Levites: Difference between revisions
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After the southern Kingdom of Judah was conquered by [[Babylon]], the people were taken into captivity for 70 years. Eventually, they were freed when King [[Cyrus (II)|Cyrus]] of Persia issued a decree allowing them to [[Babylonian Captivity#Return of the Captives|return to Jerusalem]]. In response to Cyrus’s command to rebuild the temple of the [[Jehovah|LORD]], the work began under the leadership of Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Jeshua.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+3%3A8&version=NIV |title=Ezra 3:8 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> As the builders laid the foundation of the temple, the priests and Levites played trumpets and cymbals, and the people lifted up a great shout of praise to God.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+3%3A10-13&version=NIV |title=Ezra 3:10–13 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | After the southern Kingdom of Judah was conquered by [[Babylon]], the people were taken into captivity for 70 years. Eventually, they were freed when King [[Cyrus (II)|Cyrus]] of Persia issued a decree allowing them to [[Babylonian Captivity#Return of the Captives|return to Jerusalem]]. In response to Cyrus’s command to rebuild the temple of the [[Jehovah|LORD]], the work began under the leadership of Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Jeshua.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+3%3A8&version=NIV |title=Ezra 3:8 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> As the builders laid the foundation of the temple, the priests and Levites played trumpets and cymbals, and the people lifted up a great shout of praise to God.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+3%3A10-13&version=NIV |title=Ezra 3:10–13 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | ||
Later, during the second wave of return, [[ | Later, during the second wave of return, [[Ezra (Bible)|Ezra]] gathered those who were willing to return to Jerusalem and carried with him the offerings and sacred articles to be used in the temple. However, before departing, Ezra realized that no Levites were among the group. He therefore made a special effort to recruit Levites to join the journey.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+8%3A15-18&version=NIV |title=Ezra 8:15–18 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> As a result, a group of about 2,000 people, including priests, Levites, descendants of King David, and other Israelites, returned to their homeland. | ||
[[Nehemiah]], a Jew serving as a high official in the Persian Empire, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were still in ruins. He petitioned King Artaxerxes and was appointed governor of Judah, leading the third wave of returnees to Jerusalem. Nehemiah encouraged the people and directed them in the rebuilding of the city walls. Despite strong opposition from enemies, the work was completed because the people put their full trust in God. After the walls were restored, Nehemiah appointed gatekeepers, singers, and Levites, and the people celebrated the [[Feast of Tabernacles]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+7%3A1&version=NIV |title=Nehemiah 7:1 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+8%3A14-15&version=NIV |title=Nehemiah 8:14–15 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> During this time, the Levites not only assisted with sacrificial duties, but also led songs of praise, ensured the fair distribution of offerings, and instructed the people in the Law of God.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+8%3A7-9&version=NIV |title=Nehemiah 8:7–9 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | [[Nehemiah]], a Jew serving as a high official in the Persian Empire, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were still in ruins. He petitioned King Artaxerxes and was appointed governor of Judah, leading the third wave of returnees to Jerusalem. Nehemiah encouraged the people and directed them in the rebuilding of the city walls. Despite strong opposition from enemies, the work was completed because the people put their full trust in God. After the walls were restored, Nehemiah appointed gatekeepers, singers, and Levites, and the people celebrated the [[Feast of Tabernacles]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+7%3A1&version=NIV |title=Nehemiah 7:1 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+8%3A14-15&version=NIV |title=Nehemiah 8:14–15 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> During this time, the Levites not only assisted with sacrificial duties, but also led songs of praise, ensured the fair distribution of offerings, and instructed the people in the Law of God.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+8%3A7-9&version=NIV |title=Nehemiah 8:7–9 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref> | ||