Ezra 8:35

Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity R.V. The children of the captivity which were come out of exile.

By this term is intended Ezra's company which had just returned. The sacrifices offered by them resembled those offered by Zerubbabel and his companions at the dedication of the Temple (Ezra 6:17). (1) They consisted of the same animals, bullocks, rams and lambs; (2) they were offered in the name of the whole people.

For the expression -the children of the captivity" compare Ezra 6:19, and see note on chap. Ezra 2:1. The -exile" (sh-bhi) refers to the condition of captivity, the -captivity" (haggôlah) to the community of exiles.

twelve bullocks … twelve he goats i.e. for the twelve tribes, cf. on Ezra 6:17, -for all Israel".

ninety and six rams i.e. eight for each tribe.

seventy and seven lambs a magnification of the perfect number (cf. Genesis 4:24; Matthew 18:22).

for a sin offering The twelve he goats as in Ezra 6:17.

allthis was a burnt offering i.e. it was completely consumed.

An offering, of thanksgiving for protection in the journey, and of consecration of the new life.