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:

And all {H3606} the silver {H3702} and gold {H1722} that thou canst find {H7912} in all {H3606} the province {H4083} of Babylon {H895}, with {H5974} the freewill offering {H5069} of the people {H5972}, and of the priests {H3549}, offering willingly {H5069} for the house {H1005} of their God {H426} which is in Jerusalem {H3390}:

together with all the silver and gold you receive throughout the province of Bavel and the voluntary offerings of the people and the cohanim that have been offered willingly for the house of their God in Yerushalayim.

together with all the silver and gold you may find in all the province of Babylon, as well as the freewill offerings of the people and priests to the house of their God in Jerusalem.

and all the silver and gold that thou shalt 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;

Commentary

Ezra 7:16 is part of King Artaxerxes' comprehensive decree, issued to Ezra, empowering him to return to Jerusalem and restore order, law, and worship among the Jewish exiles who had returned from Babylon. This particular verse highlights the significant financial provision being made available for the Temple in Jerusalem.

Context

Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, had set his heart to study, practice, and teach the Law of the Lord (Ezra 7:10). King Artaxerxes of Persia, under God's providential hand, granted Ezra a royal commission to lead another group of exiles back to Jerusalem. This decree, detailed in Ezra 7:12-26, gave Ezra authority and provided substantial resources. Verse 16 specifically details the collection of "silver and gold" from the vast province of Babylon, alongside "freewill offerings" from the people and priests, all designated for the House of God in Jerusalem. This continued the work of restoration and rebuilding that began under earlier decrees, such as the one by King Cyrus (Ezra 1:4).

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision Through Unexpected Channels: This verse powerfully illustrates God's ability to use secular rulers and empires, like King Artaxerxes, to provide for His people and purposes (Proverbs 21:1). The wealth of Babylon was being directed towards the spiritual restoration of Jerusalem, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all earthly resources.
  • The Importance of Freewill Offerings: The emphasis on "freewill offering" (Hebrew: nedabah) highlights voluntary and willing generosity. This was not a forced tax but a spontaneous contribution from the heart of the people and priests, echoing the spirit of giving seen in earlier times for the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:29) and Solomon's Temple (1 Chronicles 29:9). It underscores that true worship involves heartfelt giving.
  • Focus on the House of God: The ultimate destination of these precious metals was the "house of their God which is in Jerusalem." This signifies the centrality of the Temple in the life of the returning community. It was not merely a building but the place of God's presence, sacrifice, and worship, essential for the spiritual renewal of the Jewish nation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "freewill offering" is nedabah (Χ Φ°Χ“ΦΈΧ‘ΦΈΧ”). This word is consistently used throughout the Old Testament to describe gifts given voluntarily, without compulsion, and out of a willing heart. It contrasts with mandatory tithes or specific sin offerings, emphasizing the spontaneous and generous nature of the contribution.

Practical Application

Ezra 7:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Generosity in Giving: We are encouraged to give willingly and cheerfully to support God's work, whether it is through our local church, missions, or other ministries. Our contributions, like those of the exiles, should come from a heart of devotion.
  • Trusting God's Provision: This verse reminds us that God can provide for His purposes through diverse means, even unexpected ones. We should trust in His ability to move hearts and open doors to accomplish His will.
  • Prioritizing God's Kingdom: Just as the silver and gold were dedicated to the "house of their God," we are called to prioritize and invest in the advancement of God's kingdom and the spiritual well-being of His people.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Chronicles 29:6

    Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,

  • 1 Chronicles 29:9

    Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.

  • Ezra 1:6

    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.

  • 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 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.

  • 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.
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