Horses and Mules - Ezra 2:66

In the book of Ezra, Ezra shared about “the children of the province that went up out of the captivity” which included those who came with “Zerubabbel”, and “the whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore. Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women”,and in chapter two and verse sixty-six of Ezra, Ezra shared about, “their horses and mules” where we read,

Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;

The verse reads, “Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six;” Ezra began with the words, “their horses” which means “their, the people of Israel's, swifts or chariot horses” “were seven hundred thirty and six” which means “existed as seven hundred and fifty six”. Ezra said there were seven hundred and fifty six swifts or chariot horses that returned to Jerusalem alongside the people of Israel. 

The verse goes on to say, “their mules, two hundred forty and five;” Ezra continued with the words, “their mules” or “their, the people of Israel's, burros or half-donkey and half-horses”, “two hundred forty and five” which means “two hundred and forty five”. Ezra shared how there were two hundred and forty five burros who also accompanied the people of Israel back to Jerusalem. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Ezra that “horses and mules” also went back to Jerusalem with them. These animals would serve the people of Israel in their activities such as carrying supplies, people, food and other items which helped to maintain their lives and rebuild the temple. God included service animals in the people's return, and because He is loving and caring for us, He provides what we need as well. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins, and when we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide whatever we need according to His riches in glory. (See Philippians 4:19) 

Next time Ezra shares about, “their camels and donkeys”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".