Ezra 8:16 — Meaning and Application

Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males. {Zabbud: or, Zaccur, as some read}

And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi. {abode: or, pitched}

Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.

And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, {and} to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God. {I told...: Heb. I put words in their mouth}

And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;