THE REGISTRY. Ezra 2:1-63 Those listed are organized by families, cities, temple service, and clans that were not proven to be Israelites. Verses 64-70 summarize the entire group. This list forms the basis for those who were priests and for them being Jews who had made a covenant with God. The Nehemiah mentioned here was not the same Nehemiah who led the people in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem 90 years later. There is also a Mordecai listed who was not the same one prominently featured in the book of Esther. Levites served as assistants to the priests in the temple and in teaching the law. Singers at the temple, also Levites, were responsible for giving praise to God on behalf of the people. Gatekeepers were tasked with preventing unauthorized persons from entering the temple and restricted areas. The Nethinims, or “dedicated ones," Solomon’s servants, were probably Gibeonites responsible for caretaking and menial tasks. The governor understood that some decisions were necessary but unclear, so the Urim and Thummim likely consisted of precious stones used to cast lots and reach conclusions. Although the total—42,360—differs from the sum of listed individuals, women were included in the count, along with the 200 professional singers who were not necessarily the “children of Asaph.”
THE FIRST LIST Verses 2-35 list leaders from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. All but four of the cities listed were within 30 miles of Jerusalem, suggesting that the land of Judah was smaller than it had been before the captivity. The people of Bethlehem had witnessed the chaos between Judah and Egypt and now held new hope. Jeremiah had purchased land in Anathoth, where he had been rejected, and perhaps some elders remembered that event when he warned them about what was coming. Some people were brought back to Bethel, Ai, and Jericho, where Israel entered the promised land hundreds of years earlier.
The first list includes the names of leaders whose leadership is essential in any organization or group, including families, gatherings, businesses, and nations. In this list, two leaders share the primary leadership role: Zerubbabel, from the royal line, and Jeshua, from the priestly line. There is safety when leaders seek counsel together and reach a consensus, even if they come from different backgrounds. Practical matters need attention, and as a "kingdom of priests," spiritual issues must also be discussed collectively. God's people need guidance that covers all areas of divine service, which is why God's assemblies have multiple leaders.
It is quite likely that many on this first list were recognized leaders among the people of God in some way. There are several ways to establish one's reputation. Some may have come from families who had been taken captive in Judah years earlier, and it was clear they had learned what was right and wrong from their time in captivity. Others were probably born in captivity, but in the new generation, some had risen among them who understood the uniqueness of God's people and genuinely wanted to serve God where they were. These could be trusted to lead in the rebuilding effort.
THE SECOND LIST Verses 36-63 describe those who were priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and servants. Judah had failed, but the process of purification had occurred, and some of God's people at least recognized their ancestors' faith in the Lord God of Israel. These individuals not only returned to their ancestral faith, but also, when given the chance, they wanted to go back to their ancestral land. Among them were leaders, including priests, who understood what was needed to restore scriptural practices and worship.
There were Levites who could lead—they knew how to serve the Lord, including caring for and maintaining the temple that would be built and preparing the sacrifices for the priests to offer. Temple servants from the tribe of Levi knew firsthand or had been told by their elderly fathers what needed to be done and how to do it to uphold the teachings of God's word. Others on the list had served the kings and knew what was appropriate to stay consistent with divine authority.
Some wanted to serve but were not qualified, so they took on other work that was useful and needed elsewhere. The purpose of genealogies was to understand why each person fit into the overall plan and what part of the work they were to do. Those who were not qualified to hold a position were not free to do whatever they pleased.
Just because we want to do something doesn't mean we have the right to do it. God has an order, and that order is essential to prevent those not in the family of God from being deceived or from deceiving others. Not everyone who wishes to serve in the Lord's work can actually participate. It's common in new outreach efforts for some who profess salvation to seek leadership and desire a voice in decisions. Such individuals who push themselves forward are either motivated by a fleshly desire to lead—if they are Christians—or might not be truly saved at all. This attitude does not reflect the humility associated with spiritual leadership.
Evidence of spiritual life is shown through consistent walking with the Lord and a willingness to perform simple, humble tasks with sincerity, without seeking recognition. When someone comes among us with an obvious desire to lead and promote themselves, we need to address it and explain why we question the reality of their profession. They may have been misled by someone or something into thinking they are saved when they are not.
Some people are recognized by their own history and family reputation. Others are known by the reputation of the place they came from and where their ancestors lived. That knowledge can be discerned by someone who is familiar locally, knowing the stranger among the saints and able to personally recommend them. Another scriptural way to discern the reality of faith and practice is when a letter of recommendation identifies the person, including the names of responsible individuals. One or two questions can usually settle any doubts about the authenticity of a person's faith and their commitment to the word of God.
God has His own people for a specific time and place where they are called. Even if they remain faithful to Him and His Word, not everyone who follows them truly has faith in Christ. Their children might do the same things as their ancestors for a time, but when pressures or temptations to change arise, their true character can be revealed. Focusing on the role given to us by divine Persons and using our ability to fulfill that role helps us avoid interfering in another person's work or criticizing it for God just because it differs from ours. We might think someone isn't doing what we believe they should, but ultimately, "his own Master" is responsible for them. They have their work in the kingdom, and I have mine. Restoring what has been lost requires all of us to work together in harmony.
There are challenges that arise among assemblies when true believers arrive and want to participate in the breaking of bread, believing they have this right because they say so. They expect the assembly to allow them to do as they wish. One's lifestyle, commitment to the word of the Lord, dedication to His people and His work, and their understanding of what the scriptures teach—all need to be examined. Sometimes, what we must do is wait on God in prayer to reveal His will to us. When we ask someone to wait and observe the proceedings of an assembly meeting, their true attitude often becomes clear. Some will walk out angry. Others will appreciate the careful concern and will willingly take the observer's seat.