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.
Ezra 2:63 (KJV)
Context
The book of Ezra records the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and the restoration of the temple. In Ezra 2, the chapter lists the families, priests, Levites, and others who returned. The preceding verses (Ezra 2:61-62) mention certain priests who could not prove their genealogy and were therefore excluded from the priesthood as polluted. Verse 63 records the response of the Tirshatha, the Persian-appointed governor of Judah, most likely Zerubbabel.
Meaning
The term “Tirshatha” refers to the governor or leader appointed by the Persian authorities over the region. In this verse, the Tirshatha addresses a specific issue regarding the consumption of the most holy things, which were designated for the priests. He instructs the people that they are not allowed to eat of these sacred offerings and sacrifices until a priest arises who possesses the Urim and Thummim. The Urim and Thummim were sacred objects, likely kept in the high priest’s breastplate, used for seeking divine guidance or making decisions. The specific details of their form and function are not provided in the biblical text, but they are referred to as tools of discernment, believed to give a “yes” or “no” answer from God in certain situations.
The governor’s decree was a safeguard: it prevented unauthorized persons from consuming holy food and ensured that the matter of priestly qualification would be settled only through proper divine consultation. The parallel passage in Nehemiah 7:65 repeats this same instruction nearly verbatim, confirming the historical situation. 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.
Biblical connections
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. The verse demonstrates a careful reverence for holy things and a commitment to following proper protocol in worship. It also shows that even in a time of restoration, the community did not presume to override God’s established order.
Application
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. The waiting period reflects a posture of humility, acknowledging that human judgment alone was insufficient to resolve the question of priestly legitimacy. The instruction underscores the seriousness with which the post-exilic community approached the restoration of temple worship, and it encourages us to respect the boundaries God set for worship and to seek His guidance in our own lives.
Reflection
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. The verse also reminds us that even when human judgment is uncertain, we can trust God to reveal His will in His time.
