The governor ordered themThe term "governor" refers to Zerubbabel, who was appointed by the Persian king to oversee the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem. Zerubbabel was a descendant of King David and played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the temple. His leadership is significant as it represents the restoration of the Davidic line and the hope for a future messianic king.
not to eat the most holy things
The "most holy things" refer to the sacred offerings and portions designated for the priests, such as the showbread and portions of sacrifices. These were reserved for those who were ceremonially clean and of verified priestly lineage. This restriction underscores the importance of maintaining purity and order in worship practices, as outlined in Levitical law (Leviticus 2:3, 6:17).
until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim
The Urim and Thummim were sacred lots used by the high priest to discern God's will in important matters. Their exact nature is unknown, but they were kept in the breastplate of the high priest (Exodus 28:30). This method of divine consultation highlights the need for divine guidance in decisions affecting the community's spiritual life. The absence of a priest with the Urim and Thummim at this time reflects the incomplete restoration of Israel's religious institutions. This situation also points to the anticipation of a future, perfect priesthood fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who provides direct access to God (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The GovernorLikely referring to Zerubbabel, who was leading the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He played a crucial role in the rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of Jewish worship.
2.
PriestsThe religious leaders responsible for conducting temple services and rituals. In this context, they were needed to consult the Urim and Thummim for divine guidance.
3.
Urim and ThummimSacred lots used by the high priest in ancient Israel to discern God's will. Their exact nature is unknown, but they were a means of divine communication.
4.
The Most Holy ThingsRefers to the sacred offerings and food that were reserved for the priests and their families, as outlined in the Mosaic Law.
5.
Exiles Returning to JerusalemThe broader context of
Ezra 2 is the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, a significant event in Jewish history that marked the beginning of the restoration of the temple and the community.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Divine GuidanceIn times of uncertainty, seeking God's will is crucial. The use of the Urim and Thummim underscores the need for divine direction in making important decisions.
Holiness and Purity in WorshipThe restriction on eating the most holy things until proper consultation highlights the importance of maintaining holiness and purity in worship practices.
Leadership and ResponsibilityThe governor's role in ensuring adherence to God's commands demonstrates the responsibility of leaders to guide their people according to divine principles.
Patience and Trust in God's TimingWaiting for a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim teaches patience and trust in God's timing and provision.
Community and RestorationThe return of the exiles and the re-establishment of worship practices illustrate the importance of community and collective restoration in faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ezra 2:63?
2.How does Ezra 2:63 emphasize the importance of priestly purity and discernment?
3.What role does the Urim and Thummim play in seeking God's guidance here?
4.How can we apply the principle of seeking divine guidance in decision-making today?
5.In what ways does Ezra 2:63 connect to other instances of priestly discernment in Scripture?
6.Why is it crucial to ensure spiritual leaders are qualified, as seen in Ezra 2:63?
7.Why did the governor consult the Urim and Thummim in Ezra 2:63?
8.What is the significance of the Urim and Thummim in biblical decision-making?
9.How does Ezra 2:63 reflect on the authority of religious leaders?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 2?
11.What does "Tirshatha" mean in the Bible?
12.What are the Urim and Thummim?
13.Exodus 28:30: How reliable is the claim about the Urim and Thummim, given the lack of concrete archeological evidence or consistent references elsewhere?
14.How did David consult the ephod for instant divine guidance in 1 Samuel 23:9–12 when similar direct communication is uncommon elsewhere in the Old Testament?What Does Ezra 2:63 Mean
The governor- Ezra records, “The governor” (Ezra 2:63) referring to Zerubbabel, also called Sheshbazzar (Ezra 1:8;Haggai 1:1).
- God often raises civil leaders alongside spiritual leaders to safeguard His purposes—think of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:41) or Nehemiah later in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 8:9).
- Zerubbabel’s title underscores that civil authority is accountable to God’s Word, not above it.
ordered them- Zerubbabel “ordered them,” exercising rightful authority to protect Israel’s worship (Romans 13:1–4 shows that legitimate authority is God-given).
- His directive addressed priests who “could not prove their lineage” (Ezra 2:62), so the command shows leadership acting prudently rather than presumptuously.
- Similar caution appears when the Levites carried the ark only as prescribed (1 Chronicles 15:2, 13).
not to eat the most holy things- “The most holy things” were portions of sacrifices reserved exclusively for verified priests (Leviticus 2:3; 6:16–18; 22:10).
- Eating those portions without divine authorization risked profaning what God declared sacred, as Nadab and Abihu learned tragically (Leviticus 10:1–2).
- The restriction protected both the sanctity of worship and the individuals involved (Numbers 18:12–13).
until there was a priest- The phrase signals a temporary pause, not a permanent exclusion.
- It anticipates God’s provision of a qualified priesthood (Ezra 3:2;Malachi 2:7).
- Waiting models patience and obedience: Israel had waited for Moses to ascend Sinai (Exodus 24:15–18), and believers wait now for Christ’s return (Titus 2:13).
to consult the Urim and Thummim- The Urim and Thummim, kept in the high priest’s breastpiece (Exodus 28:30), provided tangible confirmation of God’s will (Numbers 27:21;1 Samuel 30:7–8).
- By appealing to them, Zerubbabel upheld God’s final authority—not genealogical records alone but divine revelation.
- This dependence on God’s direct guidance foreshadows the church’s dependence on the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2–3).
summaryEzra 2:63 highlights how God-fearing leadership protects holy worship. Zerubbabel, honoring both Scripture and reverence for God’s presence, temporarily withholds priestly privileges from those with uncertain lineage. His order safeguards the sanctity of “the most holy things” while awaiting divine confirmation through the Urim and Thummim. The verse calls believers to patient obedience, respect for godly authority, and unwavering commitment to seek God’s clear direction before acting.
(63)
Tirshatha.--Interchangeable with
Pechah, or
governor, as Zerubbabel is called in chapter 5:14 and always in Haggai. It is probably an old Persian term, signifying "The Feared."
With Urim and with Thummim.--SeeExodus 28:30. They were pronounced to be excluded from priestly functions. Without ark or temple, the people had not as yet that special presence of Jehovah before which the high priest could "inquire of the Lord by Urim and Thummim." Zerubbabel might hope that this privilege would return, and thought the official purity of the priestly line of sufficient importance for such an inquiry. But the holy of holies in the new temple never had in it the ancient "tokens "; and by Urim and Thummim Jehovah was never again inquired of.
Verse 63. -
The Tirshatha. As "Shesh-bazzar" was the Babylonian name of Zerub-babel (
Ezra 1:8), so "the Tirshatha" seems to have been his Persian title. The word is probably a participial form from
tars or
tarsa, "
to fear," and means literally "the Feared." It is used only by Ezra and Nehemiah (
Nehemiah 7:65;
Nehemiah 8:9). Haggai calls Zerubbabel uniformly
pechah, "governor (
Haggai 1:1, 14;
Haggai 2:2, 21).
They should not eat of the most holy things. The priests' portion of the offerings, called "most holy" in
Leviticus 2:2, 10, is intended. Of this no "stranger" might eat (
ibid. 22:10).
Tillthere stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim. Zerubbabel evidently expected that the power of obtaining direct answers from God by means of the Urim and Thummim, whatever they were (see note on Exodus 28:30), which had existed in the pre-captivity Church, would be restored when the Church was re-established in its ancient home. The doubt whether the families of Habaiah and Coz (or Haccoz) belonged to the priestly class or no might then be resolved. But Zerubbabel's expectation was disappointed. The gift of Urim and Thum-mira, forfeited by disobedience, was never recovered.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The governorהַתִּרְשָׁ֙תָא֙(hat·tir·šā·ṯā)Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8660:(a person title) governororderedוַיֹּ֤אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saythem notלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noto eatיֹאכְל֖וּ(yō·ḵə·lū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 398:To eatthe most holy thingsמִקֹּ֣דֶשׁ(miq·qō·ḏeš)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6944:A sacred place, thing, sanctityuntilעַ֛ד(‘aḏ)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilethere was a priestכֹּהֵ֖ן(kō·hên)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3548:Priestto consult the Urimלְאוּרִ֥ים(lə·’ū·rîm)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 224:Part of the high priest's breastplateand Thummim.וּלְתֻמִּֽים׃(ū·lə·ṯum·mîm)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8550:Perfections
Links
Ezra 2:63 NIVEzra 2:63 NLTEzra 2:63 ESVEzra 2:63 NASBEzra 2:63 KJV
Ezra 2:63 BibleApps.comEzra 2:63 Biblia ParalelaEzra 2:63 Chinese BibleEzra 2:63 French BibleEzra 2:63 Catholic Bible
OT History: Ezra 2:63 The governor said to them that they (Ezr. Ez) 
