Nehemiah 7:65

Verse

The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.

American Standard Version (1901)

And the governor said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.

Bible in Basic English

And the Tirshatha said that they were not to have the most holy things for their food, till a priest came to give decision by the Urim and Thummim.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And Athersatha said to them, that they should not eat of the holies of holies, until there stood up a priest learned and skillful.

Free Bible Version

The governor instructed them not to eat anything from the sanctuary sacrifices until a priest could ask the Lord about the issue by using the Urim and Thummim.

Geneva Bible 1599

And the Tirshatha sayd vnto them, that they should not eate of the most holy, till there rose vp a Priest with Vrim and Thummim.

King James (Authorized) Version

And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.

Translation for Translators

The governor told them that before they could eat the food offered as sacrifices, a priest should use the marked stones to find out what God said about their being priests.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Then the governor said to them that they should not be allowed to eat the priests' share of food from the sacrifices until there rose up a priest with Urim and Thummim.

Noah Webster Bible

And the Tirshatha said to them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there should stand up a priest with Urim and Thummim.

World English Bible

The governor told them not to eat of the most holy things until a priest stood up to minister with Urim and Thummim.

Young's Literal Translation

and the Tirshatha saith to them that they eat not of the most holy things till the standing up of the priest with Urim and Thummim.

Context

The List of Returning Exiles

⁶⁴These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. ⁶⁵The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.

Summary

This verse lists the total number of exiles who returned to Jerusalem and Judah after the Babylonian captivity. The inclusion of singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants highlights the importance of various roles in the community. It demonstrates the meticulous record-keeping and organization of the returning exiles, showing the care taken to restore order and worship in the land. The verse reflects the faithfulness of God in preserving a remnant of His people and fulfilling His promise to restore them to their homeland. It also signifies the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Israel, marked by restoration and rebuilding.

Commentary

Tyndale

Tyndale Open Study Notes

7:65 Urim and Thummim . . . sacred lots: See study notes on Exod 28:30; Lev 8:8.