Ezra 2:63

“And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.”

Certainly! Here’s a Bible study on Ezra 2:63 (KJV) states: “And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.”

Historical Context:The book of Ezra recounts the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem after the seventy-year period of captivity. Ezra 2:63 specifically focuses on a situation that arose during this period of return and the restoration of the temple.

The Tirshatha:The term “Tirshatha” refers to the governor or leader appointed by the Persian authorities over the region. In this verse, the Tirshatha is addressing a specific issue regarding the consumption of the most holy things, which were designated for the priests.

Prohibition from Eating the Most Holy Things:The Tirshatha instructs the people that they are not allowed to eat the most holy things until a priest arises who possesses the Urim and Thummim. The Urim and Thummim were sacred objects used by the high priest for seeking divine guidance or making decisions. This prohibition was likely intended to ensure that the proper protocols were followed and that the priests with the necessary spiritual authority were involved in the consumption of the most holy things.

Importance of the Urim and Thummim:The Urim and Thummim were mentioned in the Bible as a means of seeking God’s will and obtaining divine guidance. The specific details regarding their form and function are not provided in the biblical text, but they are referred to as tools of discernment and decision-making. It is believed that they were used to receive a “yes” or “no” answer from God in certain situations.

Reverence for the Most Holy Things:The instruction given by the Tirshatha indicates the importance of treating the most holy things with reverence. These were offerings and sacrifices set apart for God and were not to be taken lightly or consumed by just anyone. Waiting for the priest with the Urim and Thummim ensured that the consumption of the most holy things would be done in accordance with God’s will and with the involvement of those authorized for such acts.

Application to our Lives:While we may not have access to the Urim and Thummim today, this passage reminds us of the significance of reverence and obedience in our approach to God and His commands. It highlights the importance of seeking guidance from those who have been given spiritual authority and following proper protocols in matters of worship and service to God.

In summary, Ezra 2:63 teaches us about the importance of treating the most holy things with reverence and following proper protocols. It emphasizes the need for seeking divine guidance and involving those with spiritual authority in matters related to worship and service to God.