Ezra 2:68

And [some] of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which [is] at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:

And some of the chief {H7218} of the fathers {H1}, when they came {H935} to the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} which is at Jerusalem {H3389}, offered freely {H5068} for the house {H1004} of God {H430} to set it up {H5975} in his place {H4349}:

Some of the heads of fathers' clans, when they came to the house of ADONAI in Yerushalayim, made voluntary offerings for rebuilding the house of God on its site.

When they arrived at the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings to rebuild the house of God on its original site.

And some of the heads of fathersโ€™ houses, when they came to the house of Jehovah which is in Jerusalem, offered willingly for the house of God to set it up in its place:

Commentary

Ezra 2:68 describes a significant moment in the post-exilic return, highlighting the immediate commitment of the Jewish leaders to restore central worship in Jerusalem.

Context

This verse follows a detailed census in Ezra chapter 2, which lists the families and individuals who returned from seventy years of Babylonian captivity under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. Upon their arrival in Jerusalem, their first priority was to re-establish the spiritual heart of their nation. This act of giving sets the stage for the crucial work of rebuilding the Temple, which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar decades earlier. It underscores the deep spiritual longing of the repatriated community.

Key Themes

  • Voluntary and Generous Giving: The phrase "offered freely" emphasizes that the donations were spontaneous and heartfelt, not coerced. This spirit of generosity was essential for the daunting task ahead.
  • Leadership by Example: "The chief of the fathers" (heads of families and clans) took the initiative in giving, setting a powerful example for the entire community. Their actions demonstrated a clear commitment to God's house.
  • Priority of Worship: The immediate focus on rebuilding the "house of the LORD" (the Temple) demonstrates that establishing proper worship was paramount to the returning exiles. It was seen as central to their identity and covenant relationship with God.
  • Restoration and Hope: This offering symbolizes the beginning of spiritual and national restoration after a long period of exile. It represents a renewed hope for the presence of God among His people in Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word translated as "offered freely" is nadab (ื ื“ื‘), which denotes a willing, spontaneous, and generous contribution, often in the context of sacred offerings. It highlights a cheerful and uncompelled spirit of giving, similar to the offerings for the Tabernacle in Exodus 35:29. This was not a tax or a duty, but a genuine expression of devotion.

Practical Application

Ezra 2:68 provides timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Generosity in God's Work: We are called to contribute generously and willingly to the work of God, whether it's through financial means, time, or talents. Our giving should reflect a joyful heart, not obligation.
  • Leadership's Role: Those in positions of spiritual leadership have a crucial role in modeling devotion and commitment to God's purposes. Their example can inspire and mobilize others.
  • Prioritizing God's Presence: Just as the exiles prioritized the Temple, believers should prioritize gathering together for worship and fostering environments where God's presence is honored and sought after. This can involve supporting local churches and ministries dedicated to spiritual growth and outreach, much like the completion of the second temple brought joy and dedication.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.

  • Exodus 36:3

    And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it [withal]. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:3

    For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves;

  • Exodus 35:29

    The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

  • 2 Chronicles 3:1

    ยถ Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where [the LORD] appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared in the threshingfloor of Ornan the Jebusite.

  • Numbers 7:3

    And they brought their offering before the LORD, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox: and they brought them before the tabernacle.

  • 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.
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