Ezra 1:6

KJV

And all they that [were] about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all [that] was willingly offered.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all they that were about {H5439} them strengthened {H2388} their hands {H3027} with vessels {H3627} of silver {H3701}, with gold {H2091}, with goods {H7399}, and with beasts {H929}, and with precious things {H4030}, beside all that was willingly offered {H5068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All their neighbors supported them by giving them articles of silver, gold, goods, animals, and valuables, besides all their voluntary offerings.

Berean Standard Bible

And all their neighbors supported them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuables, in addition to all their freewill offerings.

American Standard Version

And all they that were round about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 1:6 powerfully illustrates the comprehensive and generous material support extended to the Jewish exiles as they prepared for their momentous return to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. This verse details how those around them—whether fellow Jews remaining in Babylon or sympathetic Gentiles—actively empowered the returning remnant with essential provisions, including silver, gold, various goods, livestock, and other valuable items, all given in addition to spontaneous freewill offerings. These provisions were absolutely crucial for their arduous journey and the monumental task of rebuilding the Temple and re-establishing their community in the promised land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the pivotal decree of King Cyrus of Persia, which granted permission for the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the house of the Lord, as detailed in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for Return and Temple Rebuilding"). It also builds directly upon [Ezra 1:5](/ezra/1-5 "Ezra 1:5 - God Stirs the Spirits of the Returnees"), which highlights God's divine initiative in "stirring up the spirit" of the heads of families, priests, and Levites to undertake this monumental task. Therefore, [Ezra 1:6](/ezra/1-6 "Ezra 1:6 - The Provision for the Returnees") serves as the practical manifestation of this divine prompting and human obedience, providing a detailed inventory of the material provisions that equipped the returning exiles. It sets the tangible stage for their physical journey and the subsequent work of restoration and reconstruction in Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for [Ezra 1:6](/ezra/1-6 "Ezra 1:6 - The Provision for the Returnees") is the conclusion of the 70-year Babylonian captivity, a period of exile prophesied by Jeremiah (cf. [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years of Exile")). Cyrus's decree was remarkably unique for its time, contrasting sharply with the typical Assyrian and Babylonian policies of forced assimilation and displacement. His policy of allowing conquered peoples to return to their homelands and worship their own deities was likely a strategic move to foster stability and goodwill within his vast Achaemenid Empire. The journey itself from Babylon to Jerusalem was a formidable undertaking, spanning hundreds of miles through often desolate or potentially hostile territories, requiring significant resources for sustenance and protection. Rebuilding the Temple, which had been utterly destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar's forces (cf. [2 Kings 25:8-17](/2_kings/25-8-17 "2 Kings 25:8-17 - Destruction of the Temple")), represented an enormous undertaking, demanding not only immense financial and material resources but also skilled labor and sustained effort from a dispersed and displaced people. The "all they that were about them" could encompass fellow Jews who opted to remain in Babylon due to established lives, age, or fear, yet still felt compelled to support their brethren, or even sympathetic Gentiles who recognized the significance of the undertaking or were simply complying with the king's benevolent directive.
* **Key Themes:** [Ezra 1:6](/ezra/1-6 "Ezra 1:6 - The Provision for the Returnees") powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Provision**, illustrating God's unwavering faithfulness in equipping His people for the specific work He calls them to accomplish. This provision often manifests through human instruments, demonstrating God's sovereign orchestration. The verse also highlights **Communal Support for God's Work**, emphasizing that the success of sacred projects and divine mandates frequently relies on the collective efforts, shared resources, and willing contributions of the broader community, not solely on those directly involved in the physical labor. The phrase "willingly offered" points to a profound spirit of **Generosity and Willingness**, showcasing contributions given spontaneously, freely, and cheerfully, reflecting a genuine, heart-level desire to aid the returning exiles in their divine mission. Ultimately, these comprehensive provisions were instrumental for the **Restoration and Equipping** of the Jewish nation, enabling both the physical and spiritual rebuilding of the Temple and the community in Jerusalem, thereby signifying God's ongoing work of renewal and covenant faithfulness. This act of provision is a vital step in the larger narrative of Judah's post-exilic return and reconstruction, a theme woven throughout the books of [Ezra](/ezra/1 "The Book of Ezra") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "The Book of Nehemiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strengthened their hands (Hebrew, _châzaq yâd'_):** This is a powerful and common Hebrew idiom combining H2388 (`châzaq`, meaning "to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, courageous, strengthen, help, repair, fortify") and H3027 (`yâd`, meaning "a hand, indicating power, means, direction"). Literally, it means "to make strong their hands" or "to seize their hands firmly." In this context, it signifies an active and practical act of empowering, equipping, encouraging, or enabling someone for a task. It implies providing the necessary resources, tangible assistance, and moral support to enable them to undertake a difficult or significant work. It is not merely a passive donation but a dynamic act of solidarity and enablement.
* **Precious things (Hebrew, _migdânâh'_):** From H4030 (`migdânâh`), this word denotes valuable gifts, treasures, or costly items. Its inclusion in the list suggests that the contributions were not limited to basic necessities but included items of significant worth and luxury, indicating the depth of the generosity and the comprehensive nature of the provisions. These were not just functional items but also tokens of blessing, honor, and substantial investment in the rebuilding effort.
* **Willingly offered (Hebrew, _nâdab'_):** From H5068 (`nâdab`), this term refers to a voluntary or freewill offering, something given spontaneously and cheerfully, not under compulsion, obligation, or as a required tribute. Its emphasis here highlights the extraordinary generosity and the spirit of devotion that characterized these contributions, going above and beyond what might have been expected or commanded. It speaks to a heart-level desire to support God's work and the return of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all they that [were] about them":** This phrase refers to the broader community surrounding the Jewish exiles preparing to return. This likely included fellow Jews who chose to remain in Babylon (perhaps due to age, established livelihoods, or the daunting nature of the journey) but still felt a deep connection and desire to support their brethren. It could also encompass sympathetic Gentiles or residents of Babylon who were influenced by King Cyrus's decree or simply by a general sense of goodwill towards the departing Jews. The breadth of this support highlights God's ability to orchestrate provision from various, sometimes unexpected, sources.
* **"strengthened their hands":** As detailed in the key word analysis, this signifies active empowerment and equipping. It means the surrounding community provided practical aid, encouragement, and the necessary means, thereby enabling the exiles to undertake the arduous journey and the monumental task of rebuilding the Temple and their community. This was a direct and tangible act of support for their divine mission.
* **"with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things":** This meticulously detailed list itemizes the tangible provisions. "Vessels of silver" and "gold" represent valuable currency, items for trade, and precious materials for the Temple's adornment. "Goods" (or "stuff" or "property," from H7399 `rᵉkûwsh`) refers to general provisions, supplies, and equipment needed for travel and resettlement. "Beasts" (from H929 `bᵉhêmâh`) indicates livestock for transport, food, and potentially for sacrificial purposes. "Precious things" (from H4030 `migdânâh`) encompasses other valuable and costly items. This comprehensive list underscores the substantial and diverse nature of the gifts, covering a wide range of needs for both the journey and the immense rebuilding efforts.
* **"beside all [that] was willingly offered":** This concluding phrase emphasizes that the previously listed items were given *in addition to*, or perhaps distinct from, other freewill offerings. It highlights an overflowing generosity that went beyond any specific request or expectation, implying an abundance of contributions. This demonstrates a deep commitment to the cause and a spirit of cheerful giving that exceeded the already considerable provisions, showcasing a profound level of devotion and support.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact, vividly portraying the generosity and comprehensive nature of the provisions. **Merism** is evident in the detailed and extensive list of provisions: "vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things." This enumeration covers a wide spectrum of material wealth and practical necessities, conveying the idea of complete and abundant provision for every conceivable need. The phrase "strengthened their hands" is a powerful **idiom**, a common Hebrew expression that vividly communicates the act of empowering, enabling, and providing practical support, rather than merely stating that they "gave" things. This idiom imbues the text with a sense of active solidarity and enablement. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "beside all that was willingly offered," serves as a form of **emphasis** or even subtle **hyperbole**, underscoring the extraordinary generosity and the overflowing nature of the contributions, suggesting that the listed items were only a part of a larger, spontaneous outpouring of support.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 1:6 stands as a profound testament to God's meticulous and comprehensive provision for His people when He calls them to a task. It demonstrates that divine mandates are always accompanied by divine enablement, often orchestrated through the generosity and support of others, even those outside the immediate community of faith. This verse underscores the principle that God equips those He calls, sovereignly orchestrating circumstances and stirring hearts to ensure His purposes are fulfilled. The material provisions were not merely a convenience but an absolute necessity, highlighting God's practical care for the physical needs of His servants as they embark on significant spiritual endeavors. It reminds us that God's work is often a communal effort, where the willing contributions and shared resources of many facilitate the mission of a few. This passage ultimately reassures believers that when God initiates a work, He will provide the means for its completion.

* [Exodus 35:21](/exodus/35-21 "Exodus 35:21 - Willing Offerings for the Tabernacle")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Supplies All Needs According to His Riches")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 1:6 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us that God's work in the world continues to be accomplished through divine initiative coupled with human generosity and cooperation. Just as the returning exiles were equipped for their monumental task of rebuilding the Temple, so too does God provide for His church and individual believers as they pursue His calling in the contemporary world. This verse challenges us to consider our own role in "strengthening the hands" of those engaged in ministry, whether through financial contributions, practical assistance, fervent prayer, or sincere encouragement. It fosters a spirit of profound trust in God's provision, assuring us that when He calls us to a mission, He will also supply the necessary means, often through the kindness and generosity of others, both within and outside the Christian community. Ultimately, it calls us to cultivate a heart of willing and cheerful giving, recognizing that all our resources are ultimately God's, to be used for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God provide for His work and His people today, often through unexpected sources or means, mirroring the provisions in Ezra 1:6?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can we "strengthen the hands" of pastors, missionaries, or fellow believers who are engaged in challenging tasks for God's kingdom?**
* **What does the phrase "willingly offered" imply about our attitude towards giving and service in the church, and how can we cultivate such a spirit?**
* **How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's provision when we feel called to embark on a difficult or resource-intensive endeavor, whether personal or communal?**

### FAQ
**Who were "all they that [were] about them" who provided the support?**

Answer: The phrase "all they that were about them" (H5439 `çâbîyb`) likely refers to a combination of fellow Jews who chose not to return to Jerusalem but remained in Babylon, as well as sympathetic Gentiles or residents of Babylon. While [Ezra 1:5](/ezra/1-5 "Ezra 1:5 - Those Whose Spirit God Had Stirred") states that God stirred the spirits of those who *were* to return, it's entirely plausible, and indeed consistent with God's sovereign working, that He also stirred the hearts of others—both Jewish and non-Jewish—to support them. Cyrus's decree (cf. [Ezra 1:2-4](/ezra/1-2-4 "Ezra 1:2-4 - Cyrus's Proclamation")) itself encouraged the surrounding peoples to assist the returning exiles, indicating that even non-Jews might have contributed. This broad support underscores God's ability to orchestrate provision from diverse sources to accomplish His divine purposes.

**Why was this material provision so important for the returning exiles?**

Answer: The material provision was critically important for several reasons. First, the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem was long, arduous, and potentially dangerous, requiring substantial food, water, and reliable means of transport for people and their belongings. Second, upon their arrival in Jerusalem, the land was desolate, and the Temple lay in utter ruins. The silver, gold, goods, and beasts were essential resources for rebuilding the Temple, establishing new homes, and re-establishing the community's infrastructure. These provisions served as both practical necessities for survival during the journey and resettlement, and as valuable capital for the monumental construction project ahead, demonstrating God's practical and comprehensive care for His people's physical needs as they embarked on a profoundly spiritual mission.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 1:6, with its profound emphasis on abundant provision for the rebuilding of the physical Temple in Jerusalem, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect provision found in Jesus Christ. The material gifts of silver, gold, and precious things, willingly offered to equip the exiles for a literal temple, point to the immeasurable spiritual riches and the complete equipping that believers receive through Christ for the building of God's spiritual temple, the Church (cf. [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Just as the exiles were strengthened for their task, so too are believers empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ provides, to live out their calling and participate in His kingdom work, being His witnesses to the ends of the earth (cf. [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). The extraordinary generosity shown by those around the exiles, "beside all that was willingly offered," echoes the unparalleled, self-sacrificial generosity of God in giving His only Son, who, "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Generosity and Our Riches")). Christ Himself is the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, far surpassing any earthly structure (cf. [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection and the True Temple")). The provisions for the earthly temple ultimately point to the spiritual blessings, the complete salvation, and the eternal life that are freely and abundantly given to us in Him, enabling us to be "built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - Built Together in Christ for God's Dwelling")).

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.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 9:7

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Ezra 8:25

And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, [even] the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel [there] present, had offered:

Ezra 8:28

And I said unto them, Ye [are] holy unto the LORD; the vessels [are] holy also; and the silver and the gold [are] a freewill offering unto the LORD God of your fathers.

Ezra 1:4

And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that [is] in Jerusalem.

Ezra 7:15

And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation [is] in Jerusalem,

Ezra 7:16

And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which [is] in Jerusalem:

Psalms 110:3

Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.