This verse from Ezra 8:18 is part of a larger section describing Ezra's careful planning and recruitment of Levites to serve in the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"According to the good hand of our God on us": This is a key phrase that appears repeatedly in Ezra. It signifies that Ezra believed God's favor and providential guidance were directly responsible for their success. It implies that they were blessed and favored by God in their endeavor.
"they brought us a man of discretion": This suggests that Ezra's messengers or recruiters brought back to him a capable and wise man. The phrase "of discretion" implies someone with good judgment, understanding, and skill in managing affairs.
"of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel": This phrase identifies the man's lineage. He's a descendant of Mahli, who was a descendant of Levi, the son of Jacob (also known as Israel). This establishes his Levitical heritage, meaning he was eligible for Temple service. It emphasized the importance of fulfilling God's law and ensuring that qualified individuals were serving in the Temple.
"and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brothers, eighteen": This indicates that along with the "man of discretion," they also brought Sherebiah and eighteen members of his family (sons and brothers). Sherebiah was likely another important figure, perhaps another leader or representative of the Levites. The number eighteen highlights the significant contribution these families made to the Levitical workforce.
In summary, the verse means:
Due to God's favorable influence, Ezra's people were able to find and bring back a wise and capable man who was from the lineage of Levi. Along with him came Sherebiah and eighteen members of his family. This indicates that Ezra's efforts to find qualified Levites for Temple service were successful, thanks to what he perceived as divine assistance.
Significance:
This verse emphasizes:
Divine Providence: Ezra's belief in God's active involvement in their affairs.
Importance of Lineage: The need to ensure that those serving in the Temple were from the proper Levitical descent.
Practical Needs: The desire to gather a sufficient number of qualified people to perform the necessary Temple duties.
It highlights the logistical and spiritual aspects of rebuilding the Temple and restoring proper worship in Jerusalem after the exile.
This verse from Ezra 8:18 is part of a larger section describing Ezra's careful planning and recruitment of Levites to serve in the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down the verse and its meaning:
"According to the good hand of our God on us": This is a key phrase that appears repeatedly in Ezra. It signifies that Ezra believed God's favor and providential guidance were directly responsible for their success. It implies that they were blessed and favored by God in their endeavor.
"they brought us a man of discretion": This suggests that Ezra's messengers or recruiters brought back to him a capable and wise man. The phrase "of discretion" implies someone with good judgment, understanding, and skill in managing affairs.
"of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel": This phrase identifies the man's lineage. He's a descendant of Mahli, who was a descendant of Levi, the son of Jacob (also known as Israel). This establishes his Levitical heritage, meaning he was eligible for Temple service. It emphasized the importance of fulfilling God's law and ensuring that qualified individuals were serving in the Temple.
"and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brothers, eighteen": This indicates that along with the "man of discretion," they also brought Sherebiah and eighteen members of his family (sons and brothers). Sherebiah was likely another important figure, perhaps another leader or representative of the Levites. The number eighteen highlights the significant contribution these families made to the Levitical workforce.
In summary, the verse means:
Due to God's favorable influence, Ezra's people were able to find and bring back a wise and capable man who was from the lineage of Levi. Along with him came Sherebiah and eighteen members of his family. This indicates that Ezra's efforts to find qualified Levites for Temple service were successful, thanks to what he perceived as divine assistance.
Significance:
This verse emphasizes:
Divine Providence: Ezra's belief in God's active involvement in their affairs.
Importance of Lineage: The need to ensure that those serving in the Temple were from the proper Levitical descent.
Practical Needs: The desire to gather a sufficient number of qualified people to perform the necessary Temple duties.
It highlights the logistical and spiritual aspects of rebuilding the Temple and restoring proper worship in Jerusalem after the exile.