Ezra 2:63

And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

And the Tirshatha {H8660} said {H559} unto them, that they should not eat {H398} of the most {H6944} holy things {H6944}, till there stood up {H5975} a priest {H3548} with Urim {H224} and with Thummim {H8550}.

The Tirshata told them not to eat any of the especially holy food until a cohen appeared who could consult the urim and tumim.

The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.

And the governor said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

Commentary on Ezra 2:63 (KJV)

Ezra 2:63 records a crucial decision made by the leader of the returning Jewish exiles, highlighting the meticulous care taken regarding the purity of the priesthood and the seeking of divine guidance. This verse is part of a larger list detailing those who returned from the Babylonian captivity to Judah, specifically mentioning families whose priestly lineage was uncertain.

Context

Following the decree of King Cyrus, many Jews began their journey back to Jerusalem from Babylon, hoping to rebuild the Temple and their nation. Ezra chapter 2 provides a detailed census of these returnees. Among them were individuals claiming priestly descent, but some lacked verifiable genealogical records. The ability to partake in the "most holy things" – sacred portions of sacrifices reserved exclusively for priests – was a significant privilege and a mark of legitimate priestly status. Without proper documentation, their claims were challenged, leading to the ruling by the Tirshatha.

Key Themes

  • Purity of Priesthood: The verse underscores the absolute necessity of an unblemished lineage and verifiable credentials for those serving in the Temple. God's service demanded holiness and strict adherence to established protocols, preventing unauthorized individuals from handling sacred duties or consuming holy offerings. This concern for priestly holiness was paramount in Old Testament worship.
  • Divine Authority and Guidance: The ruling hinges on the Urim and Thummim, tools used by the High Priest to discern God's will. Their absence meant there was no direct, indisputable divine oracle to resolve the genealogical dispute. This highlights the reliance on God's clear word for matters of religious law and practice.
  • Temporary Suspension and Hope for Restoration: The prohibition was not permanent but conditional ("till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim"). This reveals a hope for the restoration of full divine communication and a clear resolution to the priestly dilemma, even if it meant waiting for God's appointed time and means.

Linguistic Insights

  • Tirshatha: This is a Persian title, likely meaning "governor" or "excellency." In this context, it refers to Zerubbabel, who led the first wave of returnees. His authority was derived from the Persian king, but his actions here reflect a deep respect for Jewish law and tradition.
  • Urim and Thummim: These Hebrew words, meaning "lights" and "perfections" (or "perfection/completeness"), refer to sacred objects kept within the breastplate of the High Priest. They were used as a means of divine revelation, enabling the High Priest to inquire of the Lord and receive a clear "yes" or "no" answer, or specific guidance in matters of national or religious importance. Their use is first mentioned in Exodus 28:30. By the time of Ezra, their function seems to have ceased or become less common, indicating a period where direct prophetic or divine oracle was less frequent.
  • "Most holy things": Refers to the most sacred portions of sacrifices and offerings in the tabernacle/temple service, which were set apart exclusively for the priests who were ceremonially clean and of legitimate lineage. Examples include the showbread, certain parts of sin offerings, and grain offerings.

Practical Application

Ezra 2:63 offers several enduring lessons for believers today. It emphasizes the importance of integrity and authenticity in spiritual leadership. Just as the ancient priests needed clear credentials, those who lead in the church today should be people of proven character and sound doctrine. Moreover, the reliance on the Urim and Thummim points to our ongoing need for divine guidance. While we no longer rely on these specific objects, we have the complete written Word of God and the Holy Spirit to illuminate truth and provide direction. This verse encourages us to seek God's will diligently, ensuring that our spiritual practices are aligned with His revealed truth, and to exercise discernment in matters of faith and practice, especially when facing uncertainty.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Numbers 27:21

    And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask [counsel] for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, [both] he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.

  • Leviticus 2:3

    And the remnant of the meat offering [shall be] Aaron's and his sons': [it is] a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire.

  • Exodus 28:30

    And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart, when he goeth in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the LORD continually.

  • Leviticus 2:10

    And that which is left of the meat offering [shall be] Aaron's and his sons': [it is] a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire.

  • Leviticus 22:10

    ¶ There shall no stranger eat [of] the holy thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired servant, shall not eat [of] the holy thing.

  • Nehemiah 8:9

    ¶ And Nehemiah, which [is] the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day [is] holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

  • Leviticus 6:17

    It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it [unto them for] their portion of my offerings made by fire; it [is] most holy, as [is] the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.

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