The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim. The governorThis term refers to Zerubbabel, who was appointed as the leader of the returning exiles. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "הַתִּרְשָׁתָא" (ha-Tirshatha), a title for a Persian-appointed governor. Zerubbabel's leadership was crucial in the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple, symbolizing God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to bring His people back to their land. ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim Persons / Places / Events 1. The GovernorLikely referring to Zerubbabel, who was leading the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of Jewish worship. 2. Priests The religious leaders responsible for conducting temple services and rituals. In this context, they were needed to consult the Urim and Thummim for divine guidance. 3. Urim and Thummim Sacred lots used by the high priest in ancient Israel to discern God's will. Their exact nature is unknown, but they were a means of divine communication. 4. The Most Holy Things Refers to the sacred offerings and food that were reserved for the priests and their families, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. 5. Exiles Returning to Jerusalem The broader context of Ezra 2 is the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, a significant event in Jewish history that marked the beginning of the restoration of the temple and the community. Teaching Points The Importance of Divine GuidanceIn times of uncertainty, seeking God's will is crucial. The use of the Urim and Thummim underscores the need for divine direction in making important decisions. Holiness and Purity in Worship The restriction on eating the most holy things until proper consultation highlights the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in worship practices. Leadership and Responsibility The governor's role in ensuring adherence to God's commands demonstrates the responsibility of leaders to guide their people according to divine principles. Patience and Trust in God's Timing Waiting for a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim teaches patience and trust in God's timing and provision. Community and Restoration The return of the exiles and the re-establishment of worship practices illustrate the importance of community and collective restoration in faith. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of the governor in Ezra 2:63 reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?2. In what ways can we seek divine guidance in our personal decision-making processes, similar to the use of the Urim and Thummim? 3. What lessons can we learn from the requirement to wait for a priest before partaking in the most holy things, and how can this apply to our approach to worship? 4. How does the concept of holiness in worship, as seen in Ezra 2:63, relate to New Testament teachings on worship and purity? 5. How can the account of the returning exiles inspire us to pursue restoration and renewal in our own spiritual communities? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 8-10These chapters describe the consecration of the priests and the importance of holiness in their service, which relates to the need for a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim. Numbers 27:21 This verse mentions the use of the Urim and Thummim by the high priest to seek God's guidance, highlighting their role in decision-making. Nehemiah 7:65 This passage parallels Ezra 2:63, emphasizing the continuity of the need for divine guidance through the Urim and Thummim during the post-exilic period.
People Akkub, Ami, Asaph, Asnah, Ater, Baanah, Bakbuk, Barkos, Barzillai, Bazluth, Besai, Bigvai, Bilshan, Darkon, Delaiah, Gahar, Gazzam, Giddel, Habaiah, Hagab, Hagabah, Hakkoz, Hakupha, Hanan, Harhur, Harsha, Hasupha, Hatipha, Hatita, Hattil, Hezekiah, Hodaviah, Immer, Israelites, Jaalah, Jedaiah, Jeshua, Joab, Jorah, Kadmiel, Keros, Koz, Lebanah, Mehida, Mehunim, Meunim, Mizpar, Mordecai, Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah, Nekoda, Nephusim, Neziah, Padon, Pahathmoab, Parosh, Paseah, Pashur, Peruda, Phaseah, Pochereth, Reaiah, Reelaiah, Rehum, Rezin, Seraiah, Shallum, Shalmai, Shephatiah, Shobai, Siaha, Sisera, Solomon, Sophereth, Sotai, Tabbaoth, Talmon, Thamah, Tobiah, Tobijah, Uzza, Zaccai, Zattu, Zerubbabel, ZihaPlaces Ai, Anathoth, Azmaveth, Babylon, Babylonia, Beeroth, Bethel, Bethlehem, Cherub, Geba, Hadid, Immer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Kiriath-arim, Lod, Michmas, Nebo, Netophah, Ono, Ramah, Tel-harsha, Tel-melahTopics Consult, Decision, Eat, Governor, Holy, Ministering, Ordered, Partake, Priest, Sacred, Standing, Stood, Thummim, Till, Tirshatha, UrimDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 2:63 7392 lots, casting of Library Altar and Temple'And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 2. Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. 3. And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Apocalypse. Barzillai The Historical Books. The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah Ezra-Nehemiah Links Ezra 2:63 NIVEzra 2:63 NLT Ezra 2:63 ESV Ezra 2:63 NASB Ezra 2:63 KJV Ezra 2:63 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |