The resolution continues: "The governor told them that they were not to partake of the most holy things until there should be a priest with Urim and Thummim." The reference to the governor's decision indicates that Nehemiah (or his delegate) possessed authority to make determinations regarding priestly status and ritual participation. The invocation of Urim and Thummim (the priestly casting lots used for divine determination) suggests deferral to divine will for final resolution; the status of these ambiguous priests remained unresolved pending future priestly guidance.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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