Ezra 6:20

All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. And the Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their priestly brothers, and for themselves.

Study Bible

All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean.
In the context of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile, the purification of the priests and Levites was essential for the restoration of proper worship in the newly rebuilt temple. This purification process involved ritual washing and abstaining from anything that would make them ceremonially unclean, as outlined in Levitical law (Leviticus 8:6, Numbers 8:5-7). The emphasis on purity underscores the importance of holiness in approaching God, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. This act of purification also reflects the broader theme of renewal and dedication to God’s covenant, as the returning exiles sought to reestablish their identity as God’s chosen people. The priests and Levites, as spiritual leaders, set an example for the community, highlighting the necessity of spiritual readiness and purity in service to God.

And the Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles,
The Levites, who were responsible for assisting the priests in temple duties, took on the role of slaughtering the Passover lamb, a task traditionally performed by the head of each household (Exodus 12:3-6). This indicates a communal approach to the Passover celebration, emphasizing unity among the returning exiles. The Passover commemorates Israel's deliverance from Egypt, symbolizing God's salvation and faithfulness. By observing Passover, the exiles reaffirmed their identity and covenant relationship with God. This act also foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The Levites' involvement highlights their role in facilitating worship and ensuring that the community adhered to God's commandments.

for their priestly brothers, and for themselves.
The Levites slaughtering the lamb for their priestly brothers and themselves demonstrates the communal and inclusive nature of worship and sacrifice. It reflects the interdependence of the priestly class and the broader community in maintaining the covenant relationship with God. This act of service underscores the importance of unity and cooperation among the spiritual leaders of Israel. It also points to the necessity of personal and communal preparation in worship, as even the priests and Levites needed to be ceremonially clean to participate in the Passover. This communal aspect of worship is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to serve one another in love and unity (Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 4:3). The shared responsibility in the Passover celebration highlights the collective identity of the people of God and their shared commitment to His covenant.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priests and Levites
These are the religious leaders responsible for performing the temple rituals and maintaining the spiritual purity of the community. In this verse, they have purified themselves to be ceremonially clean.

2. Exiles
Refers to the Jewish people who had returned from Babylonian captivity. They are the beneficiaries of the Passover sacrifice, symbolizing their renewed covenant with God.

3. Passover Lamb
The sacrificial animal that is central to the Passover celebration, representing deliverance and redemption. The Levites slaughtered it on behalf of the community.

4. Ceremonial Cleansing
A ritual purification process that the priests and Levites underwent to ensure they were fit to perform their religious duties.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was located and where these events took place, symbolizing the restoration of worship and community life.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Purity
Just as the priests and Levites purified themselves, we are called to live lives of spiritual purity, setting ourselves apart for God's service.

Community and Leadership
The Levites' role in slaughtering the Passover lamb for the exiles highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding and serving the community.

Symbolism of the Passover Lamb
The Passover lamb is a foreshadowing of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. This connection deepens our understanding of redemption.

Restoration and Renewal
The return of the exiles and the celebration of Passover signify a renewal of faith and commitment to God, encouraging us to seek spiritual renewal in our own lives.

Unity in Worship
The collective participation in the Passover underscores the unity of God's people in worship, reminding us of the importance of communal faith practices.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the purification of the priests and Levites teach us about the importance of spiritual preparation in our own lives?

2. How does the role of the Levites in this passage reflect the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?

3. In what ways does the Passover lamb in Ezra 6:20 point to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how does this enhance our understanding of redemption?

4. How can the return of the exiles and their participation in the Passover inspire us to seek spiritual renewal and restoration in our own communities?

5. What lessons can we learn from the unity of the exiles in worship, and how can we apply these lessons to foster unity within our own church communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The original institution of the Passover, which provides the historical and theological background for the events in Ezra 6:20.

Leviticus 16
Discusses the Day of Atonement and the importance of purification, which parallels the ceremonial cleansing of the priests and Levites.

Hebrews 9
Explains the concept of purification and sacrifice in the New Testament, drawing a connection between the Old Testament rituals and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.