Ezra 8:17

And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, [and] to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God.

And I sent {H6680} them with commandment {H3318} unto Iddo {H112} the chief {H7218} at the place {H4725} Casiphia {H3703}, and I told {H7760}{H6310} them what {H1697} they should say {H1696} unto Iddo {H112}, and to his brethren {H251} the Nethinims {H5411}{H5411}, at the place {H4725} Casiphia {H3703}, that they should bring {H935} unto us ministers {H8334} for the house {H1004} of our God {H430}.

I gave them instructions for Iddo, the leading man in a place called Kasifya, and told them what to say to Iddo and his brother, who were in charge of Kasifya, so that they would bring us men to minister in the house of our God.

And I sent them to Iddo, the leader at Casiphia, with a message for him and his kinsmen, the temple servants at Casiphia, that they should bring to us ministers for the house of our God.

And I sent them forth unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia; and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and his brethren the Nethinim, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God.

Commentary

Ezra 8:17 describes Ezra's proactive efforts to ensure adequate personnel for the Temple service as he prepared to lead a second group of Jewish exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem. This verse highlights his strategic planning and reliance on God's provision for the spiritual needs of the returning community.

Context

Following King Artaxerxes' decree, Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, was tasked with leading a new wave of exiles back to Judah. Before their departure from the gathering point by the river Ahava, Ezra took a census and realized there was a critical shortage of Levites, who were essential for the proper functioning of the Temple and its sacrificial system. This verse details his specific action to remedy this deficit: sending a delegation to Casiphia, a place where many Levites and Nethinims (temple servants) resided, to recruit ministers for the House of God in Jerusalem.

Key Themes

  • Proactive Leadership: Ezra demonstrates exemplary leadership by identifying a critical need (lack of temple ministers) and taking decisive action to address it before embarking on a perilous journey. His foresight ensured the spiritual health of the community upon their return.
  • Importance of Temple Service: The desperate need for Levites and Nethinims underscores the central role of the Temple and its worship in the life of the restored Jewish community. Without dedicated ministers, the re-establishment of sacred worship and the covenant relationship with God would be incomplete.
  • Divine Provision Through Human Effort: While Ezra had already proclaimed a fast to seek God's protection for the journey (Ezra 8:21), he also understood the necessity of human effort and delegation. God often works through the diligent actions of His servants.

Linguistic Insights

The term Nethinims (Hebrew: Χ Φ°Χͺִינִים, Nethinim) literally means "given ones" or "dedicated ones." These were a class of temple servants, distinct from the Levites, who performed various duties related to the upkeep and service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their origin is debated, but many scholars believe they were descendants of non-Israelites (like the Gibeonites mentioned in Joshua 9:27) who were "given" to assist the Levites in their duties. Their inclusion here highlights that all roles, even those considered less prestigious, were vital for the proper functioning of God's house.

Practical Application

Ezra's actions in this verse offer several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Identify and Address Needs: Like Ezra, we should be discerning about the needs within our churches, communities, and ministries. Effective spiritual leadership involves recognizing gaps and actively seeking solutions.
  • Value All Forms of Service: The recruitment of both Levites and Nethinims reminds us that every role in God's kingdom, from prominent teaching to behind-the-scenes service, is valuable and necessary for the body of Christ to function effectively (1 Corinthians 12:27).
  • Combine Prayer with Action: Ezra prayed and fasted, but he also sent messengers and gave clear instructions. Our faith should lead to diligent effort and strategic planning, trusting God to bless our obedient actions.
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Cross-References

  • Ezra 2:43

    The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

  • Titus 1:5

    ΒΆ For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

  • Jeremiah 1:9

    Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.

  • 1 Chronicles 23:3

    Now the Levites were numbered from the age of thirty years and upward: and their number by their polls, man by man, was thirty and eight thousand.

  • 1 Chronicles 23:6

    And David divided them into courses among the sons of Levi, [namely], Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

  • 2 Samuel 14:3

    And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab put the words in her mouth.

  • 2 Samuel 14:19

    And the king said, [Is not] the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, [As] thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:
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