The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
The men from Bethel and Ai numbered 223.
This verse lists how many men from the towns of Bethel and Ai returned from exile in Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Ezra, this verse is part of a detailed census listing the families and individuals who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile after King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree in 538 BC, allowing the Jews to rebuild their homeland. This return marked the beginning of the restoration of Jewish worship and community life in Jerusalem following decades of captivity. Bethel and Ai were ancient towns in the region of Israel, with Bethel holding religious significance from the time of the patriarchs like Jacob.
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