Nehemiah 7:39-65

Why do some returning priests have to wait before serving?

Berean Standard Bible

39 The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah (through the house of Jeshua), 973; 40 the descendants of Immer, 1,052; 41 the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247; 42 and the descendants of Harim, 1,017. 43 The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua (through Kadmiel, through the line of Hodevah), 74. 44 The singers: the descendants of Asaph, 148. 45 The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 138 in all.
46 The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, 47 the descendants of Keros, the descendants of Sia, the descendants of Padon, 48 the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Shalmai, 49 the descendants of Hanan, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar, 50 the descendants of Reaiah, the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda, 51 the descendants of Gazzam, the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah, 52 the descendants of Besai, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephushesim, 53 the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur, 54 the descendants of Bazlith, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha, 55 the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah, 56 the descendants of Neziah, and the descendants of Hatipha. 57 The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Perida, 58 the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel, 59 the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Amon. 60 The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all.
61 The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not prove that their families were descended from Israel: 62 the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 642 in all. 63 And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). 64 These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. 65 The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.

What is the context?

The register turns to priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants and the descendants of Solomon’s servants. Worship in the restored community involves many different responsibilities.

Some returnees cannot establish their family’s descent from Israel. A further group claiming priestly descent cannot find the records confirming it. They are excluded from the priesthood as unclean and told not to eat the most holy food until a priest can decide the matter with the Urim and Thummim.

The restriction concerns eligibility for priestly service and its holy food. The account does not say that every family whose ancestry is uncertain is expelled from the returning community.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Henry and Gill understand the disputed priestly records as a reason to withhold priestly privileges until the matter can be settled. The careful registration protects the responsibilities attached to the priesthood. Neither the list nor its ruling describes the ancestry uncertainty as proof of the individuals’ personal wickedness.

Where does this fit in God's plan?

The question of who may serve as priest also helps bring out the distinction made in Hebrews 7:11–28. Under the earlier arrangement, descent from Levi mattered. Jesus comes from Judah, and Hebrews grounds His priesthood in God’s oath and the power of an indestructible life.

This is a connection between the earlier priesthood’s requirements and the different basis of Christ’s priesthood. Hebrews directs confidence toward the Son who lives forever and is able to save completely those who come to God through Him.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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