People Who Could Not Prove They Are Israelites
August 18, 2020
Commentary
There were 652 people who returned from the families of Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda who could not prove that they were Israelites. They had lived in the Babylonian towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer (vv. 59–60). In addition, three families could not prove that they were priests because their records could not be found (vv. 61–62). Because of this, the governor told them they could not eat the food offered to God until they could show proof that they were truly priests (v. 63). The governor mentioned here was probably Zerubbabel. This careful decision shows how seriously Israel treated worship and identity before God. Those families were not rejected but asked to wait until God’s will was made clear. In the same way, those who have no evidence that they are, by the new birth, spiritual priests to God through Jesus Christ, have no right to the comforts and privileges of Christian life. We are reminded to seek God first, His favor and His glory, trusting that He will provide what we truly need.
There were also servants and musicians who brought horses, mules, camels, and donkeys with them (vv. 64–67). The family leaders willingly brought gifts of gold, silver, and robes for the priests (vv. 68–69). Afterward, everyone returned to the towns from which their families had come (v. 70). The phrase “the most holy things” likely refers to the meat sacrificed on the altar and food that only priests were allowed to eat. As the temple work began, the people gave freewill offerings according to their ability. Everyone’s effort mattered, and each person gave what they could. The total amount given was enough to begin rebuilding the temple, showing that the people were willing, joyful, and enthusiastic givers.
Application
This passage reminds me that God values truth and a sincere heart. Faith is not only words, but evidence in how I live. Am I patient when answers are delayed? Do I seek God’s approval more than people’s opinions around me? Where do I need clearer obedience? Will I give willingly what I have for God’s work and purposes?
Ezra 2:59–70 (NET)
59 These are the ones that came up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon, and Immer (although they were unable to certify their family connection or their ancestry, as to whether they really were from Israel):
60 the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda: 652.
61 And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had taken a wife from the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by that name). 62 They searched for their records in the genealogical materials, but did not find them. They were therefore excluded from the priesthood. 63 The governor instructed them not to eat any of the sacred food until there was a priest who could consult the Urim and Thummim.
64 The entire group numbered 42,360, 65 not counting their male and female servants, who numbered 7,337. They also had 200 male and female singers 66 and 736 horses, 245 mules, 67 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys. 68 When they came to the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem, some of the family leaders offered voluntary offerings for the temple of God in order to rebuild it on its site. 69 As they were able, they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 drachmas of gold, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 priestly robes.
70 The priests, the Levites, some of the people, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants lived in their towns, and all the rest of Israel lived in their towns.
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