Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version They also brought 220 of the temple servants—a body that David and the officials had established to assist the Levites. All were registered by name. New Living Translation and 220 Temple servants. The Temple servants were assistants to the Levites—a group of Temple workers first instituted by King David and his officials. They were all listed by name. English Standard Version besides 220 of the temple servants, whom David and his officials had set apart to attend the Levites. These were all mentioned by name. Berean Standard Bible They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites. Berean Literal Bible and also of the Nethinim, whom David and the leaders had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim. All of them were designated by name. King James Bible Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name. New King James Version also of the Nethinim, whom David and the leaders had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim. All of them were designated by name. New American Standard Bible and 220 of the temple servants, whom David and the officials had provided for the service of the Levites, all of them designated by name. NASB 1995 and 220 of the temple servants, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, all of them designated by name. NASB 1977 and 220 of the temple servants, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, all of them designated by name. Legacy Standard Bible and 220 of the temple servants, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, all of them designated by name. Amplified Bible also 220 of the temple servants, whom David and the leaders had set apart [with their descendants] for the service of the Levites. They were all designated by name. Berean Annotated Bible They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David (beloved) and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites. Christian Standard Bible There were also 220 of the temple servants, who had been appointed by David and the leaders for the work of the Levites. All were identified by name. Holman Christian Standard Bible There were also 220 of the temple servants, who had been appointed by David and the leaders for the work of the Levites. All were identified by name. American Standard Version and of the Nethinim, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim: all of them were mentioned by name. Contemporary English Version In addition, 220 others came to help the Levites in the temple. The ancestors of these workers had been chosen years ago by King David and his officials, and they were all listed by name. English Revised Version and of the Nethinim, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim: all of them were expressed by name. GOD'S WORD® Translation and 220 temple servants. [They were descended] from the temple servants whom David and his officials had appointed to work for the Levites. These were all listed by name. Good News Translation In addition there were 220 Temple workers whose ancestors had been designated by King David and his officials to assist the Levites. They were all listed by name. International Standard Version 220 descendants of the Temple Servants whom David and the leaders had appointed to serve the descendants of Levi, listed by name. NET Bible and some of the temple servants that David and his officials had established for the work of the Levites--220 of them. They were all designated by name. New Heart English Bible and from the temple servants, whom David and the officials had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty temple servants. All of them were mentioned by name. Webster's Bible Translation Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites. World English Bible and of the temple servants, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred twenty temple servants. All of them were mentioned by name. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand from the Nethinim, whom David and the heads gave for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim, all of them defined by name. Berean Literal Bible and also of the Nethinim, whom David and the leaders had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim. All of them were designated by name. Young's Literal Translation and from the Nethinim, whom David and the heads gave for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim, all of them defined by name. Smith's Literal Translation And from the Nethinims David gave, and the chiefs, for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were specified by names. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd of the Nathinites, whom David, and the princes gave for the service of the Levites, Nathinites two hundred and twenty: all these were called by their names. Catholic Public Domain Version And from the temple servants, whom David, and the leaders had provided for the ministry of the Levites, there were two hundred twenty temple servants. All these were called by their names. New American Bible Of the temple servants, those whom David and the princes appointed to serve the Levites, there were two hundred and twenty. All these were enrolled by name. New Revised Standard Version besides two hundred twenty of the temple servants, whom David and his officials had set apart to attend the Levites. These were all mentioned by name. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd also of the men whom David had appointed for the service of the Levites (who were set apart), two hundred and twenty; all of them were called by their names. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Of the men that David gave for the service of Levi, who gave two hundred and twenty, all were called by their names. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and of the Nethinim, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim; all of them were mentioned by name. Brenton Septuagint Translation And of the Nathinim; whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites there were two hundred and twenty Nathinim; all were gathered by their names. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ezra Sends for the Levites…19also Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah, from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and their sons, 20 men. 20They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites. Cross References They also brought 220 of the temple servants Ezra 2:43 The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, Nehemiah 7:46 The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, 1 Chronicles 9:2 Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. all designated by name 1 Chronicles 16:41 With them were Heman, Jeduthun, and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the LORD, for “His loving devotion endures forever.” Numbers 1:18 and on the first day of the second month they assembled the whole congregation and recorded their ancestry by clans and families, counting one by one the names of those twenty years of age or older, Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! David and the officials had appointed them 1 Chronicles 9:22 The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. 1 Chronicles 16:4-6 David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to celebrate, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel. / Asaph was the chief, Zechariah was second, then Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-edom, and Jeiel. They were to play the harps and lyres, while Asaph sounded the cymbals / and the priests Benaiah and Jahaziel blew the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God. 1 Chronicles 23:4-5 “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.” to assist the Levites 1 Chronicles 23:28-32 but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, / as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. / They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. … Numbers 3:6-9 “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. / They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. … Numbers 18:2-4 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. / They are to join you and attend to the duties of the Tent of Meeting, doing all the work at the Tent; but no outsider may come near you. Numbers 3:5-9 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. … 1 Chronicles 23:3-6 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.” … 1 Chronicles 23:26-32 So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.” / For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted, / but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, … Nehemiah 7:73 So the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants, along with some of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns. And by the seventh month the Israelites had settled in their towns. Treasury of Scripture Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name. Nethinims Ezra 8:17 And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God. Ezra 2:43 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, Ezra 7:7 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. all of them Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. Jump to Previous Apart Appointed Assist Attend Besides Body Captains David Designated Established Expressed Helping Hundred Levites Mentioned Nethinim Nethinims Officials Princes Servants Service Temple Twenty WorkJump to Next Apart Appointed Assist Attend Besides Body Captains David Designated Established Expressed Helping Hundred Levites Mentioned Nethinim Nethinims Officials Princes Servants Service Temple Twenty WorkEzra 8 1. The companions of Ezra, who returned from Babylon15. He sends to Iddo for ministers for the temple 21. He keeps a fast 24. He commits the treasures to the custody of the priests 31. From Ahava they come to Jerusalem 33. The treasure is weighed in the temple 36. The commission is delivered They also brought 220 of the temple servants The temple servants, known as the Nethinim, were a group assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple. Their origins trace back to the Gibeonites, who were made servants to the Israelites (Joshua 9:27). The number 220 signifies a substantial group, indicating the importance of their role in temple service. This reflects the organized structure of worship and the need for dedicated personnel in maintaining the temple's operations. all designated by name David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest who led a group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in re-establishing the Law of Moses in Israel. 2. Temple Servants (Nethinim) A group of individuals assigned to assist the Levites in the temple. Their role was crucial for the functioning of temple services. 3. David The second king of Israel, who organized the temple services and established the roles of the Levites and temple servants. 4. Levites Members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and temple service. They played a key role in worship and sacrifices. 5. Jerusalem The city where the temple was located and the destination of Ezra's journey with the exiles. Teaching Points The Importance of Service in God's WorkThe temple servants, though not as prominent as the Levites, played a vital role in the functioning of the temple. This reminds us that every role in God's work is important, regardless of visibility. God's Sovereign Plan and Provision The inclusion of the temple servants in the return to Jerusalem shows God's provision for every aspect of worship and service. God equips His people with what they need to fulfill His purposes. The Legacy of Faithful Leadership David's establishment of the temple servants demonstrates the lasting impact of godly leadership. Our actions and decisions can have enduring effects on future generations. Unity in Diversity of Roles The collaboration between the Levites and temple servants illustrates the beauty of unity in diversity within the body of Christ. Each member has a unique role that contributes to the whole. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 8:20?2. How does Ezra 8:20 demonstrate God's provision for temple service needs? 3. What role did the "temple servants" play in supporting the Levites' duties? 4. How can we ensure our church has sufficient volunteers for its ministries today? 5. In what ways does Ezra 8:20 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? 6. How can we apply the principle of service from Ezra 8:20 in our lives? 7. What is the significance of the Nethinim in Ezra 8:20 for temple service? 8. How does Ezra 8:20 reflect God's provision for temple needs? 9. Why were the Nethinim chosen by David and the officials in Ezra 8:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 8? 11. Who were the Nethinim in biblical history? 12. Who was Eliezer in the Bible? 13. Nehemiah 11:21 – What archaeological proof exists for the Nethinim and their service near the Temple, as described in this passage? 14. What evidence supports the existence of the Levites and captains mentioned in 2 Chronicles 23:8, and how do we reconcile any lack of external records? What Does Ezra 8:20 Mean They also broughtEzra’s caravan to Jerusalem was already impressive, yet Scripture records an intentional “also.” • The journey in Ezra 8:15–18 shows Ezra pausing to gather the right people, underlining that worship ministry mattered as much as political repatriation (cf. Ezra 7:6–10; 1 Corinthians 14:40). • The little word “also” reminds us God builds His work on people, not just plans. He uses every willing heart in the return, just as in Ezra 1:5–6 when families “rose up” to go. • Application: Whenever God stirs a work today, He likewise raises up specific servants to complete what is lacking (Philippians 1:6). 220 of the temple servants These “temple servants” (often called Nethinim) had a long history of practical support in worship. • Joshua 9:27 first assigns the Gibeonites to be “woodcutters and water carriers” for the altar. • Ezra 2:43–58 and Nehemiah 7:60 count 392 Nethinim who returned earlier; now another 220 join, showing fresh willingness. • The exact number stresses that God tracks His servants precisely (Matthew 10:30). • Their tasks—drawing water, preparing wood, cleaning courts—freed the Levites for higher duties, illustrating 1 Peter 4:10: every gift matters. all designated by name God ensured each helper was recorded. • Names are listed again in Ezra 8:21–34, proving accountability and honor. • Isaiah 43:1 declares, “I have called you by name; you are Mine,” and John 10:3 says the Shepherd “calls His own sheep by name.” • Personal recognition combats anonymity; no act of service disappears before the Lord (Hebrews 6:10). • Knowing they were individually named would encourage these servants on the long road—just as believers find courage realizing their labors are known in heaven (Revelation 3:5). David and the officials had appointed them The practice of assigning assistants traces back to King David, showing continuity in worship order. • 1 Chronicles 23:28–32 outlines David’s detailed organization of Levites and helpers for temple tasks. • Ezra deliberately ties post-exilic service to Davidic precedent, reinforcing that worship norms did not change with exile (Malachi 3:6). • Civil leaders (“officials”) supported spiritual structure, echoing 2 Chronicles 8:14 where Solomon maintained David’s instructions. • Application: Proper leadership appointments safeguard doctrine and practice (Titus 1:5). to assist the Levites The Levites were God-ordained ministers (Numbers 3:6–9), yet even they needed help. • Numbers 8:19 notes that assistants prevented “plague” by keeping order; orderly worship guards holiness. • 1 Chronicles 9:2 distinguishes priests, Levites, and temple servants, underscoring complementary roles (Romans 12:4–8). • By delegating practical labor, Levites focused on teaching and sacrifices, mirroring Acts 6:2-4 where deacons freed apostles for prayer and the Word. • The lesson: service roles differ yet all contribute to God’s glory (1 Corinthians 12:18). summary Ezra 8:20 highlights God’s meticulous provision for worship: He gathered an additional team, numbered them, named them, rooted their service in Davidic order, and tasked them to strengthen the Levites. The verse affirms that every believer—whatever the assignment—is known, appointed, and necessary in the Lord’s ongoing work. (20) The Nethinims--It is here alone recorded that David appointed these to aid the Levites.All of them were expressed by name.--Not, as some think, that they were all famous, but that Iddo sent their names in a list not given. The relief of their coming is gratefully ascribed to the "good hand of our God upon us." Verse 20. - The Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed. We learn this fact from the present passage only; since neither in Kings nor Chronicles is there any mention made of David's adding to the hieroduli, or temple servants. It is, however, quite in accordance with his other arrangements that he should have done so. The original Nethinims were the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:23). All... were expressed by name. Iddo sent to Ezra a list of the Nethinims, which, however, he does not think it necessary to insert. CHAPTER 8:21-36 Hebrew [They also brought] 220מָאתַ֣יִם (mā·ṯa·yim) Number - fd Strong's 3967: A hundred of וּמִן־ (ū·min-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the temple servants. הַנְּתִינִ֗ים (han·nə·ṯî·nîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5411: The Nethinim, Temple-servants (David דָּוִ֤יד (dā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse and the officials וְהַשָּׂרִים֙ (wə·haś·śā·rîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince had appointed שֶׁנָּתַ֨ן (šen·nā·ṯan) Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set the temple servants נְתִינִ֖ים (nə·ṯî·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5411: The Nethinim, Temple-servants to assist לַעֲבֹדַ֣ת (la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5656: Work of any kind the Levites.) הַלְוִיִּ֔ם (hal·wî·yim) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi All of them כֻּלָּ֖ם (kul·lām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every were designated נִקְּב֥וּ (niq·qə·ḇū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5344: To puncture by name. בְשֵׁמֽוֹת׃ (ḇə·šê·mō·wṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8034: A name Links Ezra 8:20 NIVEzra 8:20 NLT Ezra 8:20 ESV Ezra 8:20 NASB Ezra 8:20 KJV Ezra 8:20 BibleApps.com Ezra 8:20 Biblia Paralela Ezra 8:20 Chinese Bible Ezra 8:20 French Bible Ezra 8:20 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 8:20 And of the Nethinim whom David (Ezr. Ez) |
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