Definition: The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, [were] recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 12:22. It's a really important passage about leadership and responsibility within the Jewish community in Jerusalem. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that certain people – the leaders of the Levites – were recognized as the most important and influential figures in the Jewish community during a specific time. Let's unpack each part: “The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan…” This refers to a group of people who were responsible for keeping the Temple in Jerusalem. The Levites were the ones who oversaw the rituals, maintained the temple, and generally cared for it. “…and Jaddua, [were] recorded chief of the fathers:” This is where it gets a little more complex. "Jaddua" was a prominent leader within that group. “Recorded chief of the fathers” means they were considered the most respected and influential leaders of the entire Levite community. “also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.” This is the key part! It tells us who these leaders were. They were the leaders who held significant positions – including the priests – and continued their influence even into the time of King Darius I of Persia (a powerful empire at the time). So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse highlights that the leadership within the Jewish community was very structured and established over a long period. It shows that these leaders had been in positions of power for many years, and their influence continued to grow during a particularly important era in Jewish history – the time of the Persian Empire. In essence, it’s a record of a long line of influential leaders who played a crucial role in preserving and maintaining religious traditions. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you a more detailed explanation of the historical context? Answer any specific questions you have about this passage?