Book of Ezra - Chapter 8 - Verse 7

The verse "And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males." comes from the Book of Ezra, chapter 8, verse 7. In this verse, Jeshaiah is identified as the son of Athaliah and is listed among the sons of Elam who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. Elam was one of the nations conquered by the Persians, and its people were likely among the Jewish exiles who were permitted to return to their homeland by King Cyrus. The mention of Jeshaiah and the seventy males with him highlights the importance of lineage and family in the biblical narrative, as well as the significance of the Jewish community coming together to rebuild Jerusalem after the exile. This verse serves as a reminder of the unity and strength found in community, as well as the faithfulness of God in restoring his people.

Elam was a prominent tribe within the Israelite community. Jeshaiah, the son of Athaliah, was a leader among the descendants of Elam. The mention of seventy males indicates a significant group of people, showcasing the importance and influence of the tribe. In a theological interpretation, this verse highlights the communal aspect of the Israelite society, where families and tribes were integral to the functioning of the community. The inclusion of specific names and numbers emphasizes the individuality and significance of each person within the group. Additionally, the mention of Elam and its descendants reflects the diversity within the Israelite community, demonstrating how different tribes worked together to achieve common goals. This verse can be seen as a reminder of the unity and strength that comes from working together as a community in service to God.