Ezra 2:62

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Commentary

Ezra 2:62 describes a specific group among the Israelites returning from Babylonian exile who claimed priestly lineage but could not provide documentary proof from the genealogical records. Because their claim could not be verified, they were disqualified from serving as priests, being considered "polluted" or ceremonially unclean for the sacred office.

Context

Chapter 2 of Ezra lists the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. This census was crucial for re-establishing the community, assigning roles, and reclaiming ancestral lands. Particular attention was paid to identifying those qualified for service in the rebuilt Temple, especially the priests and Levites, whose roles were strictly defined by lineage according to the Law of Moses. The meticulous record-keeping reflected the importance of maintaining tribal and family identities and ensuring ritual purity for religious service.

Key Themes

  • Importance of Lineage and Genealogy: For the Israelite priesthood under the Mosaic covenant, descent from Aaron was non-negotiable. Genealogical records were the sole means of verifying this claim.
  • Qualification for Priesthood: Beyond lineage, priests had to meet strict standards of physical soundness and ritual purity. Lacking proof of the required lineage rendered one unqualified, effectively making them ceremonially "polluted" for priestly duties, regardless of personal piety.
  • Authority of Records: The official registers ('register' or 'genealogy') held significant authority in determining identity and eligibility for roles within the restored community.
  • Purity and Separation: The concept of being "put from the priesthood" because they were "as polluted" highlights the strong emphasis on ritual purity and separation required for those ministering in the presence of God. This echoes earlier laws regarding distinguishing between the holy and the unholy, and between the unclean and the clean.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "register" or "genealogy" (ื”ึดืชึฐื™ึทื—ึฐืฉึธืื, hityachsham) comes from a root meaning 'to be registered by pedigree'. It emphasizes the formal, documented nature of their claim. The word translated "polluted" (ืžึฐื’ึนืึธืœึดื™ื, mego'alim) means 'defiled' or 'unclean'. While it doesn't necessarily imply moral failing in this context, it signifies a state that rendered them ritually unfit or disqualified from the sacred office of the priesthood due to the unverified lineage.

Reflection

Ezra 2:62 serves as a stark reminder of the strict requirements for serving in the Old Testament priesthood. While the nature of priesthood has changed dramatically under the New Covenant, where believers are called a "royal priesthood" based on their relationship with Christ rather than earthly lineage, the principle of qualification and purity remains. Our access to God is now through the perfect high priesthood of Jesus Christ, whose qualification was not based on human descent but on His eternal nature (see Hebrews 7:3). This verse encourages us to consider the basis of our spiritual standing and the importance of being genuinely connected to the true source of spiritual authority and purity.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 3:10 (4 votes)

    And thou shalt appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall wait on their priest's office: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

  • Numbers 16:39 (3 votes)

    And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad [plates for] a covering of the altar:

  • Numbers 16:40 (3 votes)

    [To be] a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which [is] not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.

  • Leviticus 21:21 (2 votes)

    No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God.

  • Leviticus 21:23 (2 votes)

    Only he shall not go in unto the vail, nor come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a blemish; that he profane not my sanctuaries: for I the LORD do sanctify them.

  • Numbers 18:7 (2 votes)

    Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office [unto you] as a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.

  • Ezekiel 44:10 (2 votes)

    ยถ And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity.