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When I checked among the people and the priests, I found no Levites there. <a href="/nlt/ezra/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> I assembled the exiles at the Ahava Canal, and we camped there for three days while I went over the lists of the people and the priests who had arrived. I found that not one Levite had volunteered to come along. <a href="/esv/ezra/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> I gathered them to the river that runs to Ahava, and there we camped three days. As I reviewed the people and the priests, I found there none of the sons of Levi. <a href="/bsb/ezra/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now I assembled these exiles at the canal that flows to Ahava, and we camped there three days. And when I searched among the people and priests, I found no Levites there. <a href="/kjv/ezra/8.htm">King James Bible</a> And 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. <a href="/nkjv/ezra/8.htm">New King James Version</a> Now I gathered them by the river that flows to Ahava, and we camped there three days. And I looked among the people and the priests, and found none of the sons of Levi there. <a href="/nasb_/ezra/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now I assembled them at the river that runs to Ahava, where we camped for three days; and when I paid close attention to the people and the priests, I did not find any Levites there. <a href="/nasb/ezra/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now I assembled them at the river that runs to Ahava, where we camped for three days; and when I observed the people and the priests, I did not find any Levites there. <a href="/nasb77/ezra/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now I assembled them at the river that runs to Ahava, where we camped for three days; and when I observed the people and the priests, I did not find any Levites there. <a href="/lsb/ezra/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now I gathered them at the river that runs to Ahava, where we camped for three days. And I observed the people and the priests, but I did not find any Levites there. <a href="/amp/ezra/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now I gathered them together at the river that runs to Ahava, where we camped for three days. I observed the people and the priests, and I did not find any Levites there. <a href="/csb/ezra/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I gathered them at the river that flows to Ahava, and we camped there for three days. I searched among the people and priests, but found no Levites there. <a href="/hcsb/ezra/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I gathered them at the river that flows to Ahava, and we camped there for three days. I searched among the people and priests, but found no Levites there. <a href="/asv/ezra/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> And 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. <a href="/cev/ezra/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I brought everyone together by the river that flows to the town of Ahava where we camped for three days. Not one Levite could be found among the people and priests. <a href="/erv/ezra/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> And 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. <a href="/gwt/ezra/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I had this group gather by the river that flows to Ahava, and we camped there for three days. I noticed laypeople and priests there, but I didn't find any Levites. <a href="/gnt/ezra/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> I assembled the entire group by the canal that runs to the town of Ahava, and we camped there three days. I found that there were priests in the group, but no Levites. <a href="/isv/ezra/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> I gathered them together at the river that flows toward Ahava, where we camped three days. Afterwards, I examined the people and the priests, but found no descendants of Levi there. <a href="/msb/ezra/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now I assembled these exiles at the canal that flows to Ahava, and we camped there three days. And when I searched among the people and priests, I found no Levites there. <a href="/net/ezra/8.htm">NET Bible</a> I had them assemble at the canal that flows toward Ahava, and we camped there for three days. I observed that the people and the priests were present, but I found no Levites there. <a href="/nheb/ezra/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I gathered them together to the river that runs to Ahava; and there we camped three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi. <a href="/wbt/ezra/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And I assembled them at the river that runneth to Ahava; and there we abode in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi. <a href="/web/ezra/8.htm">World English Bible</a> I gathered them together to the river that runs to Ahava; and there we encamped three days. Then I looked around at the people and the priests, and found there were none of the sons of Levi. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezra/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And I gather them to the river that is going to 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; <a href="/ylt/ezra/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And 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; <a href="/slt/ezra/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I shall gather them together to the river going to Ahava, and there we shall encamp three days: and I shall look upon the people and upon the priests, and from the sons of Levi I found not these.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezra/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And 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. <a href="/cpdv/ezra/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now I gathered them together at the river that runs down to Ahava, and we stayed there for three days. And I sought among the people and among the priests for the sons of Levi, and I found none there. <a href="/nabre/ezra/8.htm">New American Bible</a> I assembled them by the river that flows toward Ahava, where we camped for three days. There I perceived that both laymen and priests were present, but I could not discover a single Levite. <a href="/nrsvce/ezra/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I gathered them by the river that runs to Ahava, and there we camped three days. As I reviewed the people and the priests, I found there none of the descendants of Levi.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezra/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And I gathered them together to the river that runs to Hawa; and there we encamped three days; and I viewed the people and the priests, and found there none of the descendants of Levi. <a href="/hpbt/ezra/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And I gathered them to the river that comes to Hawa, and we camped there three days, and I inspected among the people and among the Priests of the children of Levi, and I found none there.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezra/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And 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. <a href="/sep/ezra/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And I gathered them to the river that comes to Evi, and we encamped there three days: and I reviewed the people and the priests, and found none of the sons of Levi there. <a href="/parallel/ezra/8-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=2005" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezra/8.htm">Ezra Sends for the Levites</a> 15<a href="/hebrew/6908.htm" title="6908: wā·’eq·bə·ṣêm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3mp) -- To gather, collect. A primitive root; to grasp, i.e. Collect.">Now I assembled these exiles</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">at</a> <a href="/hebrew/5104.htm" title="5104: han·nā·hār (Art:: N-ms) -- A stream, river. From nahar; a stream; figuratively, prosperity.">the canal</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: hab·bā (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">that flows</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/163.htm" title="163: ’a·hă·wā (N-proper-fs) -- A place and a stream in Bab. Probably of foreign origin; Ahava, a river of Babylonia.">Ahava,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2583.htm" title="2583: wan·na·ḥă·neh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline; by implication, to decline; specifically, to pitch a tent; gen. To encamp.">and we camped</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šāh (Number-ms) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">three</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days.</a> <a href="/hebrew/995.htm" title="995: wā·’ā·ḇî·nāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- To discern. A primitive root; to separate mentally, i.e.(generally) understand.">And when I searched</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: ḇā·‘ām (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">among the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: ū·ḇak·kō·hă·nîm (Conj-w, Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">and priests,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: mā·ṣā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To attain to, find. ">I found</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">no</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·mib·bə·nê (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">Levites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: lê·wî (N-proper-ms) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there.</a> 16Then I summoned the leaders: Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, as well as the teachers Joiarib and Elnathan.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/nehemiah/7-61.htm">Nehemiah 7:61-65</a> The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not prove that their families were descended from Israel: / the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 642 in all. / And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). ... <a href="/nehemiah/8-1.htm">Nehemiah 8:1-3</a> At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. / On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. / So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. <a href="/nehemiah/12-1.htm">Nehemiah 12:1-26</a> Now these are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, / Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, / Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, ... <a href="/1_chronicles/9-2.htm">1 Chronicles 9:2-3</a> Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. / Some of the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem: <a href="/1_chronicles/23-3.htm">1 Chronicles 23:3-6</a> The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000. / “Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, / 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.” ... <a href="/1_chronicles/26-12.htm">1 Chronicles 26:12-19</a> These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did. / They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/31-2.htm">2 Chronicles 31:2-19</a> Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling. / The king contributed from his own possessions for the regular morning and evening burnt offerings and for the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, as written in the Law of the LORD. / Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/35-3.htm">2 Chronicles 35:3-6</a> To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel. / Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and Solomon his son. / Moreover, stand in the Holy Place by the divisions of the families of your kinsmen the lay people, and by the divisions of the families of the Levites. ... <a href="/numbers/3-5.htm">Numbers 3:5-10</a> Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. ... <a href="/numbers/8-14.htm">Numbers 8:14-19</a> In this way you shall separate the Levites from the rest of the Israelites, and the Levites will belong to Me. / After you have cleansed them and presented them as a wave offering, they may come to serve at the Tent of Meeting. / For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel. ... <a href="/numbers/18-1.htm">Numbers 18:1-7</a> So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. ... <a href="/acts/6-1.htm">Acts 6:1-6</a> In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ... <a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1-3</a> Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. / While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off. <a href="/romans/15-16.htm">Romans 15:16</a> to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-13.htm">1 Corinthians 9:13-14</a> Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And I gathered them together to the river that runs to Ahava; and there stayed we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.<a href="/ezra/8-6.htm">Ezra 8:6</a> Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males.<a href="/ezra/8-36.htm">Ezra 8:36</a> And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.<a href="/psalms/137-1.htm">Psalm 137:1</a> By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.<a href="/ezekiel/1-1.htm">Ezekiel 1:1</a> Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.<a href="/ezekiel/3-15.htm">Ezekiel 3:15</a> Then I came to them of the captivity at Telabib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.Ahava<a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">Ezra 8:21,31</a> Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance… abode.<a href="/ezra/8-2.htm">Ezra 8:2</a> Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.<a href="/ezra/7-7.htm">Ezra 7:7,24</a> And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/4-28.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/ezra/8-31.htm">Ahava</a> <a href="/ezra/7-28.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/19-7.htm">Camped</a> <a href="/daniel/8-6.htm">Canal</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-10.htm">Checked</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-1.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/ezra/7-16.htm">Find</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-6.htm">Flowing</a> <a href="/numbers/14-8.htm">Flows</a> <a href="/ezra/6-2.htm">Found</a> <a href="/ezra/7-28.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/27-17.htm">Levi</a> <a href="/ezra/6-22.htm">Observed</a> <a href="/ezra/7-24.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/ezra/7-25.htm">River</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-35.htm">Runneth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/18-27.htm">Runs</a> <a href="/ezra/3-4.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/ezra/8-5.htm">Three</a> <a href="/ezra/7-28.htm">Together</a> <a href="/2_kings/16-12.htm">Viewed</a> <a href="/numbers/14-34.htm">Viewing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezra/8-32.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">Ahava</a> <a href="/ezra/9-4.htm">Assembled</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-2.htm">Camped</a> <a href="/daniel/8-2.htm">Canal</a> <a href="/psalms/106-30.htm">Checked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-30.htm">Encamped</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-8.htm">Find</a> <a href="/job/11-16.htm">Flowing</a> <a href="/psalms/58-7.htm">Flows</a> <a href="/ezra/10-18.htm">Found</a> <a href="/ezra/9-4.htm">Gathered</a> <a href="/ezra/8-18.htm">Levi</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-7.htm">Observed</a> <a href="/ezra/8-24.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">River</a> <a href="/job/15-26.htm">Runneth</a> <a href="/job/7-5.htm">Runs</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-14.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/ezra/8-32.htm">Three</a> <a href="/ezra/8-19.htm">Together</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Viewed</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-15.htm">Viewing</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 8</div>1. <a href="/ezra/8-1.htm">The companions of Ezra, who returned from Babylon</a> 15. <a href="/ezra/8-15.htm">He sends to Iddo for ministers for the temple</a> 21. <a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">He keeps a fast</a> 24. <a href="/ezra/8-24.htm">He commits the treasures to the custody of the priests</a> 31. <a href="/ezra/8-31.htm">From Ahava they come to Jerusalem</a> 33. <a href="/ezra/8-33.htm">The treasure is weighed in the temple</a> 36. <a href="/ezra/8-36.htm">The commission is delivered</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezra/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now I assembled these exiles at the canal that flows to Ahava Ezra gathered the exiles at a canal, indicating a strategic location for rest and organization before continuing their journey to Jerusalem. The canal flowing to Ahava is likely a waterway in Babylon, though its exact location is uncertain. This gathering reflects the importance of preparation and unity among the returning exiles. The assembly at Ahava signifies a moment of transition and readiness, echoing the Israelites' encampments during the Exodus (<a href="/exodus/12-37.htm">Exodus 12:37</a>). The canal's mention highlights the logistical considerations of the journey, emphasizing God's provision of resources and guidance.and we camped there three days The three-day period of camping is significant, often symbolizing preparation, reflection, and divine intervention in Scripture. This time allowed Ezra to organize the group, ensure everyone was accounted for, and prepare spiritually for the journey ahead. The number three frequently appears in the Bible, symbolizing completeness and divine purpose (e.g., <a href="/jonah/1-17.htm">Jonah 1:17</a>, <a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Matthew 12:40</a>). This period of waiting and preparation parallels the Israelites' experiences, such as their three-day journey into the wilderness to worship God (<a href="/exodus/5-3.htm">Exodus 5:3</a>).And when I searched among the people and priests Ezra's search among the people and priests demonstrates his leadership and commitment to ensuring the proper composition of the group. This search underscores the importance of having a complete and prepared community for the task of rebuilding Jerusalem and restoring worship. Ezra's diligence reflects the biblical principle of seeking God's order and structure, as seen in the organization of the tribes of Israel (Numbers 2).I found no Levites there The absence of Levites is significant, as they were essential for temple service and worship. Levites were responsible for assisting the priests and maintaining the temple, as outlined in <a href="/numbers/3-5.htm">Numbers 3:5-10</a>. Their absence highlights a potential challenge in restoring proper worship in Jerusalem. This situation underscores the need for dedicated servants in God's work and the importance of each member's role in the community. Ezra's discovery prompts action to address this gap, reflecting the biblical theme of God's provision and the call to faithful service (<a href="/1_chronicles/15-2.htm">1 Chronicles 15:2</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ezra.htm">Ezra</a> A scribe and priest, Ezra was a leader of the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was committed to teaching and implementing God's Law. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_canal_that_runs_to_ahava.htm">The Canal that Runs to Ahava</a> This was a gathering place for the exiles before their journey to Jerusalem. It served as a staging area for organizing the group. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_people_and_priests.htm">The People and Priests</a> These were the Jewish exiles who were returning to Jerusalem under Ezra's leadership. They were expected to include various members of the community, including Levites. 4. <a href="/topical/l/levites.htm">Levites</a> Members of the tribe of Levi, the Levites were responsible for the temple service and assisting the priests. Their absence was significant because they played a crucial role in worship and religious duties. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_three-day_camp.htm">The Three-Day Camp</a> This period allowed Ezra to organize the group, assess their needs, and address the absence of Levites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_readiness.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Readiness</a> Ezra's careful preparation and assessment of the group highlight the need for spiritual readiness and the right people in place for God's work. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_in_identifying_needs.htm">The Role of Leadership in Identifying Needs</a> Ezra's leadership is evident in his proactive approach to identifying the absence of Levites. Leaders today must be attentive to the needs of their communities and address gaps in ministry. <a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_every_member_in_the_body_of_christ.htm">The Significance of Every Member in the Body of Christ</a> Just as the Levites had a specific role, every believer has a unique function in the church. The absence of any group can hinder the community's effectiveness. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god's_provision.htm">Dependence on God's Provision</a> Ezra's situation reminds us to trust in God's provision to supply what is lacking, whether in resources or people, for His purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 8</a> <a href="/q/ezra_10_15__why_few_oppose_this_action.htm">Ezra 10:15 - Why are only a few individuals mentioned as opposing this course of action, despite its obvious moral and social implications?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_nehemiah_8_9-12_urge_joy,_not_sorrow.htm">Why do Nehemiah 8:9-12 command people to rejoice instead of mourning if they had just realized their past failures?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_safe_passage_without_guards.htm">Ezra 8:21-23 portrays a successful journey relying solely on divine protection; is there historical or archaeological evidence of such a safe passage without royal guards?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_ymca_and_ywca.htm">Who was Eliezer in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ezra/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15-31) The journey through Ahava to Jerusalem.(15) Ahava.--Both river and town. Nine days' journey brought them thither; and there is a place now called Hit, about eighty miles from Babylon, which has been identified with it.None of the sons of Levi.--Only seventy-four had returned with Zerubbabel (<a href="/ezra/2-40.htm" title="The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.">Ezra 2:40</a>); and hero we have evidence that the disinclination continued. The importance of Levitcal service in the Temple accounts for the anxiety of Ezra.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava. The "river that runneth to Ahava" is now generally identified with the Is of Herodotus (1:179), a small stream flowing into the Euphrates from the east, at a point where stood a city of the same name, distant (according to Herodotus) eight days' journey from Babylon. The city appears to be mentioned under the slightly variant forms of Ava (עַוָּא) and Ivah (עִוָּה) in the Second Book of Kings (2 Kings 17:24; 19:13). It is called Aia, or Aba, by the LXX.; Ihi in the Talmud; Aei by Isidore of Charax. The modern name is Hit. The town has always been one of some importance in connection with the bitumen springs of the neighbourhood. Ezra s reason for selecting the place as a halting-point seems to have been the fact that many Jews were settled in the district (see ver. 17). We abode in tents. A large caravan, like Ezra's, even when it reached a town, would pitch its tents outside, and remain in them rather than scatter itself among the khans and caravanserais. The phrase is therefore to be understood literally. I viewed the people. Rather, "I looked among the people" - I looked to see whether there were any Levites or no. ("Quaesivi in populo et in sacerdotibus de filiis Levi. - Vulg.) And found there none of the sons of Levi. It is difficult to account for the fact; but there seems certainly to have been a special disinclination to return to Jerusalem on the part of the Levites. Only seventy-four went up with Zerubbabel, when the priests who returned were 4289 (<a href="/ezra/2-36.htm">Ezra 2:36-40</a>); and now there was not a single one in the whole of Ezra's band. Did the jealous spirit of Korah (<a href="/numbers/16-8.htm">Numbers 16:8-10</a>) still animate the great body of the tribe? <a href="/commentaries/ezra/8-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now I assembled [these exiles] וָֽאֶקְבְּצֵ֗ם (wā·’eq·bə·ṣêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6908.htm">Strong's 6908: </a> To gather, collect at אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the canal הַנָּהָר֙ (han·nā·hār) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5104.htm">Strong's 5104: </a> A stream, prosperity that flows הַבָּ֣א (hab·bā) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to אֶֽל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Ahava, אַהֲוָ֔א (’a·hă·wā) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_163.htm">Strong's 163: </a> Ahava -- a place and a stream in Babylon and we camped וַנַּחֲנֶ֥ה (wan·na·ḥă·neh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2583.htm">Strong's 2583: </a> To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp there שָׁ֖ם (šām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither three שְׁלֹשָׁ֑ה (šə·lō·šāh) Number - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice days. יָמִ֣ים (yā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day And when I searched וָאָבִ֤ינָה (wā·’ā·ḇî·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_995.htm">Strong's 995: </a> To separate mentally, understand among the people בָעָם֙ (ḇā·‘ām) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock and priests, וּבַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים (ū·ḇak·kō·hă·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> Priest I found מָצָ֥אתִי (mā·ṣā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present no לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no Levites וּמִבְּנֵ֥י (ū·mib·bə·nê) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son there. שָֽׁם׃ (šām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/8-15.htm">Ezra 8:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezra/8-15.htm">Ezra 8:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezra/8-15.htm">Ezra 8:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezra/8-15.htm">Ezra 8:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezra/8-15.htm">Ezra 8:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/8-15.htm">Ezra 8:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/8-15.htm">Ezra 8:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/8-15.htm">Ezra 8:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/8-15.htm">Ezra 8:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezra/8-15.htm">Ezra 8:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezra/8-15.htm">OT History: Ezra 8:15 I gathered them together to the river (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/8-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 8:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 8:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/8-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 8:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 8:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>