The Book of Ezra – Bible Lesson 3.
Just for your thoughts.
The Book of Ezra – Bible Lesson 3.
“They searched for their family records, but they could not find them, and so they were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.”
— Ezra 2:62
What lessons does this passage teach us?
When the Persian king Cyrus permitted the Jewish captives in Babylon to return to their homeland, nearly 50,000 people from the tribe of Judah returned to Jerusalem. Among them were 4,289 priests, 47 Levites, 128 singers, and 139 gatekeepers. This is a striking detail—the number of Levites was very small.
In this context, a particular verse draws our attention.
Ezra 2:61 states that 652 people claimed to be priests but were unable to prove their lineage. These 652 belonged to three families:
the descendants of Hobaiah,
the descendants of Hakkoz, and
the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of a Gileadite named Barzillai and was called by that name).
These people were excluded from priestly service because they searched for their genealogical records but could not find them.
Therefore, they were considered unclean and were barred from the priesthood (Ezra 2:62).
They were allowed to return to Jerusalem, but they were not permitted to serve in the newly restored Temple.
What lesson does the Lord teach us through this?
According to the Law of Moses, only those from the family of Aaron were permitted to serve as priests. No one else was allowed to perform priestly duties. Offering sacrifices, burning incense, and performing sacred temple services were strictly forbidden to non-priests.
Even though King Uzziah was a king, when he crossed his God-given boundary and attempted priestly duties, he was punished with leprosy.
For this reason, those who could not prove that they belonged to the lineage of Aaron could not be appointed as priests. Even at a time when the Jerusalem Temple had been destroyed and was being rebuilt, there was a firm decision to adhere 100% to the Law of Moses. Though many were enthusiastic and willing, no compromise was allowed in obeying the ordinances God had given to Moses.
Great care was taken to confirm God’s calling. It was their clear conviction that no one other than those appointed by God should enter the priestly office.
When we compare this with New Testament truth, we learn that every believer must run in the race God has assigned to them. We are not permitted to intrude into another person’s calling or ministry.
“In God’s work, numbers are less important than a confirmed calling.”
God’s decision matters more than our personal desires. Understanding God’s purpose for our lives and walking in it is the true will of God. This passage teaches us clearly that we are not permitted to run in a race that God has not assigned to us.