Ezra gathers the people together by the river at Ahava and surveys the company. Once more, we see a good response from the priests, but this time there are no Levites numbered amongst them at all! This lack of ministers for the house of our God clearly disturbed Ezra — they were needed to handle the sacred vessels to be carried up to Jerusalem. Perhaps, compared to the priests, the Levites felt that their service was of little consequence — things were in a state of ruin, so why bother; or perhaps, since they did not have an inheritance in the land, there was nothing much to be gained in returning to Judah. All such thoughts — and we can arrive at many like excuses — are centered on self and not on God.
Christendom has managed to make the position of a deacon a badge of honor. Scripture sees it quite differently. The word “deacon” simply means “servant,” one who serves in the house of God. That being said, the Lord does not look down upon the service of a deacon. The house of Stephanas is especially commended in that they “devoted themselves to the saints for service” (1 Cor. 16:15 JND). Furthermore, those who have ministered well, “purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 3:13). This is not about gaining preeminence. Contrariwise, that which seems so inferior, may well lead to larger things in God’s service. We see this practically in the life of Stephen. He began his ministry serving at the tables of widows. Whether in Ezra’s day, or in our present day, there is a need for willing servants in the house of God.
Ezra sent men with discernment to seek out Levites who would join them on this journey, and they did not return empty handed. It is good to have individuals who are capable of energizing the lagging spiritual energy of their brethren and to be able to rightly discern those who will faithfully execute their office. It is again beautiful to see a disproportionate response amongst the Nethinim, 220 in all, and each expressed by name (Ezra 8:20). Almost certainly of Gentile descent, perhaps even former captives, they appeared to value what had come to them at a great cost. This contrasts sharply with the Levites, who seemed to place little value on their inherited position. Sadly, this is often the case with the children of the saints today. “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding” (Prov. 23:23).