Ezra 1:6

Translation
King James Version
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.
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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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
All their neighbors supported them by giving them articles of silver, gold, goods, animals, and valuables, besides all their voluntary offerings.
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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.
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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.
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World English Bible Messianic
All those who were around them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with animals, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And all they that were about them, strengthened their handes with vessels of siluer, with golde, with substance and with cattell, and with precious thinges, besides all that was willingly offred.
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Young's Literal Translation
and all those round about them have strengthened them with their hands, with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, apart from all that hath been offered willingly.
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See also
2 Corinthians 9:7Ezra 8:25Ezra 8:28Ezra 1:4Ezra 7:15Ezra 7:16Psalms 110:3
In the KJVVerse 12,023 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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. It also builds directly upon Ezra 1:5, 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 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 is the conclusion of the 70-year Babylonian captivity, a period of exile prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). 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 (2 Kings 25:8-17), 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 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 and Nehemiah.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Strengthened their hands (Hebrew, châzaq_ _yâd', H2388): 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', 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', 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.

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 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 (Ezra 1:2-4) 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 (1 Peter 2:5). 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 (Acts 1:8). 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). Christ Himself is the true Temple, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity, far surpassing any earthly structure (John 2:19-21). 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).

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Commentary on Ezra 1 verses 5–11

We are here told,

I. How Cyrus's proclamation succeeded with others. 1. He having given leave to the Jews to go up to Jerusalem, many of them went up accordingly, Ezr 1:5. The leaders herein were the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, eminent and experienced men, from whom it might justly be expected that, as they were above their brethren in dignity, so they should go before them in duty. The priests and Levites were (as became them) with the first that set their faces again towards Zion. If any good work is to be done, let ministers lead in it. Those that accompanied them were such as God had inclined to go up. The same God that had raised up the spirit of Cyrus to proclaim this liberty raised up their spirits to take the benefit of it; for it was done, not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord of hosts, Zac 4:6. The temptation perhaps was strong to some of them to stay in Babylon. They had convenient settlements there, had contracted an agreeable acquaintance with the neighbours, and were ready to say, It is good to be here. The discouragements of their return were many and great, the journey long, their wives and children unfit for travelling, their own land was to them a strange land, the road to it an unknown road. Go up to Jerusalem! And what should they do there? It was all in ruins, and in the midst of enemies to whom they would be an easy prey. Many were wrought upon by these considerations to stay in Babylon, at least not to go with the first. But there were some that got over these difficulties, that ventured to break the ice, and feared not the lion in the way, the lion in the streets; and they were those whose spirits God raised. He, by his Spirit and grace, filled them with a generous ambition of liberty, a gracious affection to their own land, and a desire of the free and public exercise of their religion. Had God left them to themselves, and to the counsels of flesh and blood, they would have staid in Babylon; but he put it into their hearts to set their faces Zionward, and, as strangers, to ask the way thither (Jer 50:5); for they, being a new generation, went out like their father Abraham from this land of the Chaldees, not knowing whither they went, Heb 11:8. Note, Whatever good we do, it is owing purely to the grace of God, and he raises up our spirits to the doing of it, works in us both to will and to do. Our spirits naturally incline to this earth and to the things of it. If they move upwards, in any good affections or good actions, it is God that raises them. The call and offer of the gospel are like Cyrus's proclamation. Deliverance is preached to the captives, Luk 4:18. Those that are bound under the unrighteous dominion of sin, and bound over to the righteous judgment of God, may be made free by Jesus Christ. Whoever will, by repentance and faith, return to God, his duty to God, his happiness in God, Jesus Christ has opened the way for him, and let him go up out of the slavery of sin into the glorious liberty of the children of God. The offer is general to all. Christ makes it, in pursuance of the grant which the Father has made him of all power both in heaven and in earth (a much greater dominion than that given to Cyrus, Ezr 1:2) and of the charge given him to build God a house, to set him up a church in the world, a kingdom among men. Many that hear this joyful sound choose to sit still in Babylon, are in love with their sins and will not venture upon the difficulties of a holy life; but some there are that break through the discouragements, and resolve to build the house of God, to make heaven of their religion, whatever it cost them, and they are those whose spirit God has raised above the world and the flesh and whom he has made willing in the day of his power, Psa 110:3. Thus will the heavenly Canaan be replenished, though many perish in Babylon; and the gospel-offer will not be made in vain. 2. Cyrus having given order that their neighbours should help them, they did so, Ezr 1:6. All those that were about them furnished them with plate and goods to bear the charges of their journey, and to help them in building and furnishing both their own houses and God's temple. As the tabernacle was made of the spoils of Egypt, and the first temple built by the labours of the strangers, so the second by the contributions of the Chaldeans, all intimating the admission of the Gentiles into the church in due time. God can, where he pleases, incline the hearts of strangers to be kind to his people, and make those to strengthen their hands that have weakened them. The earth helped the woman. Besides what was willingly offered by the Jews themselves who staid behind, from a principle of love to God and his house, much was offered, as one may say, unwillingly by the Babylonians, who were influenced to do it by a divine power on their minds of which they themselves could give no account.

How this proclamation was seconded by Cyrus himself. To give proof of the sincerity of his affection to the house of God, he not only released the people of God, but restored the vessels of the temple, Ezr 1:7, Ezr 1:8. Observe here, 1. How careful Providence was of the vessels of the temple, that they were not lost, melted down, or so mixed with other vessels that they could not be known, but that they were all now forthcoming. Such care God has of the living vessels of mercy, vessels of honour, of whom it is said (Ti2 2:19, Ti2 2:20), The Lord knows those that are his, and they shall none of them perish. 2. Though they had been put into an idol's temple, and probably used in the service of idols, yet they were given back, to be used for God. God will recover his own; and the spoil of the strong man armed shall be converted to the use of the conqueror. 3. Judah had a prince, even in captivity. Sheshbazzar, supposed to be the same with Zerubbabel, is here called prince of Judah; the Chaldeans called him Sheshbazzar, which signifies joy in tribulation; but among his own people he went by the name of Zerubbabel - a stranger in Babylon; so he looked upon himself, and considered Jerusalem his home, though, as Josephus says, he was captain of the life-guard to the king of Babylon. He took care of the affairs of the Jews, and had some authority over them, probably from the death of Jehoiachin, or Jeconiah, who made him his heir, he being of the house of David. 4. To him the sacred vessels were numbered out (Ezr 1:8), and he took care for their safe conveyance to Jerusalem, Ezr 1:11. It would encourage them to build the temple that they had so much rich furniture ready to put into it when it was built. Though God's ordinances, like the vessels of the sanctuary, may be corrupted and profaned by the New Testament Babylon, they shall, in due time, be restored to their primitive use and intention; for not one jot or tittle of divine institution shall fall to the ground.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–11. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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