Ezra 6:17 – “For the dedication of this house of God they offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred male lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, one for each of the tribes of Israel.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Ezra 6:17 describes the sacrifices offered by the Israelites as they dedicated the newly rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. These offerings included a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred male lambs, and twelve male goats as a sin offering, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This verse emphasizes the significance of the dedication ceremony, highlighting the return of proper worship and sacrifice after years of exile.
The sacrifices were not just for the act of dedicating the physical temple, but they also symbolized the people’s reconnection with God. The sin offering of twelve goats was particularly important because it represented all of Israel, signifying their collective repentance and need for God’s forgiveness. This was a solemn yet joyful occasion, as the people were once again able to worship God in the temple, offering sacrifices as prescribed in the Law of Moses.
Historical Context
This verse takes place during the dedication of the second temple, which the Jewish people had rebuilt after returning from exile in Babylon. The original temple, built by Solomon, had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. After decades in exile, the Persian king Cyrus allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. However, the rebuilding process faced numerous challenges, including opposition from neighboring peoples.
Despite these difficulties, the temple was finally completed during the reign of King Darius. The dedication described in Ezra 6:17 marked the culmination of years of effort and the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore His people. The offerings made during this dedication were similar to those described in earlier temple dedications, such as Solomon’s dedication of the first temple.
Theological Implications
Ezra 6:17 reflects several important theological truths. First, it emphasizes the significance of sacrifice in worship. The Israelites understood that sin separated them from God and that offerings were necessary to atone for their sins. The twelve male goats, one for each tribe, demonstrated that the entire nation of Israel was included in this act of repentance and restoration.
Second, this verse highlights God’s faithfulness in restoring His people. The fact that the temple was completed and dedicated after so many years of exile and hardship shows that God had not abandoned His covenant people. He remained faithful to His promises, allowing them to return to their land and rebuild the house of worship.
Third, the large number of sacrifices underscores the people’s gratitude and reverence for God. They were not offering minimal sacrifices but were giving generously and abundantly, recognizing God’s provision and mercy in their lives. This was an expression of worship, thanksgiving, and commitment to follow God’s ways.
Literary Analysis
Ezra 6:17 uses specific numbers and types of sacrifices to convey the significance of the event. The mention of a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, and four hundred male lambs demonstrates the magnitude of the ceremony. This wasn’t a small or casual event; it was a grand and sacred occasion.
The reference to twelve male goats, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel, adds a layer of unity and completeness to the narrative. Despite their years in exile, the nation of Israel was still considered as one people, connected through their shared heritage and covenant with God. This unity is reflected in their collective repentance and dedication.
The verse’s straightforward structure focuses on the actions of the people—their offerings and sacrifices—without extensive commentary. This highlights the importance of their actions as part of their worship and reconnection with God.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 4:13-14 – These verses explain the sin offering that was to be made for the whole community of Israel when they sinned unintentionally. This is relevant because the twelve male goats offered as sin offerings in Ezra 6:17 were made for the entire nation, in line with the Mosaic law.
- 2 Chronicles 7:5 – At the dedication of Solomon’s temple, Solomon offered a massive number of sacrifices: 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats. This shows the continuity of sacrificial worship in Israel and the significance of dedicating the temple.
- Hebrews 9:22 – “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” This verse emphasizes the importance of sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, which is a theme reflected in Ezra 6:17.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Ezra 6:17 reminds us of the importance of sacrifice and worship in our relationship with God. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the concept of giving our best to God remains central to our faith. Just as the Israelites offered their sacrifices with joy and gratitude, we are called to offer our lives to God as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). This involves not only acts of worship but also how we live our daily lives in obedience to God.
The sin offerings in this verse point to our need for repentance and God’s forgiveness. Just as the Israelites needed atonement for their sins, we recognize that we need forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate sin offering for all humanity.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Ezra 6:17 shows God’s love in His willingness to forgive and restore His people. Even though Israel had turned away from God and faced exile because of their disobedience, God remained faithful to them. He brought them back to their land, allowed them to rebuild the temple, and accepted their sacrifices.
God’s love is seen in His desire to dwell among His people and restore their relationship with Him. The temple represented God’s presence, and the fact that He allowed the people to rebuild it and renew their worship shows His compassion and desire for reconciliation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The sacrificial system described in Ezra 6:17 points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The offerings made by the Israelites for the dedication of the temple were necessary for atonement, but they were only temporary. The blood of bulls, rams, and goats could never fully take away sin (Hebrews 10:4). These sacrifices were a foreshadowing of the perfect sacrifice that would come through Jesus.
Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Through His death on the cross, He fulfilled the need for sacrifice once and for all. In Him, we find full forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Just as the temple dedication was a moment of joy and restoration for Israel, the death and resurrection of Jesus bring joy and restoration to all who believe in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Ezra 6:17 challenge you to think about the importance of worship and sacrifice in your own life?
- What can we learn from the Israelites’ generosity and willingness to give abundantly to God?
- How does this verse point to the necessity of repentance and the importance of seeking God’s forgiveness?
- In what ways does the sacrificial system in Ezra’s time foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross?
- How can you live your life as a “living sacrifice” in response to God’s love and forgiveness, as seen in Jesus Christ?