Ezra 2:62
These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.
Original Language Analysis
בִּקְשׁ֧וּ
These sought
H1245
בִּקְשׁ֧וּ
These sought
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
2 of 9
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
כְתָבָ֛ם
their register
H3791
כְתָבָ֛ם
their register
Strong's:
H3791
Word #:
3 of 9
something written, i.e., a writing, record or book
הַמִּתְיַחְשִׂ֖ים
among those that were reckoned by genealogy
H3187
הַמִּתְיַחְשִׂ֖ים
among those that were reckoned by genealogy
Strong's:
H3187
Word #:
4 of 9
to enroll by pedigree
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִמְצָ֑אוּ
but they were not found
H4672
נִמְצָ֑אוּ
but they were not found
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
וַֽיְגֹאֲל֖וּ
therefore were they as polluted
H1351
וַֽיְגֹאֲל֖וּ
therefore were they as polluted
Strong's:
H1351
Word #:
7 of 9
to soil or (figuratively) desecrate
Historical Context
Post-exilic Judaism developed strict genealogical requirements for priests following Ezekiel 44:15-16. Without documentation proving Aaronic descent, these families could not serve at the altar, wear priestly garments, eat priestly portions, or pronounce the Aaronic blessing. This safeguarded worship purity but created hardship for sincere families who lost records in exile.
Questions for Reflection
- How does legitimate spiritual authority depend on verifiable calling and sound doctrine, not self-designation?
- What modern forms of "unauthorized priesthood" occur when people assume ministry roles without genuine divine calling?
- How does Hebrews 5:4 ("no one takes this honor on himself") apply to pastoral and leadership selection today?
Analysis & Commentary
These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood—The Hebrew yitchasem (their genealogical registration) was searched but not found (לֹא נִמְצָא). The verb ga'al (polluted/defiled) carries cultic overtones: ritual impurity disqualifying from sacred service.
This isn't moral judgment but covenantal reality: priestly service required Aaronic descent (Numbers 3:10; 16:40). Those unable to prove lineage were excluded (יְגֹאֲלוּ מִן־הַכְּהֻנָּה) not as punishment but as protection—unauthorized priesthood brought divine judgment (Numbers 16; 2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Similarly, Christian ministry requires genuine calling and apostolic succession in doctrine, not self-appointment (Hebrews 5:4).