1 esdras 9:37 - And the priests and Levites, and those who were of Israel, lived in Jerusalem, and in the country, on the new moon of the seventh month, and the children of Israel in their habitations.

Generated Verse: 1 esdras 9:37

What does "1 esdras 9:37" mean?


This verse from 1 Esdras 9:37 describes the resettlement and re-establishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside after their return from Babylonian exile. Let's break down the meaning:

"And the priests and Levites, and those who were of Israel...": This refers to different groups within the Jewish community. The priests and Levites had specific religious duties in the Temple, while "those who were of Israel" likely refers to the general population of the Jewish people (the laity).

"...lived in Jerusalem, and in the country...": This indicates that the returnees settled in both the capital city (Jerusalem) and in the various towns and villages throughout the land of Judah (the "country"). This was important for re-establishing the community's religious and economic life.

"...on the new moon of the seventh month...": This specifies a time frame, marking the beginning of a new month in the Jewish calendar. The seventh month (Tishrei) was a significant month with important festivals like Rosh Hashanah (New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). It is a time for repentance, reflection, and the renewal of the covenant with God. The phrase could indicate that the resettlement efforts were connected to or emphasized at the start of this significant month.

"...and the children of Israel in their habitations.": This reinforces the idea that the Jewish people were settled in their homes or dwelling places. This phrase emphasizes the stabilization and normalization of life after their return from exile.

In summary, the verse indicates that, after the return from exile, the priests, Levites, and the general Jewish population resettled both in Jerusalem and the countryside, with the timing specifically noted as the new moon of the seventh month. This marked a significant step in rebuilding their community and re-establishing their lives and religious practices in their homeland.

Important Note: 1 Esdras is considered part of the Apocrypha (or Deuterocanon) and is not included in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) or the Protestant Old Testament. It's considered canonical by some Christian denominations (e.g., Orthodox and Catholic). The parallel account in the canonical book of Nehemiah provides a similar narrative of the return and resettlement.

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