Definition: And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezra 8:8. It’s a little complex, but I’ll explain it in plain language. Here’s what it means: This verse tells us about a group of people who were involved in a specific event during the time of Ezra. Here's a simplified explanation: “Ezra 8:8” : This is the name of the verse itself – it’s from the Book of Ezra, which was part of the Old Testament. It's a passage about a group of people. “And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael…” : This identifies who we're talking about. "Shephatiah" is a name that refers to a specific person in the Bible. “Zebadiah” is a nickname for someone named Zebadiah. Basically, this means we’re talking about two people who are connected through a shared family line. “…and with him fourscore males.” : This is the key part. "Fourscore males" means "forty-five men." So, it's a group of at least forty-five men. Putting it all together: The verse describes a group of people – likely some members of Shephatiah’s family – who were present at an event (likely a celebration or gathering) where Zebadiah was involved. It suggests they were part of a larger community. What's the significance? This is often interpreted as a sign that Zebadiah played a crucial role in a significant moment during the time of Ezra. It’s a reminder of how important and influential people were within the group. Important Note: The exact details of this event are debated among scholars, but this verse provides valuable information about the context surrounding Ezra's leadership. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific theme from the verses?