I said to them: Ezra records the words of commissioning that he pronounced upon the chosen priests and Levites. The words are recounted as spoken, that is, in the form of direct quotation.

You are holy to the LORD: Earlier in the book of Ezra there was a reference to “holy food” (see the comments at 2.63), but here in the dramatic style of direct quotation, Ezra announced that the chosen men were holy to the LORD (see Exo 29.1; Lev 21.6). Traduction œcuménique de la Bible says “You are consecrated to the LORD” (also New International Version, Revised English Bible), while Contemporary English Version expresses it more simply as “You belong to the LORD.”

The vessels are holy: Likewise, in parallel fashion, he announces that the vessels were holy for they had been given for the Temple and were to be carried by holy persons, the priests and Levites who served in the Temple.

Freewill offering: See the comment at Ezra 1.4.

The LORD, the God of your fathers: Compare Ezra 7.27.

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Ezra. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .