, this verse describes the successful result: by God's favor, they not only found individuals but specifically located Sherebiah, a capable Levite from an important ancestral line, along with his family, totaling eighteen people for service.
Ever felt like things just fall into place, almost supernaturally? This verse points to a powerful truth about how God works behind the scenes.
Ezra attributes the successful recruitment of Levites to the 'good hand of our God.' This wasn't just luck; it was divine favor at work, making the impossible possible.
Divine Enablement
Who do you turn to when you need solid advice or leadership? This verse highlights the kind of people God raises up.
The passage emphasizes finding 'a man of discretion.' This wasn't just about finding someone with a title, but someone with genuine wisdom and integrity.
Qualities of True Leadership
Understand the original words
yad tobah 'el 'elohim · Hebrew Noun phrase
An anthropomorphic expression denoting God's active, favorable, and gracious providence guiding and protecting His people in their endeavors.
sekel · Hebrew Noun
A quality of prudence, wisdom, and logical insight, often associated with the ability to discern the right course of action.
lewi · Hebrew Noun
A member of the tribe of Levi, set apart by God for special service in the tabernacle and later the temple, including duties related to worship and the maintenance of the sanctuary.
yisra'el · Hebrew Noun
The covenant name given to Jacob, signifying his role as the patriarch of the twelve tribes and the recipient of God's promises. It represents the people of God as a whole.
Ezra's return in 458 BC is a pivotal moment, following the initial rebuilding of the Temple decades earlier, and occurring before Nehemiah's mission to reconstruct Jerusalem's walls. This verse highlights Ezra's reliance on God's guidance in assembling the necessary personnel for his critical task.
538 BC
Cyrus the Great's Decree
Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, issues a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.
c. 537-535 BC
First Return of Exiles
A significant group of Jews, led by Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, returns to Jerusalem to begin rebuilding the Temple.
c. 520-515 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
Despite opposition and delays, the Second Temple is eventually completed and dedicated, fulfilling prophetic expectations.
458 BC— this verse
Ezra's Commission and Return
Ezra, a scribe and priest, receives authorization and support from King Artaxerxes I to lead another group of exiles back to Jerusalem.
This passage echoes the desire for understanding and discretion, highlighting wisdom as a gift from God necessary for the tasks He assigns, similar to how Ezra sought a man with these qualities for his mission.
Proverbs 3:4The verse speaks of gaining favor and good repute through discretion and understanding, mirroring the value Ezra placed on finding such a man to assist in the crucial journey and rebuilding efforts.
Nehemiah 8:7Sherebiah is mentioned here, showing his prominent role among the Levites assisting the people after the exile, reinforcing his significance as a capable leader chosen for Ezra's return.
Exodus 6:19This verse establishes Mahli as a son of Levi, providing the genealogical context for Sherebiah's lineage and emphasizing the importance of Levitical service in Israel's history, which Ezra relied upon.
pooleEzra 8:18: "And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;"
No text from Poole on this verse.
ellicottEzra 8:18: "And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;"
(18) A man of understanding. —Probably a proper name, Ishsekel. This is required by the “and” before “Sherebiah,” who was a Levite, referred to by Nehemiah ( Ezra 8:7 ).
While the verse mentions a "man of discretion," the original Hebrew suggests that "Sherebiah" is this man, not a separate individual. The wording points to Sherebiah himself being the wise leader sought among the Levites, rather than a description of an unknown person found alongside him.
Ezra is commissioning a group to travel back to Jerusalem to gather Levites and temple assistants. After sending messengers to find these crucial personnel, this verse describes the successful result: by God's favor, they not only found individuals but specifically located Sherebiah, a capable Levite from an important ancestral line, along with his family, totaling eighteen people for service.
Ezra is commissioning a group to travel back to Jerusalem to gather Levites and temple assistants. After sending messengers to find these crucial personnel, this verse describes the successful result: by God's favor, they not only found individuals but specifically located Sherebiah, a capable Levite from an important ancestral line, along with his family, totaling eighteen people for service.
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444 BC
Nehemiah's Mission to Jerusalem
Nehemiah, cupbearer to Artaxerxes I, obtains permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls, facing significant opposition.
"And by the good hand of our God on us, they brought us a man of discretion, of the sons of Mahli the son of Levi, son of Israel, namely Sherebiah with his sons and kinsmen, 18; also Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, w…" — While the verse mentions a "man of discretion," the original Hebrew suggests that "Sherebiah" is this man, not a separate individual. The wording points to Sherebiah himself being the wise leader s…
