THEOSISBeda Venerabilis
It is important to understand that while historians refer to Caspian, Ezra here mentions Casiphier. The Jews substitute the letter ‘p’ with ‘f’ when using Greek or unfamiliar names, as seen in examples like ‘Phetre’ or ‘Philate.’ Consequently, it is evident that the Israelites, having returned from their Assyrian or Chaldean exile, arrived in the vicinity of Kashiphyeh. Ezra had sent for the leaders of the Lord’s house, specifically the Levites and Nethinim, whom Josephus designates as ‘the sacred servants.’ Thus, the Israelites are demonstrated to have traveled from captivity to settle near Kashiphyeh.
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Regarding these nations, it should be noted that they lived in a state of considerable freedom and peace, even among outsiders, which enabled them to quickly gather a significant army at Ezra’s command or request. The subsequent listing indicates that 258 individuals were selected for this mission. Including these men, Ezra’s total force amounted to nearly 1,700 men.