Ezra 2:13

the descendants of Adonikam, 666;

Study Bible

the descendants of Adonikam
The phrase "the descendants of Adonikam" refers to a specific family lineage that returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem and Judah. The name "Adonikam" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "my lord has arisen" or "the Lord is risen." This name reflects a deep-seated faith in God's sovereignty and power to restore and uplift His people. Historically, the return of the exiles was a fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people back to their land, as prophesied by Jeremiah and Isaiah. The descendants of Adonikam, like other families listed in Ezra 2, represent the continuity of God's covenant with Israel, emphasizing the importance of family and heritage in the Jewish faith. Their inclusion in the list underscores the collective effort and unity required to rebuild the temple and reestablish worship in Jerusalem.

666
The number "666" is notably associated with the descendants of Adonikam in this context. While in the Book of Revelation, 666 is often interpreted symbolically as the "number of the beast," in Ezra, it is simply a numerical count of the family members returning from exile. This number highlights the precision and care with which the genealogical records were maintained, ensuring that each family was accounted for in the restoration process. The meticulous recording of numbers in Ezra 2 serves as a testament to the historical accuracy and reliability of the biblical narrative. It also reflects the organized and structured approach taken by the leaders of the returnees, such as Zerubbabel and Jeshua, to ensure a successful resettlement and rebuilding of the community. The mention of specific numbers, including 666, emphasizes the importance of each individual in God's redemptive plan and the collective responsibility of the people to fulfill their divine calling.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Adonikam
Adonikam is a name that means "my lord has risen" or "the Lord is risen." He is the ancestor of a family group that returned from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. The mention of his descendants in Ezra 2:13 highlights the continuity of the Israelite community and their commitment to reestablishing their lives in their ancestral homeland.

2. The Return from Exile
This event marks the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem, as decreed by King Cyrus of Persia. It is a significant moment in Jewish history, symbolizing restoration and renewal.

3. The Number 666
The number of the descendants of Adonikam is noted as 666. While this number is often associated with negative connotations in other biblical contexts, here it simply records the number of individuals in this family group.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Small Details
The listing of names and numbers in Ezra 2, including the descendants of Adonikam, underscores the importance of each individual in God's plan. Every person and family matters in the community of faith.

The Importance of Heritage
Understanding our spiritual heritage can inspire us to live faithfully. Just as the descendants of Adonikam returned to rebuild their community, we are called to contribute to the building of God's kingdom today.

God's Sovereignty in Restoration
The return from exile is a powerful reminder of God's ability to restore and renew. No matter how dire our circumstances, God can bring us back to a place of hope and purpose.

The Role of Community in God's Plan
The collective return of the exiles emphasizes the importance of community in fulfilling God's purposes. We are not meant to walk our spiritual journey alone but in fellowship with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the name "Adonikam" reveal about the faith and expectations of his descendants?

2. How does the return from exile in Ezra 2 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our personal lives?

3. In what ways can understanding our spiritual heritage impact our daily walk with God?

4. How can we contribute to the restoration and building of our faith communities today, similar to the descendants of Adonikam?

5. What lessons can we learn from the discrepancies in numbers between Ezra 2:13 and Nehemiah 7:18, and how can this inform our approach to studying Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Nehemiah 7:18
This verse also lists the descendants of Adonikam, but with a different number, 667. This discrepancy can lead to discussions about textual variations and the importance of understanding the context and purpose of biblical genealogies.

Revelation 13:18
The number 666 is famously associated with the "number of the beast." While the context is entirely different, it provides an opportunity to discuss the significance of numbers in biblical literature and the importance of context in interpretation.

Ezra 1:1-4
These verses describe the decree of Cyrus allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem, setting the stage for the events in Ezra 2. It highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.