Definition: The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 2:40. It's a really important piece of history and has some layers to it! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse tells us about a group of people who were incredibly important and held a special position within the Jewish community – the Levites. Let’s unpack that a bit: “The Levites” : This is a specific name for a group of Jewish men and women who lived in synagogues (places where Jews prayed). They were traditionally responsible for maintaining the sacred texts and performing rituals. “the children of Jeshua” : "Jeshua" was an ancient Hebrew name, and it’s often associated with the God Yahweh – meaning “God.” So, "the children of Jeshua" refers to a lineage that goes back to the time when the Jewish people were worshipping Yahweh. It suggests a long and connected history. “and Kadmiel” : This adds another layer – Kadmiel was a man who lived with the Levites. “of the children of Hodaviah” : “Hodaviah” is an ancient Hebrew name, and it's linked to the biblical figure Hodaviah, who was a leader in the time period. This connects them back to a specific historical figure. So, putting it all together: These were a group of Jewish men and women – called the Levites – who had been part of the lineage that stretched back many generations, and they were connected to the leadership of Hodaviah. Why is this important? This verse is significant because it shows that the Jewish community was carefully organized and maintained over a very long time. It highlights the importance of these individuals in preserving religious traditions and ensuring the continuity of Jewish life. It’s about a strong, established group with a history. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the story behind this verse?