Ezra 6:18
Ezra 6:18 in Multiple Translations
They also appointed the priests by their divisions and the Levites by their groups to the service of God in Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses.
And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
And they put the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their order, for the worship of God at Jerusalem; as it is recorded in the book of Moses.
They organized the priests and Levites by their divisions to serve God in the Temple at Jerusalem, in accordance with the Book of Moses.
And they set the Priests in their order, and the Leuites in their courses ouer the seruice of God in Ierusalem, as it is written in the booke of Moses.
and they have established the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, over the service of God that [is] in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.
They set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God which is at Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.
And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, who is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses over the works of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses.
Then the priests and Levites were divided into groups that would take turns to serve at the temple. They did this according to what Moses had written many years previously in the laws that he wrote.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 6:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezra 6:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/הֲקִ֨ימוּ
כָהֲנַיָּ֜/א
בִּ/פְלֻגָּתְ/ה֗וֹן
וְ/לֵוָיֵ/א֙
בְּ/מַחְלְקָ֣תְ/ה֔וֹן
עַל
עֲבִידַ֥ת
אֱלָהָ֖/א
דִּ֣י
בִ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם
כִּ/כְתָ֖ב
סְפַ֥ר
מֹשֶֽׁה
וַ/הֲקִ֨ימוּ
qûwm
H6966
to stand
Adj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3mp
כָהֲנַיָּ֜/א
kâhên
H3549
priest
Adj | Art
בִּ/פְלֻגָּתְ/ה֗וֹן
pᵉluggâh
H6392
division
Adj | N-fp | Suff
וְ/לֵוָיֵ/א֙
Lêvîy
H3879
Levite
Adj | Ngmpd | Art
בְּ/מַחְלְקָ֣תְ/ה֔וֹן
machlᵉqâh
H4255
class
Adj | N-fp | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5922
since
Adj
עֲבִידַ֥ת
ʻăbîydâh
H5673
service
Adj
אֱלָהָ֖/א
ʼĕlâhh
H426
god
Adj | Art
דִּ֣י
dîy
H1768
that
Adj
בִ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlêm
H3390
Jerusalem
Adj | N-proper
כִּ/כְתָ֖ב
kᵉthâb
H3792
inscription
Adj | N-ms
סְפַ֥ר
çᵉphar
H5609
scroll
Adj
מֹשֶֽׁה
Môsheh
H4873
Moses
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 6:18
וַ/הֲקִ֨ימוּ
qûwm
H6966
"to stand"
Adj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3mp
Qum means to establish or confirm something, like setting up a new system or lifting someone up to a position of power, as described in the books of Kings and Chronicles.
Definition: : establish/stand_firm/confirm/fulfill/fix 1) to arise, stand 1a) (P'al) 1a1) to arise from 1a2) to come on the scene (fig) 1a3) to arise (out of inaction) 1a4) to stand 1a5) to endure 1b) (Pael) to set up, establish 1c) (Aphel) 1c1) to set up 1c2) to lift up 1c3) to establish 1c4) to appoint 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stand
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: appoint, establish, make, raise up self, (a-) rise (up), (make to) stand, set (up). See also: Ezra 5:2; Daniel 4:14; Daniel 7:24.
כָהֲנַיָּ֜/א
kâhên
H3549
"priest"
Adj | Art
This word refers to a priest in the Aramaic language, similar to the Hebrew word for priest, and is used in the book of Daniel. It describes a person who serves God and leads others in worship. This term is used to describe the priests in the Bible who served God.
Definition: priest Aramaic of ko.hen (כֹּהֵן "priest" H3548)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: priest. See also: Ezra 6:9; Ezra 7:13; Ezra 7:24.
בִּ/פְלֻגָּתְ/ה֗וֹן
pᵉluggâh
H6392
"division"
Adj | N-fp | Suff
This word means a section or division, referring to a part of something. It appears in the Bible as a way to separate or distinguish between things. In ancient times, it was used to describe a portion of land or a group of people.
Definition: division, section Aramaic of pe.lug.gah (פְּלֻגָּה "division" H6391)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: division. See also: Ezra 6:18.
וְ/לֵוָיֵ/א֙
Lêvîy
H3879
"Levite"
Adj | Ngmpd | Art
A Levite was a member of the tribe of Levi, descended from Levi, a son of Jacob. Levites were known for their role in priestly duties and were mentioned in Genesis 29:34. The term Levite refers to someone attached or joined to God's service.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Aramaic of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Levite. See also: Ezra 6:16; Ezra 7:13; Ezra 7:24.
בְּ/מַחְלְקָ֣תְ/ה֔וֹן
machlᵉqâh
H4255
"class"
Adj | N-fp | Suff
A class or division of people, often referring to the organization of priests and Levites in the Bible, such as in 1 Chronicles 27:1.
Definition: 1) class, division 1a) of priests and Levites
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: course. See also: Ezra 6:18.
עַל
ʻal
H5922
"since"
Adj
Similar to H5921, this word means on, above, or because of something. It is often used to describe a reason or a direction, like in Genesis 18:5 where Abraham is asked to walk before God.
Definition: 1) upon, over, on account of, above, to, against 1a) upon, over, on account of, regarding, concerning, on behalf of 1b) over (with verbs of ruling) 1c) above, beyond (in comparison) 1d) to, against (of direction)
Usage: Occurs in 86 OT verses. KJV: about, against, concerning, for, (there-) fore, from, in, [idiom] more, of, (there-, up-) on, (in-) to, [phrase] why with. See also: Ezra 4:8; Daniel 4:2; Daniel 7:28.
עֲבִידַ֥ת
ʻăbîydâh
H5673
"service"
Adj
This word refers to work or service, like the kind of labor or business that people do, and can also describe ritual or worship in a religious context.
Definition: 1) work, service, ritual, worship 1a) work, administration 1b) ritual, service
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: affairs, service, work. See also: Ezra 4:24; Ezra 6:18; Daniel 3:12.
אֱלָהָ֖/א
ʼĕlâhh
H426
"god"
Adj | Art
This word means God, referring to the God of Israel or a heathen deity, as seen in various KJV translations. It is used to describe a divine being.
Definition: 1) god, God 1a) god, heathen deity 1b) God (of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See also: Ezra 4:24; Daniel 2:19; Jeremiah 10:11.
דִּ֣י
dîy
H1768
"that"
Adj
This word is used as a relative conjunction, like 'that' or 'which', to connect ideas in sentences. It appears in Genesis and Exodus to describe relationships between people and things. The KJV translates it as 'that' or 'which'.
Definition: part of relation 1) who, which, that mark of genitive 2) that of, which belongs to, that conj 3) that, because
Usage: Occurs in 186 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] as, but, for(-asmuch [phrase]), [phrase] now, of, seeing, than, that, therefore, until, [phrase] what (-soever), when, which, whom, whose. See also: Ezra 4:9; Daniel 3:7; Jeremiah 10:11.
בִ/ירוּשְׁלֶ֑ם
Yᵉrûwshâlêm
H3390
"Jerusalem"
Adj | N-proper
Jerusalem means teaching of peace, the chief city of Palestine and Judah. It is mentioned in the Bible as the capital of the united kingdom. In the KJV, it is translated as Jerusalem.
Definition: Aramaic of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389) § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: {Jerusalem} See also: Ezra 4:8; Ezra 6:5; Daniel 6:11.
כִּ/כְתָ֖ב
kᵉthâb
H3792
"inscription"
Adj | N-ms
This word is similar to H3791, but it specifically refers to an inscription or written decree. It is used in the book of Daniel to describe a written command. The KJV translates it as 'writing' or 'prescribing'.
Definition: 1) a writing 1a) writing, inscription 1b) written decree, written requirement
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: prescribing, writing(-ten). See also: Ezra 6:18; Daniel 5:17; Daniel 6:11.
סְפַ֥ר
çᵉphar
H5609
"scroll"
Adj
In the Bible, this word means a scroll or book, like the ones used by prophets to write God's messages. It appears in books like Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The word refers to a written document.
Definition: scroll, book Aramaic of se.pher (סֵ֫פֶר ": document" H5612A)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: book, roll. See also: Ezra 4:15; Ezra 6:18; Daniel 7:10.
מֹשֶֽׁה
Môsheh
H4873
"Moses"
Adj
Moses, the prophet and lawgiver, was a leader in the wilderness and received the Ten Commandments from God. He is mentioned in Exodus and other books, and his name means 'drawn' in Hebrew. Moses played a crucial role in Israel's history.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) Aramaic of mo.sheh (מֹשֶׁה "Moses" H4872) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Ezra 6:18.
Study Notes — Ezra 6:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 6:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 6:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 6:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 6:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 6:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 6:18
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 6:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 6:18
- Sermons on Ezra 6:18
Context — Dedication of the Temple
16Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.
17For the dedication of the house of God they offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and a sin offering for all Israel of twelve male goats, one for each tribe of Israel.
18They also appointed the priests by their divisions and the Levites by their groups to the service of God in Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses.
19On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles kept the Passover. 20All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. And the Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their priestly brothers, and for themselves.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 3:6 | “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 24:1 | These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 35:4–5 | Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and Solomon his son. Moreover, stand in the Holy Place by the divisions of the families of your kinsmen the lay people, and by the divisions of the families of the Levites. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 23:1–26 | When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel. Then he gathered all the leaders of Israel, as well as the priests and Levites. The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000. “Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.” Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the first, Zetham, and Joel—three in all. The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran—three in all. These were the heads of the families of Ladan. And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. These were the sons of Shimei—four in all. Jahath was the first and Zizah was the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family and received a single assignment. The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all. The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever. As for Moses the man of God, his sons were named among the tribe of Levi. The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. The descendants of Gershom: Shebuel was the first. The descendants of Eliezer: Rehabiah was the first. Eliezer did not have any other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very numerous. The sons of Izhar: Shelomith was the first. The sons of Hebron: Jeriah was the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. The sons of Uzziel: Micah was the first and Isshiah the second. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. Eleazar died without having any sons; he had only daughters. Their cousins, the sons of Kish, married them. The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth —three in all. These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. For David had said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever. So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.” |
| 5 | Numbers 8:9–26 | Bring the Levites before the Tent of Meeting and assemble the whole congregation of Israel. You are to present the Levites before the LORD and have the Israelites lay their hands upon them. Aaron is to present the Levites before the LORD as a wave offering from the sons of Israel, so that they may perform the service of the LORD. And the Levites are to lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and offer to the LORD one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, to make atonement for the Levites. You are to have the Levites stand before Aaron and his sons and then present them before the LORD as a wave offering. In this way you shall separate the Levites from the rest of the Israelites, and the Levites will belong to Me. After you have cleansed them and presented them as a wave offering, they may come to serve at the Tent of Meeting. For the Levites have been wholly given to Me from among the sons of Israel. I have taken them for Myself in place of all who come first from the womb, the firstborn of all the sons of Israel. For every firstborn male in Israel is Mine, both man and beast. I set them apart for Myself on the day I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt. But I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel. And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the Israelites, to perform the service for the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting and to make atonement on their behalf, so that no plague will come against the Israelites when they approach the sanctuary.” So Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation of Israel did with the Levites everything that the LORD had commanded Moses they should do. The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes, and Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the LORD. Aaron also made atonement for them to cleanse them. After that, the Levites came to perform their service at the Tent of Meeting in the presence of Aaron and his sons. Thus they did with the Levites just as the LORD had commanded Moses. And the LORD said to Moses, “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years of age or older shall enter to perform the service in the work at the Tent of Meeting. But at the age of fifty, they must retire from performing the work and no longer serve. After that, they may assist their brothers in fulfilling their duties at the Tent of Meeting, but they themselves are not to do the work. This is how you are to assign responsibilities to the Levites.” |
Ezra 6:18 Summary
This verse talks about the Israelites organizing their priests and Levites to serve God in a structured way, following the instructions in the Book of Moses. It shows us that worship is not just about feelings, but also about being orderly and respectful, as seen in other parts of the Bible like 1 Corinthians 14:40. By following God's commands, like the Israelites did, we can ensure our worship is pleasing to Him. Just as they had different roles and divisions, we too can serve God in various ways, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and do so in a manner that honors Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was it important to appoint priests and Levites according to their divisions and groups?
This was important because it followed the instructions given by God through Moses, as seen in Exodus 6:16-25 and Numbers 3:6-10, to ensure order and organization in the temple services.
What is the significance of following what is written in the Book of Moses?
Following the Book of Moses, which contains the first five books of the Bible including Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, shows obedience to God's commands and instructions for the Israelites, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 13:4 and Joshua 1:7-8.
How does this verse relate to the concept of worship in the Bible?
This verse highlights the importance of organized and orderly worship, as also seen in 1 Chronicles 15:2 and 16:4-6, demonstrating that worship is not just a spontaneous act but also a thoughtful and structured one, giving glory to God.
What can we learn from the Israelites' attention to detail in their worship services?
We can learn the value of diligence and faithfulness in our own worship and service to God, as encouraged in Colossians 3:23-24 and Hebrews 12:28-29, recognizing that every aspect of our worship should be done with reverence and care.
Reflection Questions
- What role do you play in the 'service of God' in your community, and how can you fulfill it more faithfully?
- How can you ensure that your worship and service to God are guided by Scripture, like the Israelites in this verse?
- In what ways can you apply the principle of orderly worship in your personal and corporate worship experiences?
- How does this verse encourage you to prioritize the study and application of God's Word in your life, just as the Israelites followed the Book of Moses?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 6:18
And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God which is at Jerusalem,.... All in their proper classes and courses, to do the work of the temple
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 6:18
And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 6:18
Ezra 6:18 And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which [is] at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.Ver. 18. For the service of God] According to that, Exodus 12:25, Ye shall keep this service, where the same word (Gnabhodah) is used that elsewhere serveth to set forth their servile service, their bondage in Egypt. God lets them know that they must serve still, though another master, and after another manner. So Christ calleth upon his, to take his yoke upon them: free though they be, yet they must not look to be yokeless, lawless, aweless, but to serve God with reverence and godly fear, Hebrews 12:28. As it is written in the book of Moses] Moses then was the penman of the Pentateuch, and not Ezra, as some have said; grounding upon that Apocryphal Esdras.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 6:18
(18) In the book of Moses.—The general arrangements only were given in the Pentateuch. The “courses” were of David’s time; and their restoration must have been imperfect, as neither were the twenty-four courses of priests complete nor were the Levites in full force.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 6:18
Verse 18. And they set the priests] With this verse the Chaldee or Aramitic part of this chapter ends.
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 6:18
18. the priests in their divisions, &c.] The verse refers to the organization of the priests and Levites described in 1 Chronicles 23-26. According to this arrangement, the service of the Temple was distributed by periods, of a week each, among the courses and divisions of priests and Levites (see 2 Kings 11:9; 2 Chronicles 23:4). On the “divisions” of the priests, see Luke 1:5; Luke 1:8-9. for the service of God] ‘Service’, the same word as that rendered ‘work’ in Ezra 4:24. But there ‘the work of the house of God’ refers to he building; here ‘the work or service of God’ refers to the worship. Compare the word ‘liturgy’ (λειτουργία) and the growth of its special application. as it is written in the book of Moses] The reference seems to be to the Levitical arrangements generally upon which the Davidic and Solomonic organization was founded, as described in the books of Chronicles. Special mention of the ordering of the priests and Levites occurs in Numbers 3, 8. This verse concludes the Aramaic section (Ezra 4:8 to Ezra 6:18).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 6:18
18. Priests in their divisions — As described in 1 Chronicles 24. Levites in their courses — As described in 1 Chronicles 23. As it is written in the book of Moses — Especially in Numbers 3, 4, , 8. See the note on Ezra 3:2.
Sermons on Ezra 6:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Building of the House of the Lord by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the building of the house of the Lord as described in First Chronicles. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of God's presence a |