Ezra 2:62

These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogie, but they were not found: therefore were they as polluted, put from the priesthood. Ezra 2:62 (KJV)

The book of Ezra is part of the Old Testament and recounts the story of the Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. The chapter preceding Ezra 2 provides a list of the individuals who returned from exile, and verse 62 records a specific situation regarding certain individuals who sought to serve as priests but were unable to prove their genealogical records.

In ancient Israel genealogy played a crucial role in determining a person’s eligibility for certain roles and privileges. This was especially important for the priesthood, because the priests were descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and the Levitical priests had to prove their ancestry to be qualified for their priestly duties.

The individuals mentioned in Ezra 2:62 sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, hoping to establish their eligibility for the priesthood by tracing their lineage back to the priestly tribe of Levi. Despite their efforts the records were not found; the biblical text does not explain why the records were missing or unavailable, and it is possible that the records were lost during the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile in Babylon.

Because they could not prove their ancestry these individuals were regarded as “polluted” or ritually unclean. As a result they were excluded from the priesthood and were unable to fulfill the priestly responsibilities or offer sacrifices in the temple.

“Moreover of the children of the priests were the chief of the fathers, of the Levites, the singers, porters, and the temple servants.”

Remember, while this study focuses on the historical and contextual aspects of Ezra 2, it is also essential to consider the broader themes and teachings of the Bible to fully understand its significance in relation to our lives today.