Ezra 7:16

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezra 7:16 is a pivotal verse within King Artaxerxes' decree, granting Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, comprehensive authority and substantial financial resources for his mission to Jerusalem. This verse specifically details the collection of vast quantities of silver and gold from the Persian province of Babylon, alongside voluntary contributions from both the Jewish people and priests, all earmarked for the restoration and beautification of the Temple in Jerusalem. It underscores the providential hand of God at work, moving the heart of a pagan king to facilitate the spiritual and physical rebuilding of His sanctuary and the re-establishment of Mosaic law among the returning exiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 7:16 is embedded within the detailed decree issued by King Artaxerxes to Ezra, found in [Ezra 7:12-26](/ezra/7 "Ezra 7 - Artaxerxes' Decree to Ezra"). This decree is a crucial turning point in the book of Ezra, following the initial return under Zerubbabel and the rebuilding of the Temple, and preceding Nehemiah's work on the walls. Ezra, introduced as a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, is divinely appointed and humanly empowered to lead a second wave of exiles back to Jerusalem. The verses immediately preceding [Ezra 7:16](/ezra/7-16 "Ezra 7:16 - Silver and Gold for the Temple") establish Ezra's commission to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem according to God's Law and to transport the offerings. This particular verse specifies the immense financial provisions, highlighting the king's direct involvement in funding the Temple's needs, demonstrating a remarkable level of support for the Jewish religious practices from a foreign monarch. It sets the stage for Ezra's journey and his subsequent reforms.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 7 occur during the Persian Empire's rule, specifically in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes I Longimanus (c. 458 BC). This period follows the initial return of exiles under Zerubbabel and Joshua (c. 538 BC) and the completion of the Second Temple (c. 516 BC). The "province of Babylon" refers to one of the vast satrapies of the Persian Empire, encompassing a significant portion of Mesopotamia where many Jewish exiles still resided. Persian policy, particularly under Cyrus the Great, was generally tolerant of local religions, often supporting their rebuilding efforts to ensure stability and loyalty within the empire. Artaxerxes' decree, however, goes beyond mere tolerance, actively providing substantial state resources and authorizing a religious mission. This reflects not only Persian administrative strategy but also God's sovereign influence over world powers, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand"), to accomplish His purposes for His covenant people and the restoration of their worship.

* **Key Themes:** [Ezra 7:16](/ezra/7-16 "Ezra 7:16 - Silver and Gold for the Temple") powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Ezra and the post-exilic period. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's ability to use even pagan kings and empires (like Artaxerxes and Persia) as instruments for His redemptive plan, providing resources for His people's spiritual restoration. This echoes the earlier decree of King Cyrus in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Centrality of the Temple and Worship** in the life of the returning community. The vast financial provision is explicitly designated for the "house of their God in Jerusalem," emphasizing that the physical structure and its associated worship practices were paramount for the spiritual identity and renewal of Israel. Thirdly, the mention of "freewill offering" emphasizes the theme of **Willing Generosity and Heartfelt Devotion**. This was not a forced tax but a voluntary contribution from the people and priests, reflecting a spiritual revival and a desire to participate actively in the rebuilding of God's sanctuary, reminiscent of the offerings for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 35:29](/exodus/35-29 "Exodus 35:29 - Freewill Offerings for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Silver and Gold (Hebrew, _kesef_ and _zahav_):** These terms refer to precious metals, which served as the primary form of wealth, currency, and valuable materials for construction and ornamentation in the ancient Near East. Their mention signifies the substantial financial backing provided by the king and collected from the province. In the context of the Temple, silver and gold were essential for vessels, adornments, and general upkeep, symbolizing the preciousness and glory attributed to God's dwelling place.
* **Freewill Offering (Hebrew, _nedabah_):** This specific term denotes a voluntary, spontaneous gift, given without compulsion or obligation. Unlike mandatory tithes or specific sin offerings, a _nedabah_ arises from a willing heart and a desire to express devotion or gratitude. Its inclusion alongside the royal treasury's provision highlights the active and eager participation of the Jewish community in supporting the Temple, indicating a spiritual revival and commitment to God's house.
* **House of their God (Hebrew, _bet elohehem_):** This phrase unequivocally refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. It emphasizes the sacred nature of the building as the dwelling place of Yahweh, the God of Israel. For the returning exiles, the Temple was not merely a structure but the focal point of their religious identity, worship, and covenant relationship with God. The dedication of such significant resources to this "house" underscores its supreme importance in the post-exilic community's life and faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon":** This clause highlights the extensive nature of the financial provision. "All the silver and gold" suggests a comprehensive collection, implying that Ezra was authorized to gather as much as possible from the vast and wealthy Persian province of Babylon. This indicates a significant royal mandate and access to considerable resources, far beyond what a private individual or even a small returning community could amass. It speaks to the king's generosity and the empire's wealth.
* **"with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly":** This part specifies the dual source of the funding. In addition to the royal treasury's contribution, there were voluntary gifts from the Jewish exiles themselves—both the general populace and the priests. The repetition of "offering willingly" (from the root _nadab_) emphasizes the uncoerced, heartfelt nature of these contributions, demonstrating a genuine desire from the community to support the Temple and its services. This willing participation signifies a spiritual commitment to their heritage and God.
* **"for the house of their God which [is] in Jerusalem":** This final phrase clearly states the ultimate purpose and destination of all these collected riches. The "house of their God" is the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been rebuilt but still required furnishing, maintenance, and support for its sacrificial system and Levitical services. This designation underscores the centrality of the Temple in the spiritual life of the returning community and the overarching goal of the entire expedition: the restoration of proper worship and adherence to God's Law in the Holy City.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 7:16 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. The phrase "all the silver and gold that thou canst find" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the immense and comprehensive nature of the financial provision. It suggests an exhaustive collection, not just a token amount, underscoring the king's lavish support. The repeated emphasis on "freewill offering" and "offering willingly" serves as a form of **Repetition** or **Emphasis**, drawing attention to the voluntary and heartfelt nature of the contributions from the people and priests. This highlights their spiritual commitment and contrasts with any notion of forced taxation. Furthermore, the "house of their God" is a clear example of **Metonymy**, where the physical structure (the Temple) stands for the entire system of worship, the presence of God, and the spiritual life of the nation. It is not just about a building, but about the restoration of a covenant relationship and divine order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 7:16 stands as a powerful testament to God's unfailing providence and His sovereign control over human affairs, even those of powerful pagan rulers. The lavish provision of silver and gold, combined with the freewill offerings, illustrates that God orchestrates resources from unexpected sources to accomplish His divine purposes, specifically the restoration of His people's worship and adherence to His Law. This verse highlights that God's work is not solely dependent on the direct actions of His covenant people but can be advanced through the unwitting cooperation of those outside the covenant, demonstrating His universal dominion. It also underscores the enduring importance of the Temple as the physical focal point of God's presence and the means of atonement for His people, a place where their spiritual identity could be renewed and sustained after the trauma of exile.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand")
* [Isaiah 60:5](/isaiah/60-5 "Isaiah 60:5 - The Wealth of the Nations")
* [1 Chronicles 29:9](/1_chronicles/29-9 "1 Chronicles 29:9 - David's Freewill Offerings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 7:16 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that God remains sovereign over all resources and all authorities, orchestrating events to fulfill His eternal purposes. Just as He moved the heart of King Artaxerxes to provide for the Temple, so too does He continue to provide for His church and His kingdom work today, often through unexpected channels. This verse challenges us to cultivate a spirit of radical trust in God's provision, recognizing that our resources, whether personal or communal, are ultimately His to direct. Moreover, the emphasis on "freewill offerings" from the people and priests calls us to examine the posture of our own hearts in giving. True generosity flows not from compulsion or obligation, but from a willing, cheerful, and devoted spirit, eager to contribute to the advancement of God's kingdom and the spiritual well-being of His people. Our giving, like the silver and gold for the Temple, should be directed towards the "house of our God"—His church, His mission, and the spread of His truth in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the story of Artaxerxes' provision in Ezra 7:16 challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty over secular authorities and global resources?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a more "freewill" and "willing" spirit in my giving, rather than seeing it as a mere obligation?**
* **How does prioritizing the "house of their God" (the Temple) in this verse translate into prioritizing God's presence and work in my life and community today?**

### FAQ
**Why would a pagan king like Artaxerxes provide such vast resources for the Jewish Temple?**

Answer: King Artaxerxes' provision for the Jewish Temple, as seen in [Ezra 7:16](/ezra/7-16 "Ezra 7:16 - Silver and Gold for the Temple"), can be understood through a combination of historical and theological lenses. Historically, the Persian Empire often adopted a policy of religious tolerance and support for local deities within its vast territories. This was a pragmatic strategy to maintain stability, earn the loyalty of diverse populations, and perhaps even to invoke divine favor from various gods for the empire's prosperity. From Artaxerxes' perspective, supporting the God of the Jews could have been seen as a way to ensure their loyalty and to secure blessings for his own reign. Theologically, however, the biblical narrative consistently presents such events as manifestations of God's divine providence. [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand") states, "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will." God sovereignly worked through the heart of this pagan king to provide for His people and to facilitate the restoration of true worship in Jerusalem, demonstrating His control over all earthly powers for the fulfillment of His covenant purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 7:16, with its focus on the provision of vast resources for the "house of their God" in Jerusalem, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. While the silver and gold were dedicated to a physical temple, Christ Himself is the true and ultimate Temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity, as declared in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple"). The wealth gathered for the Old Testament sanctuary foreshadows the immeasurable spiritual riches found in Christ, who is "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures in Christ")). Furthermore, the "freewill offering of the people and priests" for the Temple points to the perfect, willing sacrifice of Christ, who "gave himself for us" ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Jesus Gave Himself for Us")), not with silver or gold, but with His own precious blood ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood")). Just as the material resources enabled the restoration of worship in Jerusalem, Christ's sacrifice and His indwelling Spirit empower believers, who are now collectively the "temple of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service to God ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise")). Thus, the lavish provision in Ezra 7:16 ultimately directs our gaze to the infinitely greater provision of salvation and spiritual restoration accomplished through Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

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.