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.

EZRA 6:18KJV
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Ezra 6:18 (KJV)

What does Ezra 6:18 mean?

Ezra 6:18 describes how the priests and Levites were organized into their assigned groups to serve in the temple at Jerusalem, following the instructions written in the book of Moses. This verse highlights the restoration of proper worship practices after the temple’s rebuilding.

The setting is after the Jewish exiles have returned from Babylon and finished rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The leaders are making sure that worship and temple service follow the ancient guidelines given by Moses, which means returning to the traditions and divisions originally set out for priests and Levites. This careful organization shows a desire to honor God by doing things as they were commanded in the scriptures.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 6:18

  • "divisions" (מַחְלְקוֹת, machleqot): This word refers to the specific groups or orders among the priests, showing that each priest had a particular role or schedule, not just a general duty.
  • "courses" (פְּלֻגוֹת, pelugot): Used for the Levites, this word means their assigned shifts or turns, emphasizing an orderly rotation in their temple service.
  • "service" (עֲבֵדָה, avedah): This word means the work or duties performed for God in the temple, highlighting that their actions were acts of worship, not just routine tasks.
  • "as it is written in the book of Moses" (כְּדִי כְתִיב בְּסֵפֶר מֹשֶׁה, kedi ketiv b’sefer Moshe): This phrase stresses that everything was done according to the written law, showing respect for the authority of the scriptures.

Why Ezra 6:18 matters

  • Ezra 6:18 clears up that the restored temple was not just a new building, but a return to the original, scripturally-based way of worship, connecting the returned exiles to their spiritual heritage.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of order and tradition in worship, showing that the people valued doing things “as it is written,” not just as they pleased.
  • By mentioning both priests and Levites and their specific roles, the verse highlights the teamwork and structure that made temple worship possible, reflecting a community working together according to God’s instructions.

Where else these words appear

“Levites” Hebrew H3879 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 6:16 And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,
  • Ezra 7:13 I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.
  • Ezra 7:24 Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

“book” Hebrew H5609 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 4:15 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.
  • Ezra 6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
  • Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

“service” Hebrew H5673 · used in 6 verses

  • Ezra 4:24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
  • Ezra 5:8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.
  • Daniel 2:49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.

“priests” Hebrew H3549 · used in 8 verses

  • Ezra 6:9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:
  • Ezra 7:12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
  • Ezra 7:16 And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem: