Ezra 8:15
What does Ezra 8:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Ezra 8:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Ezra 8:15 means
After assembling the company by the river that runs to Ahava and encamping three days, Ezra inspects the people and priests and finds no sons of Levi. This discovery is striking, since Levites were essential for temple service. The pause for review reflects wise leadership; he does not rush forward missing a crucial ministry. The absence may reflect the Levites’ small numbers among exiles willing to return or reluctance to leave settled lives. Whatever the cause, Ezra’s careful assessment ensures that the restored community will be properly ordered around God’s worship, not merely populated. The next steps will address this gap directly.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there we encamped three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there we encamped three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And I made them come together by the river flowing to Ahava; and we were there in tents for three days: and after viewing the people and the priests I saw that no sons of Levi were there.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And I gather them unto the river that is going unto Ahava, and we encamp there three days; and I consider about the people, and about the priests, and of the sons of Levi I have found none there;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I gathered them together to the river, which runneth down to Ahava, and we stayed there three days: and I sought among the people and among the priests for the sons of Levi, and found none there.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I gathered them together at the river that runs to Ahava; and there we encamped three days; and I surveyed the people and the priests, and found none of the sons of Levi there.
Context
Verse 15 marks a narrative turn from lists to logistics and spiritual preparation. After tallying families, Ezra gathers them at Ahava for three days to organize and evaluate readiness. The key issue identified is the lack of Levites. This sets up verses 16–20, where Ezra sends respected leaders and teachers to recruit Levites and Nethinim from Casiphia. Only after addressing this need will the company proceed to a corporate fast and prayer for protection (verses 21–23) and to the careful entrusting of offerings for the temple (verses 24–30).
v.14And of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zabbud; and with them seventy males.
v.15This passage
v.16Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, who were teachers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 8:2
Of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom. Of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel. Of the sons of David, Hattush.
- Ezra 8:21
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek of him a straight way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
- Ezra 7:24
Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, upon them.
- Ezekiel 1:1
Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourthmonth, in the fifthdayof the month, as I was among the captives by the river Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.
- Ezra 8:31
Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the lier-in-wait by the way.
- Ezekiel 3:15
Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river Chebar, and to where they dwelt; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days.