Of the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This seemingly simple list of names among the Levites is actually a subtle reminder of the deep roots of this reform movement. Notice that names like Jozabad and Kelita appear here, which scholarly references show are also found in later accounts like Nehemiah's, underscoring that this wasn't a one-off event but part of a sustained effort to re-establish God's people in faithfulness.
Of the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of Ezra's lengthy list of men who confessed to marrying foreign women and are now identifying themselves as part of the restoration community, committing to put away their wives. The Levites, who served in the Temple, are listed alongside priests and other Israelite heads of families, all participating in this solemn covenant to uphold the purity of God's people. This list, extending through chapter 10, details the specific individuals making these difficult but necessary reforms after the exile.
When we think of the Levites, we often picture them in their priestly duties at the Temple. But their work extended far beyond that, especially during times of national repentance and restoration.
The book of Ezra details a significant moment of national repentance for the people of Israel who had intermarried with foreigners, violating God's commands.
Beyond the Sanctuary
In Ezra 10:23, we see a list of Levites involved in this crucial reform. These weren't just assistants; they were actively participating in the community's response to sin and God's call for purity.
Have you ever noticed how people sometimes had multiple names or nicknames? This verse highlights that, reminding us to look closely at the details Scripture provides.
The text in Ezra 10:23 mentions "Kelaiah (that is, Kelita)." This parenthetical note is more than just a historical detail; it’s a clue about how people were known and how records were kept.
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Names Matter
Understand the original words
levi · Hebrew Noun
Members of the tribe of Levi set apart for the service of the tabernacle and later the temple. They were responsible for the liturgical, musical, and administrative duties related to the worship of God.
The list of Levites in Ezra 10:23 highlights the participation of this crucial priestly class in the significant post-exilic reform. Their inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of Ezra's efforts to re-establish covenant faithfulness after the return from Babylonian exile, addressing not just the priests but also the support Levites who served the Temple.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem and destroy the Temple, leading to the exile of many Judeans, including priests and Levites.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus's Decree and Return of Exiles
Cyrus the Great allows the Jewish exiles in Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, marking the beginning of the Second Temple period.
c. 515 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed, symbolizing the restoration of Jewish worship and community after the exile.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Commission and Return to Jerusalem
Ezra, a scribe knowledgeable in the Law of God, receives a commission from the Persian king to return to Jerusalem and restore religious observance.
c. 458 BC— this verse
Ezra Addresses Intermarriage Crisis
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Ezra discovers widespread intermarriage with foreign women, a violation of Mosaic Law and a threat to the community's identity and religious purity.
c. 458 BC
The People Agree to Put Away Foreign Wives
The assembled people, moved by Ezra's distress and repentance, agree to dismiss their foreign wives and children, initiating a major social and religious reform.
This passage lists some of the same Levites, including Jozabad and Kelita (also called Kelaiah), who were involved in assisting the people in understanding God's Law during a similar period of national renewal.
Nehemiah 10:10Here again, Kelita (Kelaiah) is mentioned among the Levites who sealed the covenant to walk in God's law, showing their continued commitment to faithfulness alongside Ezra's reforms.
Ezra 10:18This verse immediately before Ezra 10:23 highlights priests who had taken foreign wives, setting the stage for the list of Levites in Ezra 10:23, all part of the same reform effort to address intermarriage issues.
1 Corinthians 6:15-17While not a direct parallel, this New Testament passage speaks to the importance of remaining pure from ungodly influences, echoing the spirit of Ezra's mission to separate God's people from foreign entanglements.
cambridgeEzra 10:23: "Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer."
23–25 . Levites, singers, and porters The Levites 23 . Kelaiah ( the same is Kelita )] See Nehemiah 8:7 ; Nehemiah 10:10 , Kelita. Jozabad, Nehemiah 8:7 .
henryEzra 10:15-44: "Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them."
10:15-44 The best reformers can but do their endeavour; when the Redeemer himself shall come to Zion, he shall effectually turn away ungodliness from Jacob. And when sin is repented of and forsaken, God will forgive it; but the blood of Christ, our Sin-offering, is the only atonement which takes away our guilt. No seeming repentanc…
This seemingly simple list of names among the Levites is actually a subtle reminder of the deep roots of this reform movement. Notice that names like Jozabad and Kelita appear here, which scholarly references show are also found in later accounts like Nehemiah's, underscoring that this wasn't a one-off event but part of a sustained effort to re-establish God's people in faithfulness.
This verse is part of Ezra's lengthy list of men who confessed to marrying foreign women and are now identifying themselves as part of the restoration community, committing to put away their wives. The Levites, who served in the Temple, are listed alongside priests and other Israelite heads of families, all participating in this solemn covenant to uphold the purity of God's people. This list, extending through chapter 10, details the specific individuals making these difficult but necessary reforms after the exile.
This verse is part of Ezra's lengthy list of men who confessed to marrying foreign women and are now identifying themselves as part of the restoration community, committing to put away their wives. The Levites, who served in the Temple, are listed alongside priests and other Israelite heads of families, all participating in this solemn covenant to uphold the purity of God's people. This list, extending through chapter 10, details the specific individuals making these difficult but necessary reforms after the exile.
"Of the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer." — This seemingly simple list of names among the Levites is actually a subtle reminder of the deep roots of this reform movement. Notice that names like Jozabad and Kelita appear here, which scholarly r…
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Last reviewed October 2026