The governor told them that they were not to partake of the most holy food until a priest with Urim and Thummim should arise.
We have here another good project of Nehemiah's; for wise and zealous men will be always contriving something or other for the glory of God and the edification of his church. He knew very well that the safety of a city, under God, depends more upon the number and valour of the inhabitants than upon the height or strength of its walls; and therefore, observing...
Commenting on Nehemiah 7:5-73
OF THE PRIESTS. (Neh. 7:39-73) The priests--It appears that only four of the courses of the priests returned from the captivity; and that the course of Abia (Luk 1:5) is not in the list. But it must be noticed that these four courses were afterwards divided into twenty-four, which retained the names of the original courses which David appointed.
Commenting on Nehemiah 7:39-73
And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood [up] a priest with Urim and Thummim. (g) Meaning, Nehemiah: for Tirshatha in the Chaldee tongue means a butler.