Ezra 8:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is essential to recognize that while historians refer to Caspian, Ezra mentions Casiphier in this context. The Jewish tradition, which does not include the letter ‘p,’ typically substitutes an ‘f’ in Greek and foreign names, as seen in terms like ‘Phetre’ or ‘Philate.’ Consequently, the descendants of Israel, emerging from their captivity in Assyria or Chaldea, are said to have arrived near Kashiphyeh. Ezra dispatched individuals to this area to gather the ministers of the Lord’s house, specifically the Levites and Nethinim, whom Josephus designates as ‘the sacred servants.’ The Israelites' journey from their Assyrian or Chaldean exile to Kashiphyeh is evident.