October 23, 2025

Ezra accounted for those who were employed in taking care of the temple and the duties thereof, after their release from captivity in Babylon. To fulfill all the requirements, they camped close to the temple, ensuring they were readily available to perform their duties. It makes sense that they would stay close because, when they were released, King Cyrus sent them back with all the items taken from the temple that were meant for the daily rituals, and because they were valuable, it was likely that they needed to be guarded against theft, but also, so they were close to perform their duties in the morning hours. 

And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them, and the opening thereof every morning pertained to them. 1 Chronicles 9:27

Spiritually, we also need to stay on guard so our temple, which is our body, and the valuables within it, are not squandered or even stolen. It is imperative that we keep our minds clear and clean and avoid unrighteous behavior to preserve our most valuable asset: the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2