King James Version

What Does Ezra 6:18 Mean?

Ezra 6:18 in the King James Version says “And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerus...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. as it is: Chaldee, according to the writing”

Ezra 6:18 · KJV

Context

16

And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy, the children of the captivity: Chaldee, the sons of the transportation

17

And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

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. as it is: Chaldee, according to the writing

19

And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.

20

For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.

Read Ezra 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The organizational statement—'they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem'—restored Davidic worship structure. The phrase 'as it is written in the book of Moses' demonstrates submission to biblical authority. This balance of Davidic innovation (divisions and courses) grounded in Mosaic authorization shows that legitimate development must accord with Scripture. The restored order enabled regular worship according to divine prescription.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David organized priests into twenty-four divisions and Levites into courses for rotating temple service (1 Chronicles 24-25). This maintained continuous worship without exhausting any group. The system balanced orderly structure with personal participation. 'As it is written in the book of Moses' refers to Levitical service regulations (Numbers 3-4, 8), showing Davidic organization implemented rather than contradicted Torah. Maintaining this structure through exile required oral tradition and committed teaching.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does implementing Davidic organizational structures under Mosaic authority demonstrate proper relationship between biblical command and wise application?
  2. What does careful organization for worship demonstrate about honoring God through excellence and order rather than mere spontaneity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַֽהֲקִ֨ימוּ1 of 13

“And they set”

H6966

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

כָֽהֲנַיָּ֜א2 of 13

“the priests”

H3549

one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בִּפְלֻגָּֽתְה֗וֹן3 of 13

“in their divisions”

H6392

a section

וְלֵֽוָיֵא֙4 of 13

“and the Levites”

H3879

something attached, i.e., a wreath

בְּמַחְלְקָ֣תְה֔וֹן5 of 13

“in their courses”

H4255

a section (of the levites)

עַל6 of 13

“for”

H5922

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

עֲבִידַ֥ת7 of 13

“the service”

H5673

labor or business

אֱלָהָ֖א8 of 13

“of God”

H426

god

דִּ֣י9 of 13
H1768

that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of

בִירֽוּשְׁלֶ֑ם10 of 13

“which is at Jerusalem”

H3390

jerusalem

כִּכְתָ֖ב11 of 13

“as it is written”

H3792

something written, i.e., a writing, record or book

סְפַ֥ר12 of 13

“in the book”

H5609

a book

מֹשֶֽׁה׃13 of 13

“of Moses”

H4873

moses

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 6:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 6:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 3:61 Chronicles 24:12 Chronicles 35:4-5Numbers 8:9-261 Chronicles 23:1-26

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Ezra 6 →

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