Definition: Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezra 8:20. It’s a bit complex, but here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This passage describes a group of people who were given a specific job – to serve the Levites (a group of priests and musicians) in ancient Israel. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Ezra 8:20" : This refers to a specific event in biblical history, likely concerning a gathering or appointment. “Also of the Nethinims…” : "Nethinims" is Hebrew for "the unclean," “foreign,” or “different.” So, this means these people were not considered fully Jewish – they weren’t entirely accepted into the Jewish community. “…whom David and the princes had appointed…” : This tells us that these people were chosen by a leader (David) and his advisors to perform a particular task. It was a carefully planned group. “for the service of the Levites…” : The purpose of this group is to help the priests and musicians who led the worship in the Temple. They would likely be involved in things like playing music, preparing offerings, or assisting with rituals. “two hundred and twenty Nethinims:” This is a crucial number! It means there were exactly 220 people – a specific number – who were designated for this task. It’s important to note that they weren't just a random group; they were chosen specifically. “all of them were expressed by name.” : This is the really interesting part. The verse doesn’t just list names; it says each person was given a name. It’s like saying, "These twenty-two hundred people were each assigned a unique identity." In simpler terms: The verse describes a group of 220 people – who weren't fully Jewish – who were specifically appointed by David and his advisors to help the Levites with their work in the Temple. They were given specific names, which suggests a level of importance and responsibility. Why is this important? This passage is significant because it shows that even those considered "different" or "foreign" could be entrusted with important roles within the religious community of ancient Israel. It highlights the idea that God's plans can extend to all people, regardless of their background or status. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible (like community and inclusion)?