This verse from 1 Esdras 1:10 describes a scene in the reorganized Temple service after the return from Babylonian exile. Let's break down what it means:
"And when these things were done...": This refers to the completion of certain preparatory actions, likely the rebuilding of the altar and the resumption of sacrifices, as described in the verses preceding it.
"...the priests and Levites...": These were the two groups responsible for the Temple service. The priests offered sacrifices, and the Levites assisted them in various tasks, including singing, guarding the Temple, and maintaining its infrastructure.
"...having the unleavened bread...": Unleavened bread was a significant part of Jewish ritual, particularly during Passover and other holy days. Its presence here suggests a context of sacred observance and celebration.
"...stood in comely order...": This phrase indicates that the priests and Levites were organized and positioned in a pleasing and appropriate manner, showing reverence and readiness for their duties. "Comely" emphasizes the beauty and solemnity of the arrangement.
"...according to the kindred...": This highlights the importance of family lineage and hereditary roles in the Temple service. The priests and Levites were likely arranged according to their families or clans, emphasizing the established order and tradition of their service.
In essence, the verse describes the resumption of Temple worship after a period of disruption and exile. It emphasizes the orderly and reverent participation of the priests and Levites, who were performing their duties according to their established family lines and with the appropriate ritual elements (the unleavened bread). It highlights a return to tradition and a renewal of religious life.
This verse from 1 Esdras 1:10 describes a scene in the reorganized Temple service after the return from Babylonian exile. Let's break down what it means:
"And when these things were done...": This refers to the completion of certain preparatory actions, likely the rebuilding of the altar and the resumption of sacrifices, as described in the verses preceding it.
"...the priests and Levites...": These were the two groups responsible for the Temple service. The priests offered sacrifices, and the Levites assisted them in various tasks, including singing, guarding the Temple, and maintaining its infrastructure.
"...having the unleavened bread...": Unleavened bread was a significant part of Jewish ritual, particularly during Passover and other holy days. Its presence here suggests a context of sacred observance and celebration.
"...stood in comely order...": This phrase indicates that the priests and Levites were organized and positioned in a pleasing and appropriate manner, showing reverence and readiness for their duties. "Comely" emphasizes the beauty and solemnity of the arrangement.
"...according to the kindred...": This highlights the importance of family lineage and hereditary roles in the Temple service. The priests and Levites were likely arranged according to their families or clans, emphasizing the established order and tradition of their service.
In essence, the verse describes the resumption of Temple worship after a period of disruption and exile. It emphasizes the orderly and reverent participation of the priests and Levites, who were performing their duties according to their established family lines and with the appropriate ritual elements (the unleavened bread). It highlights a return to tradition and a renewal of religious life.