Ezra 1:10

KJV

Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second [sort] four hundred and ten, [and] other vessels a thousand.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thirty {H7970} basons {H3713} of gold {H2091}, silver {H3701} basons {H3713} of a second {H4932} sort four {H702} hundred {H3967} and ten {H6235}, and other {H312} vessels {H3627} a thousand {H505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Gold bowls 30 Silver bowls of a different kind 410 Other vessels 1,000

Berean Standard Bible

30 gold bowls, 410 matching silver bowls, and 1,000 other articles.

American Standard Version

thirty bowls of gold, silver bowls of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 1:10 provides a meticulous inventory of a significant portion of the sacred vessels that King Cyrus of Persia returned to the Jewish exiles, enabling them to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This precise enumeration, detailing "thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand," powerfully underscores the immense value and consecrated nature of these articles. It serves as a tangible symbol of God's unwavering faithfulness in restoring His covenant people and their means of worship after seventy years of Babylonian captivity, marking a pivotal moment in their return and spiritual renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 1:10 is situated within the foundational narrative of the Book of Ezra, which meticulously records the return of the Jewish exiles from their Babylonian captivity and the subsequent rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. The preceding verses establish the divine impetus behind this monumental undertaking, beginning with Cyrus the Great's decree, which was divinely inspired as recounted in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree and the Lord's Stirring"). This decree not only permitted the Jews to return but also mandated the rebuilding of the house of the Lord. Critically, [Ezra 1:7-9](/ezra/1-7-9 "Ezra 1:7-9 - Cyrus Restores Temple Vessels") describes King Cyrus personally retrieving and returning the sacred articles that Nebuchadnezzar had plundered from the First Temple during the destruction of Jerusalem (an event detailed in [2 Kings 25:13-16](/2_kings/25-13-16 "2 Kings 25:13-16 - Plunder of Solomon's Temple") and [Jeremiah 52:17-23](/jeremiah/52-17-23 "Jeremiah 52:17-23 - Destruction and Plunder of Jerusalem")). Verse 10 then offers a specific, itemized count of these precious vessels, emphasizing the meticulousness of their return and the tangible preparation for the resumption of consecrated Temple service. This detailed inventory culminates in the grand total provided in [Ezra 1:11](/ezra/1-11 "Ezra 1:11 - Total Count of Returned Vessels"), highlighting the comprehensive nature of God's restorative work.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Ezra 1:10 is the pivotal transition from the Babylonian Empire to the Persian Empire in the late 6th century BC. After the prophesied seventy years of exile (as foretold in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")), Cyrus the Great issued his renowned decree in 538 BC. This policy was remarkably distinct from the typical imperial practices of forced displacement and assimilation, instead allowing conquered peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their religious sanctuaries. The plundering of temple vessels was a common practice in the ancient Near East, serving as a powerful symbolic act signifying the defeat of a nation's deity by the conquering power's god. Therefore, Cyrus's decision to return these specific vessels was not merely an act of political benevolence but a profound symbolic reversal, implicitly acknowledging the sovereignty of the God of Israel. These vessels were far more than mere artifacts; they were essential instruments for the sacrificial and ritual worship prescribed by the Mosaic Law, underscoring their immense sacred and practical value for the re-establishment of the Temple cult and the spiritual identity of the returning community.

* **Key Themes:** The meticulous accounting and return of these invaluable temple articles in Ezra 1:10 powerfully underscore several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it stands as a testament to **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration**. God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, even after a period of judgment and exile, is vividly demonstrated. This tangible act of returning the vessels is a concrete sign of His power to bring about renewal and order from desolation, fulfilling His promise to restore His people. Secondly, the passage highlights the precise **Fulfillment of Prophecy**. Cyrus's decree and the subsequent return of the temple vessels directly align with prophetic declarations, notably Jeremiah's foretelling of the end of the 70-year exile and Isaiah's remarkable prophecy concerning Cyrus as God's chosen instrument ([Isaiah 44:28](/isaiah/44-28 "Isaiah 44:28 - Cyrus as God's Shepherd") and [Isaiah 45:13](/isaiah/45-13 "Isaiah 45:13 - God Raises Cyrus")). This serves to underscore God's sovereign control over the course of human history and the actions of nations. Thirdly, the detailed listing of the vessels emphasizes the enduring **Sanctity of Sacred Objects**. Despite years of desecration and secular use—as dramatically illustrated by Belshazzar's sacrilegious feast where these very vessels were employed ([Daniel 5:2-3](/daniel/5-2-3 "Daniel 5:2-3 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Temple Vessels"))—their return was paramount for the resumption of proper, consecrated worship in the rebuilt Temple, affirming their inherent holiness and the necessity of purity in divine service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** From an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky; gold(-en), fair weather. In the context of the Temple, gold signified purity, divine glory, and immense value, reserved for the holiest objects and spaces. Its presence among the returned vessels emphasizes their sacredness and the preciousness of what was being restored for God's worship.
* **basons (Hebrew, _kᵉphôwr'_):** From כָּפַר; properly, a cover, i.e. (by implication) a tankard (or covered goblet); also white frost (as covering the ground); bason, hoar(-y) frost. These were specific types of sacred vessels, likely large bowls or goblets, used in Temple rituals for libations, collecting sacrificial blood, or holding offerings. Their return was crucial for the resumption of proper ritual worship as prescribed by the Mosaic Law.
* **vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** From כָּלָה; something prepared, i.e. any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon); armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. This is a broad term encompassing a wide array of implements, utensils, and furnishings. In the Temple context, it refers to all the sacred instruments necessary for worship, from larger basins to smaller dishes, tools, and other cultic items. Its inclusion indicates a comprehensive restoration of all necessary sacred paraphernalia.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thirty basons of gold":** This precise number immediately conveys the immense value and sacred significance of these particular vessels. Gold, being the most precious metal, was reserved for the most important and holy objects within the Temple. The exact count underscores the meticulous nature of the inventory, ensuring that even the most valuable items were accounted for and returned, signifying the divine precision in the restoration process.
* **"silver basons of a second [sort] four hundred and ten":** This clause introduces a significantly larger quantity of silver basins. The King James Version's interpretive addition "of a second [sort]" suggests a distinction, perhaps in quality, size, or type, but the core meaning is the enumeration of 410 silver basins. Silver, while less precious than gold, was still a valuable and extensively used metal in Temple furnishings. The greater number implies their more frequent or varied use in the daily operations and rituals of the Temple.
* **"[and] other vessels a thousand":** This final phrase broadens the scope of the returned items beyond just the specified basins. "Other vessels" would encompass a diverse array of sacred implements, dishes, tools, and cultic furnishings necessary for the full functioning of the Temple. The round number "a thousand" (in contrast to the precise counts for the gold and silver basins) might indicate a general category for numerous smaller items or a less exact count, but it powerfully emphasizes the vast quantity and comprehensive nature of the sacred articles being restored.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 1:10 masterfully employs **Enumeration** and **Detail** to achieve its profound effect. The precise listing of "thirty basons of gold," "four hundred and ten" silver basons, and "a thousand" other vessels serves to underscore the meticulousness of the inventory and the immense value and sacredness of the items being returned. This detailed cataloging not only lends historical accuracy and verisimilitude to the narrative but also functions as powerful **Symbolism**. The physical restoration of these consecrated objects represents the larger theological truth of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and the spiritual restoration of His people. The emphasis on specific numbers lends an air of authenticity and importance to the event, highlighting that this was not a casual or haphazard return, but a divinely orchestrated and carefully managed process of reclaiming what was consecrated to God, setting the stage for renewed worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous return of the Temple vessels in Ezra 1:10 is a profound theological statement, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, even after a period of judgment and exile. The very items that symbolized Israel's spiritual life and relationship with God, once desecrated and plundered, are now precisely restored. This signifies that God's purposes for His people and His worship will ultimately prevail, regardless of intervening human actions or historical calamities. This act of restoration, orchestrated by a pagan king, powerfully highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His ability to use any means—even seemingly unlikely ones—to accomplish His divine will. It underscores the enduring sanctity of what is dedicated to God and the paramount importance of proper, consecrated worship as central to the life and identity of His people.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile")
* [Isaiah 61:4](/isaiah/61-4 "Isaiah 61:4 - Rebuilding Ancient Ruins")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 1:10, with its precise accounting of restored Temple vessels, offers profound encouragement and practical application for believers today. Just as God meticulously remembered His people in exile and ensured the precise return of their sacred possessions, He remembers and actively works to restore us. Even when circumstances in our lives feel lost, broken, or desecrated by sin, hardship, or neglect, God operates with divine precision to bring about restoration and fulfill His redemptive purposes. This passage profoundly reminds us of the enduring sanctity of what is dedicated to God—our lives, our talents, our resources, our time, and our relationships. It calls us to cultivate a deep reverence for worship, for the sacred spaces (whether physical or spiritual) where we encounter God, and for the spiritual practices and resources He has entrusted to us. The precise fulfillment of prophecy evident in Ezra provides a powerful testament to God's reliability and faithfulness, strengthening our faith in His promises for the future, including the ultimate restoration and new creation He has planned for all who trust in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous restoration of these vessels encourage you in areas of your life that feel broken, lost, or in need of renewal?**
* **What "vessels" in your life—such as your time, talents, resources, or relationships—is God calling you to consecrate or re-consecrate to His service and glory?**
* **How does the fulfillment of ancient prophecy in Ezra strengthen your trust in God's promises for the future, both in your personal journey and in His overarching plan for the world?**

### FAQ

**Why is the count of the vessels so specific in Ezra 1:10 and 1:11?**

Answer: The meticulous counting of the vessels serves several important purposes within the narrative of Ezra. Firstly, it underscores the immense value and sacredness of these items, which were absolutely essential for the re-establishment of proper worship in the rebuilt Temple. Secondly, it demonstrates the thoroughness of King Cyrus's decree and the Persian administration's diligent execution of it, lending historical credibility and authenticity to the narrative. Thirdly, and most significantly, it highlights God's own meticulous care and faithfulness. Just as He precisely numbered His people, He ensures that every consecrated item necessary for His worship is accounted for and returned, signifying His unwavering commitment to the restoration of His covenant relationship with Israel and the purity of their worship.

**What does "silver basons of a second [sort]" mean in the KJV translation?**

Answer: The phrase "of a second [sort]" is an interpretive addition by the King James Version translators and is not explicitly present in the original Hebrew text. The Hebrew simply lists "silver basons four hundred and ten." Scholars suggest various possibilities for this KJV addition: it might imply a distinction in quality (e.g., a lesser grade of silver or a different finish), a different type or design of basin, or perhaps even a second batch or category of silver vessels that were distinct from others. Without the KJV's addition, the verse simply enumerates a specific quantity of silver basins, emphasizing their abundance alongside the gold ones, and the overall volume of restored items.

**Were these the exact same vessels that Nebuchadnezzar took from the First Temple?**

Answer: Yes, the biblical text strongly implies that these were indeed the very same sacred articles that Nebuchadnezzar had plundered from the First Temple during the destruction of Jerusalem, as recounted in detail in [2 Kings 25:13-16](/2_kings/25-13-16 "2 Kings 25:13-16 - Plunder of Solomon's Temple") and [Jeremiah 52:17-23](/jeremiah/52-17-23 "Jeremiah 52:17-23 - Destruction and Plunder of Jerusalem"). The Book of Daniel also vividly describes these very vessels being used sacrilegiously by King Belshazzar at his feast ([Daniel 5:2-3](/daniel/5-2-3 "Daniel 5:2-3 - Belshazzar's Feast and the Temple Vessels")). The emphasis in Ezra is on the miraculous and precise return of these specific, consecrated items, symbolizing the reversal of the exile and the divinely orchestrated restoration of legitimate worship. While it's conceivable some items were lost or damaged and replacements made over time, the narrative's thrust is the miraculous recovery of the original, plundered sacred articles, underscoring God's power to restore what was lost and desecrated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 1:10, with its detailed accounting of the Temple vessels, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The meticulous restoration of these physical articles, which were essential for the worship of God in the Old Covenant Temple, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and spiritual restoration accomplished through Jesus Christ. He is the true and ultimate Temple, in whom all the fullness of God dwells bodily ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple") and [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). The return of the vessels enabled physical sacrifices to resume, but Christ's single, perfect, and eternally effective sacrifice on the cross rendered all animal sacrifices obsolete, inaugurating a new and living way to God ([Hebrews 9:23-28](/hebrews/9-23-28 "Hebrews 9:23-28 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:11-14](/hebrews/10-11-14 "Hebrews 10:11-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Furthermore, these physical vessels point to the spiritual reality that believers, through Christ, are now living stones being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Him ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). The meticulous care God showed for these material objects in Ezra highlights His even greater, infinitely more precise care for His people, whom He has redeemed and consecrated through the precious blood of His Son. In the New Jerusalem, there will be no need for a physical temple or its vessels, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its Temple ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")), signifying the complete and eternal fulfillment of God's presence among His people through the person and work of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.