Ezra 2:62

62 These people searched for their family records but could not find them. So they could not be priests, because they were thought to be unclean.

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 They were the descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda -- 652.

61 Also these priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz, and Barzillai, who had married a daughter of Barzillai from Gilead and was called by her family name.

62 These people searched for their family records but could not find them. So they could not be priests, because they were thought to be unclean.

63 The governor ordered them not to eat any of the food offered to God until a priest had settled this matter by using the Urim and Thummim.

64 The total number of those who returned was 42,360.