And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:
We drew lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people to decide who would provide the wood offering. Each family group would take turns bringing wood to God's house at scheduled times throughout the year, so there would always be wood to burn on the LORD our God's altar, just as the law requires.
The writer is describing how the Jewish people organized a fair system to make sure there was always wood available for the sacrificial fires in God's temple.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from Nehemiah's account of the Jewish people's covenant renewal after returning from Babylonian exile around 445 BC. The temple had been rebuilt, but the community needed to establish practical systems for worship, including ensuring a steady supply of wood for the altar fires that burned continuously. Drawing lots was a common biblical method for making fair decisions, trusting that God would guide the outcome.
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