Ezra 2:62

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

These sought their register [among] those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

Complete Jewish Bible:

These tried to locate their genealogical records, but they weren't found. Therefore they were considered defiled and were not allowed to serve as cohanim.

Berean Standard Bible:

These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.

American Standard Version:

These sought their registeramongthose that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

These sought^{H1245} their register^{H3791} among those that were reckoned by genealogy^{H3187}, but they were not found^{H4672}: therefore were they, as polluted^{H1351}, put from the priesthood^{H3550}.

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Commentary for Ezra 2:62

Ezra 2:62 is a verse that captures a moment in the post-exilic period of Judah's history, specifically during the time when the Jewish exiles were returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. This period is marked by a concerted effort to rebuild the community and restore the worship practices of their ancestors. The verse is part of a longer list detailing the families and lineages of those who returned, emphasizing the importance of genealogical records for determining priestly descent and rights to serve in the temple.

The specific individuals mentioned in Ezra 2:62 were seeking to prove their priestly heritage through these genealogical records. However, they could not find their names listed, which was a crucial requirement for serving as priests. Without this documented lineage, they were considered ritually impure and were consequently barred from priestly duties. This reflects the strict adherence to the law regarding priestly purity and lineage, as outlined in the Pentateuch, particularly in books like Leviticus and Numbers.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the necessity to maintain the integrity and legitimacy of the priesthood after the Babylonian exile. The returning exiles were keen on reestablishing the correct worship of Yahweh, and part of this involved ensuring that only those legitimately descended from Aaron and the tribe of Levi could serve as priests. The emphasis on genealogical purity also served to unify the returning community around a shared identity and to prevent the infiltration of foreign religious practices.

In summary, Ezra 2:62 highlights the importance of genealogy in post-exilic Jewish society for determining priestly roles, the community's dedication to upholding the Mosaic Law, and the broader theme of religious and ethnic identity amidst the challenges of returning from exile and rebuilding a nation.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1245
   There are 215 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָּקַשׁ
   Transliteration: bâqash
   Pronunciation: baw-kash'
   Description: a primitive root; to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after; ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for).
   
2. Strong's Number: H3791
   There are 16 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כָּתָב
   Transliteration: kâthâb
   Pronunciation: kaw-thawb'
   Description: from כָּתַב; something written, i.e. a writing, record or book; register, scripture, writing.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3187
   There are 20 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָחַשׂ
   Transliteration: yâchas
   Pronunciation: yaw-khas'
   Description: a primitive root; to sprout; used only as denominative from יַחַשׂ; to enroll by pedigree; (number after, number throughout the) genealogy (to be reckoned), be reckoned by genealogies.
   
4. Strong's Number: H4672
   There are 425 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מָצָא
   Transliteration: mâtsâʼ
   Pronunciation: maw-tsaw'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present; [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1351
   There are 9 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גָּאַל
   Transliteration: gâʼal
   Pronunciation: gaw-al'
   Description: a primitive root, (rather identified with גָּאַל, through the idea of freeing, i.e. repudiating); to soil or (figuratively) desecrate; defile, pollute, stain.
   
6. Strong's Number: H3550
   There are 12 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כְּהֻנָּה
   Transliteration: kᵉhunnâh
   Pronunciation: keh-hoon-naw'
   Description: from כָּהַן; priesthood; priesthood, priest's office.