Ezr 8:15 | MHM | STEP | v. 15–20 : When Ezra reviewed the group, he realized there were no Levites among them (Ezra 8:15 ). Although there were priests, the Levites—who were needed for temple service—were missing. Ezra was disappointed that the Levites were not eager to take part, even though their duty was in the house of God. He sent eleven leaders to Casiphia, where there was a community of Levites, to ask Iddo, their leader, to send helpers for the temple (Ezra 8:17 ). The result was positive: about forty Levites and 220 Nethinim (temple servants) responded quickly (Ezra 8:18–20 ). Ezra saw this as God’s kindness, giving them the people needed to serve in His house. Sometimes, people just need to be asked or encouraged to step forward and do good work for God.

‏ Ezra 8:15

v. 15–20: When Ezra reviewed the group, he realized there were no Levites among them (Ezra 8:15 ^a). Although there were priests, the Levites—who were needed for temple service—were missing. Ezra was disappointed that the Levites were not eager to take part, even though their duty was in the house of God. He sent eleven leaders to Casiphia, where there was a community of Levites, to ask Iddo, their leader, to send helpers for the temple (Ezra 8:17 ^b). The result was positive: about forty Levites and 220 Nethinim (temple servants) responded quickly (Ezra 8:18–20 ^c). Ezra saw this as God’s kindness, giving them the people needed to serve in His house. Sometimes, people just need to be asked or encouraged to step forward and do good work for God.