Nehemiah 7:72
The rest of the people gave a total of 20,000 darics of gold, 2,000 minas of silver, and 67 priestly garments.
And the rest of the people
This phrase highlights the collective effort and unity among the Israelites. In the context of Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was not just a task for the leaders or the wealthy, but a communal endeavor. The Hebrew word for "people" here is "עָם" (am), which often denotes a nation or community bound by shared identity and purpose. This reflects the biblical principle that God's work involves the whole community of believers, each contributing according to their ability.

gave
The act of giving in this context is significant. It reflects a heart of generosity and commitment to God's work. The Hebrew root "נָתַן" (natan) means to give, bestow, or grant. This act of giving is not just a financial transaction but a spiritual act of worship and dedication. It demonstrates the people's willingness to sacrifice for the greater good and for the glory of God.

20,000 darics of gold
The "daric" was a gold coin used in the Persian Empire, named after Darius the Great. Its mention here indicates the influence of Persian culture and economy on the Jewish people during their exile and return. The substantial amount of gold given signifies the people's dedication and the importance they placed on the restoration of their city and temple. Gold, often associated with purity and value, symbolizes the preciousness of their offering to God.

2,000 minas of silver
A "mina" was a unit of weight and currency in the ancient Near East. Silver, like gold, was a valuable commodity, and its use here underscores the significant sacrifice made by the people. The Hebrew word for silver, "כֶּסֶף" (kesef), is often used in the Bible to denote wealth and economic stability. This contribution reflects the people's trust in God's provision and their desire to invest in His kingdom.

67 priestly garments
The provision of priestly garments is a testament to the people's commitment to restoring proper worship and religious practices. These garments were essential for the priests to perform their duties in the temple, as outlined in the Torah. The Hebrew word for garment, "בֶּגֶד" (beged), can also mean covering or clothing, symbolizing righteousness and purity. By providing these garments, the people ensured that the priests could serve in holiness, maintaining the sanctity of their worship.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The governor of Judah who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and initiated reforms to restore the community's spiritual and social order.

2. The People
The collective group of Israelites who contributed to the rebuilding efforts and the restoration of the temple services.

3. Jerusalem
The city where the walls were rebuilt under Nehemiah's leadership, symbolizing the restoration of the Jewish community.

4. Darics and Minas
Units of currency and weight used in the contributions, indicating the people's generosity and commitment.

5. Priestly Garments
Sacred clothing for the priests, signifying the restoration of proper worship and temple service.
Teaching Points
Generosity in Community Building
The people's contributions highlight the importance of collective effort and sacrifice in achieving communal goals. We are called to support our church and community with our resources.

Restoration of Worship
The provision of priestly garments underscores the priority of restoring proper worship. We should prioritize our spiritual practices and ensure they align with biblical teachings.

Leadership and Vision
Nehemiah's leadership was crucial in mobilizing the people. Effective leadership in our communities and churches can inspire collective action and commitment.

Faithful Stewardship
The careful accounting of contributions reflects the importance of stewardship. We are stewards of God's resources and should manage them wisely for His purposes.

Unity in Purpose
The unified effort of the people demonstrates the power of working together towards a common goal. Unity in the body of Christ is essential for fulfilling God's mission.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the generosity of the people in Nehemiah 7:72 inspire you to contribute to your community or church?

2. In what ways can we prioritize the restoration of worship in our personal and communal lives today?

3. What qualities of Nehemiah's leadership can we apply to our roles in our families, workplaces, or churches?

4. How can we practice faithful stewardship of our resources in a way that honors God?

5. What steps can we take to foster unity in our church or community, and how does this reflect the unity seen in Nehemiah's time?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2
This chapter lists the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, paralleling the efforts in Nehemiah to restore the community and worship.

Exodus 35
The Israelites' contributions for the construction of the Tabernacle echo the generosity seen in Nehemiah 7:72.

2 Corinthians 9
Paul's teaching on cheerful giving connects with the spirit of generosity demonstrated by the people in Nehemiah's time.
The Rest of the People GaveW. P. Lockhart.Nehemiah 7:72
The True Method of ProsperityR.A. Redford Nehemiah 7:6-73
People
Akkub, Amon, Asaph, Ater, Azariah, Azmaveth, Baanah, Bakbuk, Barkos, Barzillai, Bazlith, Besai, Bezai, Bigvai, Bilshan, Darkon, Delaiah, Gahar, Gazzam, Giddel, Habaiah, Hagaba, Hakkoz, Hakupha, Hanan, Hanani, Hananiah, Harhur, Harsha, Hashum, Hashupha, Hasupha, Hatipha, Hatita, Hattil, Hezekiah, Hodaviah, Hodevah, Immer, Israelites, Jaala, Jedaiah, Jeshua, Joab, Kadmiel, Keros, Koz, Lebana, Lebanah, Levites, Mehida, Meunim, Mispereth, Mordecai, Nahamani, Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah, Nehum, Nekoda, Nephishesim, Neziah, Padon, Pahathmoab, Parosh, Paseah, Pashur, Perida, Phaseah, Pochereth, Raamiah, Reaiah, Rezin, Shallum, Shalmai, Shephatiah, Shobai, Sia, Sisera, Solomon, Sophereth, Sotai, Tabbaoth, Talmon, Tamah, Thamah, Tobiah, Tobijah, Uzza, Zaccai, Zattu, Zerubbabel, Ziha
Places
Ai, Anathoth, Babylon, Beeroth, Beth-azmaveth, Bethel, Bethlehem, Cherub, Geba, Gibeon, Hadid, Immer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Kiriath-jearim, Lod, Michmas, Nebo, Netophah, Ono, Ramah, Tel-harsha, Tel-melah
Topics
67, 2000, 20000, Drachmas, Drams, Garments, Gold, Minas, Myriads, Pound, Pounds, Priests, Rest, Robes, Seven, Silver, Sixty, Sixty-seven, Thousand, Threescore, Tunics, Twenty
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 7:70-72

     4333   gold

Nehemiah 7:71-72

     4363   silver

Library
"Take My Yoke Upon You, and Learn of Me," &C.
Matt. xi. 20.--"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me," &c. Self love is generally esteemed infamous and contemptible among men. It is of a bad report every where, and indeed as it is taken commonly, there is good reason for it, that it should be hissed out of all societies, if reproaching and speaking evil of it would do it. But to speak the truth, the name is not so fit to express the thing, for that which men call self love, may rather be called self hatred. Nothing is more pernicious to a man's
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Strait Gate;
OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN: PLAINLY PROVING, BY THE SCRIPTURES, THAT NOT ONLY THE RUDE AND PROFANE, BUT MANY GREAT PROFESSORS, WILL COME SHORT OF THAT KINGDOM. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."--Matthew 7:13, 14 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. If any uninspired writer has been
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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