עזרא, פרק ו׳, פסוק כ׳

The offering of the Passover sacrifice following the dedication of the Second Temple was defined by a profound sense of unity and complete purity among the spiritual leadership. The Priests and Levites underwent a thorough purification process, immersing themselves to wash away severe states of impurity, such as those caused by contact with a dead body, bodily discharges, or skin diseases [רב סעדיה גאון, מצודת דוד]. They achieved a unanimous state of readiness without exception, functioning as though they were a single person whose entire body was completely clean [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

This collective purity marked a significant historical correction. In earlier periods, the Levites were often quicker to purify themselves than the Priests. On this occasion, however, both groups achieved purity together and equally [מלבי״ם]. Because every leader was fully prepared, there was no cause to delay the sacrifice [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The Levites took on the physical task of slaughtering the Passover sacrifices [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. The order in which they worked highlights their speed and deep dedication to the community. They first prepared the offerings for the general public of returning exiles. After the public was served, they prepared the sacrifices for their brothers, the Priests. Only at the very end did the Levites process the offerings for themselves [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].