Ezra 6:18

the priests in their divisions, &c. The verse refers to the organization of the priests and Levites described in 1 Chronicles 23-26. According to this arrangement, the service of the Temple was distributed by periods, of a week each, among the courses and divisions of priests and Levites (see 2 Kings 11:9; 2 Chronicles 23:4).

On the "divisions" of the priests, see Luke 1:5; Luke 1:8-9.

for the service of God -Service", the same word as that rendered -work" in Ezra 4:24. But there -the work of the house of God" refers to he building; here -the work or service of God" refers to the worship. Compare the word -liturgy" (λειτουργία) and the growth of its special application.

as it is written in the book of Moses The reference seems to be to the Levitical arrangements generally upon which the Davidic and Solomonic organization was founded, as described in the books of Chronicles. Special mention of the ordering of the priests and Levites occurs in Numbers 3:8.

This verse concludes the Aramaic section (Ezra 4:8 to Ezra 6:18).