65 The governor, therefore, ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there should be a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim.
65 The governor told them that they were not to partake of the most holy food until a priest with Urim and Thummim should arise.
65 The governor ruled that they could not eat from the holy food until a priest could determine their status by using the Urim and Thummim.
65 And the governor said to them that they should not eat of the most holy things till a priest could consult with the Urim and Thummim.
65 The governor told them not to eat the priests' share of food from the sacrifices until a priest could consult the Lord about the matter by using the Urim and Thummim-the sacred lots.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:65
Commentary on Nehemiah 7:5-73
(Read Nehemiah 7:5-73)
Nehemiah knew that the safety of a city, under God, depends more upon the inhabitants than upon its walls. Every good gift and every good work are from above. God gives knowledge, he gives grace; all is of him, and therefore all must be to him. What is done by human prudence, must be ascribed to the direction of Divine Providence. But woe to those who turn back from the Lord, loving this present world! and happy those who dedicate themselves, and their substance, to his service and glory!