The return of the priests and Levites to Jerusalem and Judah after the Babylonian exile is a significant event in the history of Israel, marking the restoration of worship and religious practices as prescribed in the Law of Moses. This return is documented primarily in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the efforts to rebuild the temple and reestablish the religious order.

Historical Context

Following the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC, the Israelites were taken into exile. The Babylonian Empire was later conquered by the Persians, and in 538 BC, King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing the exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4). This decree fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah regarding the end of the seventy-year exile (Jeremiah 29:10).

The Return Under Zerubbabel

The first wave of returnees was led by Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, and Jeshua (Joshua) the high priest. Ezra 2 provides a detailed list of those who returned, including priests and Levites. According to Ezra 2:36-39, the priests numbered 4,289, representing the divisions of Jedaiah, Immer, Pashhur, and Harim. The Levites, who assisted the priests and were responsible for the temple's music and service, numbered 74 (Ezra 2:40).

The Role of the Priests and Levites

The priests and Levites played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel. The priests were responsible for offering sacrifices, maintaining the temple, and teaching the Law. The Levites assisted the priests and were charged with duties such as singing psalms, guarding the temple gates, and managing the temple treasury.

Upon their return, the priests and Levites were instrumental in reestablishing the sacrificial system and the observance of the feasts. Ezra 3:10-11 describes the Levites' role in leading the people in worship as the foundation of the temple was laid: "When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, according to the ordinance of David king of Israel."

The Return Under Ezra and Nehemiah

A second wave of returnees came with Ezra, a scribe and priest, who was tasked with teaching the Law to the people and ensuring its observance (Ezra 7:6-10). Ezra 8:15-20 records Ezra's concern over the lack of Levites among the returnees, prompting him to send for ministers for the house of God. This highlights the essential role of the Levites in the community's spiritual life.

Nehemiah, who led the third wave of returnees, focused on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and reforming the community's religious practices. Nehemiah 12:1-26 lists the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, emphasizing the continuity of the priestly and Levitical lines.

Challenges and Reforms

The returning priests and Levites faced numerous challenges, including intermarriage with foreign women, which threatened the purity of the priesthood (Ezra 9-10, Nehemiah 13:23-29). Both Ezra and Nehemiah took decisive action to address these issues, calling the people to repentance and adherence to the Law.

Nehemiah also implemented reforms to ensure the Levites received their due portions, as they had been neglected and forced to return to their fields (Nehemiah 13:10-14). This reform was crucial for maintaining the temple services and the Levites' role in the community.

Significance

The return of the priests and Levites was vital for the restoration of Israel's religious identity and covenant relationship with God. Their dedication to reestablishing the temple worship and adherence to the Law laid the foundation for the Second Temple period, which continued until the temple's destruction in AD 70. The priests and Levites' commitment to their duties exemplifies the importance of faithful service and obedience to God's commands in the life of His people.