Ezra 8 Ezra’s companions who returned from Babylon, Ezra 8:1–14. He sendeth to Iddo for Levites to be ministers for the temple, Ezra 8:15–20. He keepeth a fast at Ahava, Ezra 8:21–23. He committeth the treasures to the custody of the priests, Ezra 8:24–30.

Of the sons of Pharosh, i.e. one of the sons of Pharosh; whereby he is differenced from the other Shechaniah, Ezra 8:5. By genealogy of the males: though the males only be expressed here, and in the succeeding verses, yet it is more than probable they carried the women along with them, as they did…

The son of Jahaziel; either his only son, or the most eminent of his sons, and therefore so called here.

The river that runneth to Ahava; or, the river of Ahava, as it is called, Ezra 8:21, Ezra 8:31. By comparing of these places, it seems that Ahava was the name both of the river, and of the town or place by which it ran.

Then sent I for Eliezer to come to me, and go along with me to Jerusalem. Men of understanding; who seem to have had more knowledge than pious zeal for God and his house and solemn worship, which was confined to Jerusalem.

I sent them with commandment; which he might do, partly by virtue of that authority which he had over them by his priesthood; and partly by that authority which he either had received or could easily procure from the king to that purpose.

The Gibeonites, who were devoted to this service by Joshua and the princes of his time, Josh. 9:21, and are said to be appointed by David and his princes, because they were confirmed by them in their former office, and more particularly applied to the several services of the temple; though this be…

A right way, i.e. a safe and prosperous journey; or such a way and course as might be best for us.

He gave us some assurance of his gracious answer to our request.

Or, and Sherebiah, & c., who were the Levites mentioned Ezra 8:18, who were jointly intrusted together with the priests with the charge of carrying these things carefully and safely. The particle and is oft understood.

Heb. desirable as gold; not that it was of equal price and worth with it, but for its incomparable excellency in its kind, and for its great rarity, for which cause there were only two vessels of that sort.

To wit, in the direct way; whereby it may be conjectured, that God directed them to fetch a little compass, and to go a more uncouth and unsuspected way, as they had begged of God, Ezra 8:21.

Which were come out of the captivity, to wit, these new comers, whom God had safely conducted hither.

In the adorning and furnishing of it with these vessels and other conveniences; and in promoting God’s worship and service therein.