What is the meaning of Ezra 2:69? According to their ability, they gave • Ezra records a voluntary offering: “According to their ability, they gave…” (Ezra 2:69). • Giving is always proportionate; God never asks what we do not have (cf. Deuteronomy 16:17; 2 Corinthians 8:3–4; Acts 11:29). • Such wording underscores both personal responsibility and God-honoring freedom. Each family examined its resources and responded willingly, echoing the pattern set in Exodus 35:21 when “everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD.” to the treasury for this work • The gifts were deposited “to the treasury for this work,” designating a centralized fund dedicated to rebuilding the temple. • Like the collection King Joash organized for repairing the first temple (2 Kings 12:9–15), this ensures accountability and focus. • Malachi 3:10 later exhorts Israel, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse,” showing continuity in God’s plan for a common treasury that advances His worship. 61,000 darics of gold • A daric was a widely recognized Persian gold coin; 61,000 of them signal staggering generosity. • King David once led by example, giving “3,000 talents of gold” for the first temple (1 Chronicles 29:4). The returning exiles mirror that spirit, proving that exile had not quenched devotion. • Gold, the costliest metal, signifies giving God the first and the finest (cf. Proverbs 3:9; Matthew 2:11, where magi present gold to Christ). 5,000 minas of silver • Silver always played a key role in sanctuary life: half-shekels of silver ransomed every Israelite male at Sinai (Exodus 30:11-16), and silver trumpets summoned the congregation (Numbers 10:2). • By adding 5,000 minas (roughly three tons) of silver, the people supply both precious and practical materials, reflecting the balanced offerings in 1 Chronicles 29:7. • Their combined gold and silver teach that every resource, large or small, belongs in God’s service (cf. Luke 21:1-4). and 100 priestly garments • The list closes with “100 priestly garments,” emphasizing readiness for ministry, not merely bricks and mortar. • Sacred clothing was commanded in Exodus 28:2 “for glory and for beauty,” and Zechariah 3:4 shows God Himself providing clean garments for priests—a picture of restored fellowship. • Supplying robes demonstrates concern that worship resume in full order (compare 2 Chronicles 31:18, where garments are an essential temple provision). summary Ezra 2:69 highlights a community that gives freely, proportionately, and lavishly so God’s house may rise again. Their contributions—gold, silver, and priestly garments—show united hearts, practical stewardship, and a passion for pure worship. The verse calls every generation to evaluate its own ability, channel gifts through accountable means, and joyfully invest in the Lord’s work until His glory fills the earth. |
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