Ezra 8:11

from the descendants of Bebai, Zechariah son of Bebai, and with him 28 men;

Study Bible

and of the sons of Bebai
The phrase "and of the sons of Bebai" refers to the descendants of Bebai, a family that was part of the Jewish community returning from Babylonian exile. The name "Bebai" is of Hebrew origin, possibly meaning "fatherly" or "my father is Yahweh." This highlights the importance of family lineage and heritage in Jewish culture, emphasizing the continuity of faith and tradition through generations. The mention of "sons" underscores the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where family identity and leadership were often traced through male descendants.

Zechariah son of Bebai
"Zechariah son of Bebai" identifies a specific individual within the Bebai family. The name "Zechariah" is Hebrew, meaning "Yahweh remembers." This is significant in the context of the return from exile, as it reflects the hope and faith that God remembers His promises to His people. Zechariah's role as a leader among the returning exiles suggests he was a person of influence and responsibility, entrusted with guiding his family and others in the journey back to Jerusalem.

and with him 28 men
The phrase "and with him 28 men" indicates the number of male members accompanying Zechariah. The specific mention of "28 men" highlights the organized and communal nature of the return from exile. Each family or group had a leader, and the number of men suggests a structured approach to the journey, ensuring that the community was adequately represented and supported. This reflects the broader biblical theme of community and collective responsibility, as the Israelites sought to reestablish their identity and worship in their ancestral land. The precise number also underscores the historical accuracy and attention to detail in the biblical narrative, providing a glimpse into the logistical aspects of the return from Babylon.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in the spiritual and religious reform of the Jewish people.

2. Bebai
A family or clan within the Israelite community. The sons of Bebai were among those who returned from exile.

3. Zechariah
A leader from the family of Bebai. He is mentioned as leading 28 men back to Jerusalem with Ezra.

4. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites. The return from Babylon signifies a restoration of the Jewish community in their homeland.

5. Jerusalem
The destination of the returning exiles, representing the center of Jewish worship and identity.

Teaching Points

Faithfulness in Leadership
Zechariah's role as a leader of his family highlights the importance of faithful leadership in guiding others towards God's purposes.

Community Restoration
The return of the exiles underlines the significance of community in God's plan. Each family and individual plays a role in the collective restoration.

Obedience to God's Call
The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem symbolizes obedience to God's call, even when it requires leaving comfort zones.

Heritage and Identity
The mention of specific families underscores the importance of heritage and identity in maintaining faithfulness to God.

God's Providence
The successful return of the exiles demonstrates God's providence and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Zechariah's leadership in guiding his family back to Jerusalem, and how can we apply these lessons in our own leadership roles today?

2. How does the return of the exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem reflect God's faithfulness, and what are some modern-day examples of God's faithfulness in our lives?

3. In what ways does the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem parallel the restoration God desires in our personal lives and communities?

4. How does understanding our spiritual heritage and identity help us remain faithful to God's calling?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are obedient to God's call, even when it requires significant changes or sacrifices in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 2
Lists the families and numbers of those returning from exile, providing context for the returnees in Ezra 8.

Nehemiah 7
Offers a parallel account of the returnees, emphasizing the continuity and importance of the restoration efforts.

Isaiah 11:11-12
Speaks of the Lord gathering the remnant of His people, which connects to the theme of return and restoration in Ezra.