Ezra 2:62

62 These tried to locate their genealogical records, but they weren't found. Therefore they were considered defiled and were not allowed to serve as cohanim.

Ezra 2:62 Meaning and Commentary

Ezra 2:62

These sought their register among those that were reckoned by
genealogy
To find their names written and registered there; for the Jews kept public registers of their priests, their descent, marriages, and offspring, that it might be known who were fit, and who not, to officiate as such:

but they were not found;
their names were not there, nor any account taken of them:

therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood;
were not suffered to attend at the altar, and offer sacrifice, and enjoy the privileges belonging to that office.

Ezra 2:62 In-Context

60 descendants of D'layah, descendants of Toviyah, and descendants of N'koda 652

61 and of the descendants of the cohanim: descendants of Havayah, descendants of Hakotz, and descendants of Barzillai, who took a wife from the daughters of Barzillai the Gil'adi and was named after them.

62 These tried to locate their genealogical records, but they weren't found. Therefore they were considered defiled and were not allowed to serve as cohanim.

63 The Tirshata told them not to eat any of the especially holy food until a cohen appeared who could consult the urim and tumim.

64 The entire assembly numbered 42,360 -