Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;
EZRA 2:66KJVWhat does Ezra 2:66 mean?
Ezra 2:66 records the number of animals that returned with the Jewish exiles from Babylon: 736 horses and 245 mules. This verse is part of a detailed list showing what the returning community brought with them as they resettled Jerusalem.
The book of Ezra is recounting the return of the Israelites from exile, led by leaders like Zerubbabel. This verse comes in the middle of a census-like list, emphasizing not only the people but also their resources. Horses and mules were valuable for travel, farming, and rebuilding, so listing them highlights the community’s preparedness and the practical steps involved in starting over in their homeland.
The Hebrew behind Ezra 2:66
- סוּס (sus, H5483): This word means "horse." Mentioning the exact number of horses underscores the importance of these animals for transportation and possibly military use during the return.
- פֶּרֶד (pered, H6505): This word means "mule." Mules were prized for their strength and endurance, so their inclusion signals the community’s ability to handle heavy work and travel.
- The numbers: Each number in Hebrew (שֶׁבַע sheva, מֵאָה me'ah, שְׁלוֹשִׁים sheloshim, שֵׁשׁ shesh, אַרְבָּעִים arba'im, חָמֵשׁ chamesh) is spelled out, reflecting the careful record-keeping and the significance of each resource.
Why Ezra 2:66 matters
- This verse shows the practical side of the return from exile, reminding readers that rebuilding a nation involved not just people but also resources and planning.
- The detailed listing of animals helps modern readers appreciate the challenges and logistics faced by the returning exiles, making the story more tangible and relatable.
- By including animals in the census, the text highlights the community’s hope and readiness for a new beginning, not just spiritually but in everyday life.