Ezra 8:15

“And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava, etc.] From whence also the river bore the same name; or that from the river, (see <150821>Ezra 8:21), and may be the same with Adiabene, a country in Assyria, which had its name from the river Adiava: and there abode we in tents three days; or pitched their camp; this was the place of their rendezvous: and I viewed the people and the priests; mustered them, took the number of them, and what tribe and families they were of: and found there none of the sons of Levi; excepting the priests.”

“HE SENDS TO IDDO FOR MINISTERS FOR THE TEMPLE SERVICE. (Ezr 8:15-20) I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava--This river has not been ascertained. It is probable that the Ahava was one of the streams or numerous canals of Mesopotamia communicating with the Euphrates [CyclopÃ&brvbrdia of Biblical Literature]. But it was certainly in Babylonia on the banks of that stream; and perhaps the place appointed for general rendezvous was in the neighborhood of a town of the same name. The emigrants encamped there for three days, according to Oriental custom, while the preparations for the departure were being completed and Ezra was arranging the order of the caravan. I . . . found…”

“Ahava was both a town and a river Ezra 8:21. The modern name of the place is Hit. It is famous for its bitumen springs, and is situated on the Euphrates, at a distance of about 80 miles from Babylon, toward the northwest. None of the sons of Levi - The Levites appear to have been disinclined to return to Jerusalem (see Ezra 3:8 note). return to 'Top of Page'”

“Of Levi - None who were simple Levites, and not the priests. And therefore the Levites mentioned, Ezr 7:7, by anticipation were not yet come to him. Ezra 8:18”

“8:15 The Ahava Canal came off the Euphrates River near Babylon. • not one Levite had volunteered: Only a few Levites had come earlier with Sheshbazzar (2:40). It is unclear why so few Levites returned to Jerusalem.”

“the river that runneth: Ahava is supposed to be the river Adiava, which, with the Diava, is said by Ammianus to have given name to Adiabene, a province of Assyria, through which they flowed into the Tigris. These rivers were also called respectively, Anzabas and Zabas, the Caprus and Lycus of Ptolemy; the former of which he places, at its source, in long. 79 degrees, lat. 39+ degrees, and at its junction with the Tigris, in long. 79+ degrees, lat. 36 degrees 6 minutes; and the latter, at its source, in long 78 degrees, lat. 39 degrees; and where it falls into the Tigris, in long. 79 degrees, lat. 36+ degrees. They are now called the Great and Little Zab, or the Zabein, i.e., the two Zabs,…”

“Account of the journey. - Ezr 8:15 The assembling of the expedition. When the Israelites who were about to return to Jerusalem had assembled, and were ready for starting, Ezra perceived that there were no Levites among them. He then sent for certain chief men among them, and by means of the influence of Iddo, the chief at the place Casiphia, induced a number of Levites and Nethinim to determine on joining the expedition ( Ezr 8:15). He then proclaimed a fast at the place of meeting, for the purpose of supplicating God to grant them a prosperous journey ( Ezr 8:21). Ezr 8:15-17 The travellers assembled at the river Ahava, where they encamped three days. In Ezr 8:15 the river is designated…”