Why are these specific items listed, and what was their purpose?

The items listed—chargers (large basins or platters) of gold and silver, and knives—were essential for the daily operations and sacrificial rituals within the Temple. The "chargers" would have been used for carrying offerings, blood, water, or other materials during various Temple services. The "knives" were specifically for the preparation of animal sacrifices. Their inclusion in this inventory highlights their functional necessity for the resumption of proper worship and atonement rituals in the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem.

What is the significance of the precise numbers (thirty, a thousand, nine and twenty)?

The precise enumeration of "thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives" carries significant meaning. Firstly, it underscores the meticulousness of the inventory, emphasizing accountability for valuable and sacred items. This level of detail suggests a careful, orderly process, reflecting the divine concern for the sanctity of these objects. Secondly, the numbers highlight the immense value and quantity of the items, showcasing the wealth that Nebuchadnezzar had plundered and that Cyrus was now returning. This precision also serves to authenticate the historical account, providing concrete data for the reader and reinforcing the reality of God's faithfulness in restoring even the physical instruments of worship.

1:8 1:8

Ezra 1:9

1:10 1:10

Bible Versions

And this [is] the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,

And this is the number {H4557} of them: thirty {H7970} chargers {H105} of gold {H2091}, a thousand {H505} chargers {H105} of silver {H3701}, nine {H8672} and twenty {H6242} knives {H4252},

The list was as follows: Gold basins 30 Silver basins 1,000 Knives 29

This was the inventory: 30 gold dishes, 1,000 silver dishes, 29 silver utensils,

And this is the number of them: thirty platters of gold, a thousand platters of silver, nine and twenty knives,

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.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

1 Kings 7:50

And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basons, and the spoons, and the censers [of] pure gold; and the hinges [of] gold, [both] for the doors of the inner house, the most holy [place, and] for the doors of the house, [to wit], of the temple.
2 Chronicles 4:11

¶ And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basons. And Huram finished the work that he was to make for king Solomon for the house of God;
Numbers 7:19

He offered [for] his offering one silver charger, the weight whereof [was] an hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a meat offering:
Numbers 7:89

And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that [was] upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.
2 Chronicles 4:8

He made also ten tables, and placed [them] in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basons of gold.
Matthew 14:8

And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.
2 Chronicles 4:21

And the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, [made he of] gold, [and] that perfect gold;

Bible Versions

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