Bible Strands
Ezra 6:18
They also appointed the priests by their divisions and the Levites by their groups to the service of God in Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator recounts the post-exilic community’s actions immediately after the temple dedication offerings and before the Passover observance. The text describes how the returned exiles formally organized the temple workforce following the completion of the rebuilding project.
The words — וַ/הֲקִ֨ימוּ (va./ha.Ki.mu) means “and they appointed,” while עֲבִידַ֥ת ('a.vi.Dat) translates to “[the] service of.” These terms mark the deliberate assignment of personnel to their specific roles.
The thread — The structural division of priestly and Levitical duties appears in Numbers 3:6, where Levi is brought to assist Aaron. It is further outlined in 1 Chronicles 24:1 regarding the families of Aaron’s sons and reiterated in 2 Chronicles 35:4 concerning preparations according to David’s instructions.
Why it lands — The text requires that worship organization follow established written precedent rather than human convenience. It demands that readers treat structured obedience to recorded instructions as the foundation for legitimate service.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
Cross-references
- Numbers 3:6 “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him.
- 1 Chronicles 24:1 These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
- 2 Chronicles 35:4 Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and Solomon his son.
- Numbers 8:9 Bring the Levites before the Tent of Meeting and assemble the whole congregation of Israel.
- 1 Chronicles 23:1 When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel.