Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 6:20. It’s a pretty intense passage about cleansing and restoration. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a massive purification process that happened after the Israelites had been exiled by God. It was a time where the priests (high officials) and Levites (a group of helpers) were thoroughly cleansed and made pure – essentially, they were wiped clean of their sins. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For the priests and the Levites were purified together…” This means that both the priestly class and the Levite group were involved in this process. They weren’t just doing it independently; they were working together. “…all of them [were] pure…” This is a really important word – "pure." It means completely free from sin and wrongdoing. They had been acting in ways that God considered unacceptable. "...and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity..." The Passover was a Jewish festival celebrating freedom and deliverance from slavery. This verse says that everyone - including the Israelites who were exiled – were completely free from sin, so they destroyed the Passover meal. It’s like saying "we are now truly free from our sins." "...and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.” This is where it gets a little more complicated. The priests and Levites also had to be purified. But crucially, they were also spared from this purification – they didn't have to experience the same level of cleansing. What’s the Big Picture? This verse tells us that after a period of serious trouble and disobedience, God was actively working to restore his people. He needed to completely cleanse them of their past mistakes so they could begin again. It shows a powerful message of forgiveness and renewal. Important Note: This is a very significant passage in the Bible, often interpreted as a sign that God was setting the stage for Israel's eventual return to the land after their exile. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you a more detailed historical context about this event? Compare it to another biblical story or concept?