Ezra 2:59-63 More descendants? Let's see----

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

  Enjoying Ezra?  It is difficult, but I am learning something from it; hopefully you will gain some insight as well.

  Ezra 2:59 The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended from Israel:

60 The descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah and Nekoda 652

61 And from among the priests:The descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who had married a daughter of  Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by that name). 62 These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and  so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. 63 The governor ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there was a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim. 

Back in these days, to the Hebrew people, genealogies were important credentials.  One had to prove they descended from Abraham, if they could not, then they were not considered "true Jews".  Because of this they would be excluded from the Jewish community life and rituals.  

   Some privileges were restricted to certain tribes, like the Levites. They were the only ones to serve in the Temple.

   Looking at verse 63, the governor, most likely Zerubbabel, told them not to eat any of the  most sacred food until there was a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim.

   The sacred food was the priests' share of meat that was sacrificed on the altar.

 Okay, what is the Urim and Thummim?  These were probably the sacred lots and carried by the priest in the garment he wore.  They were used to determine God's will in important matters.

   So, if your head is buzzing as is mine we'll go on tomorrow talking about how many people, men and women, livestock and servants and singers they carried. Also, donations in preparing to build the temple.

   Whew-----so many "begats" it is hard to follow.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny