Ezra 8:26

KJV

I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, [and] of gold an hundred talents;

KJV (with Strong's)

I even weighed {H8254} unto their hand {H3027} six {H8337} hundred {H3967} and fifty {H2572} talents {H3603} of silver {H3701}, and silver {H3701} vessels {H3627} an hundred {H3967} talents {H3603}, and of gold {H2091} an hundred {H3967} talents {H3603};

Complete Jewish Bible

I weighed out and handed over to them twenty-one-and-a-half tons of silver, three-and-a-third tons of silver articles, three-and-a-third tons of gold,

Berean Standard Bible

I weighed out into their hands 650 talents of silver, articles of silver weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold,

American Standard Version

I weighed into their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels a hundred talents; of gold a hundred talents;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 8:26 meticulously records the immense value of the offerings—six hundred and fifty talents of silver, one hundred talents of silver vessels, and one hundred talents of gold—that Ezra, as the leader of the second return from Babylonian exile, carefully weighed and entrusted to the designated priests and Levites. This precise accounting underscores the profound responsibility and transparency required in handling sacred resources dedicated to the restoration and beautification of the Temple in Jerusalem, highlighting both the generosity of the contributors and the meticulous stewardship of God's servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 8:26 is situated within the narrative of Ezra's journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, specifically detailing the preparations for the arduous and perilous expedition. Chapters 7 and 8 focus on Ezra's commission from King Artaxerxes and the gathering of the returning exiles. Preceding this verse, Ezra recounts his decision not to request a military escort, relying instead on God's protection (Ezra 8:22-23), which makes the meticulous weighing of the treasures even more significant. Following this verse, Ezra describes the formal handing over of these treasures to the priests and Levites, their journey, and their safe arrival in Jerusalem (Ezra 8:27-32), where the treasures are then weighed again upon arrival, emphasizing the principle of accountability from departure to destination.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 8 occur around 458 BC, nearly 60 years after the initial return under Zerubbabel and the completion of the Second Temple (as recorded in [Ezra 6:15](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - Completion of the Temple")). Ezra's mission, sanctioned by the Persian King Artaxerxes I, was not primarily for rebuilding the physical structure of the Temple but for restoring its services, implementing the Law of Moses, and bringing further offerings. The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem was approximately 900 miles (1450 km) and took about four months, traversing desolate and bandit-ridden territories. The "talents" mentioned were units of weight, not coinage, with one talent typically weighing around 75 pounds (34 kg). The careful weighing and public entrustment of such vast wealth were crucial cultural practices to ensure transparency, prevent theft or accusations of embezzlement, and uphold the integrity of those handling sacred funds, especially given the high risks of travel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Generosity**, demonstrating how God moved the hearts of both the Persian king and the Jewish exiles to contribute immense wealth for His house, echoing the provision seen in the first exodus (cf. [Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35 "Exodus 12:35-36 - Spoils from Egypt")). Secondly, it emphasizes **Stewardship and Accountability**, as Ezra's meticulous weighing and public entrustment of the treasures underscore the importance of integrity and transparency when handling resources dedicated to God's work. This act sets a precedent for faithful management, a theme also found in the instructions for the tabernacle construction in [Exodus 38:21](/exodus/38-21 "Exodus 38:21 - Accountability for Tabernacle Materials")). Lastly, it implicitly reinforces **Trust in God's Protection**, as the decision to transport such a vast fortune without a military escort, relying solely on divine safeguarding (as stated in [Ezra 8:22](/ezra/8-22 "Ezra 8:22 - Ezra's Trust in God")), underscores a profound faith that God would protect His people and His provisions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Weighed (Hebrew, _shaqal'_):** This verb signifies a precise and deliberate act of measuring by weight, often involving scales. In the ancient Near East, weighing was the standard method for determining the value and quantity of precious metals, serving as a public and verifiable act of transfer. Here, it emphasizes Ezra's meticulousness and the transparency of the transaction, ensuring that every talent was accounted for and that the recipients were fully aware of the exact amount they were receiving and, therefore, responsible for. This act of weighing was a public declaration of trust and accountability.
* **Talents (Hebrew, כִּכָּר, _kikkār'_):** A "talent" was the largest unit of weight in the ancient world, varying slightly by region but generally equating to approximately 75 pounds (34 kg). It was not a coin but a standard measure for large quantities of precious metals. The mention of "six hundred and fifty talents of silver," "one hundred talents of silver vessels," and "one hundred talents of gold" indicates an astonishingly vast sum, representing immense wealth. This quantity underscores the significant contributions made by King Artaxerxes, his counselors, and the Jewish people still in Babylon towards the restoration and beautification of God's house in Jerusalem, demonstrating the scale of divine provision and human generosity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I even weighed unto their hand":** This phrase highlights Ezra's personal involvement and the meticulous nature of the transfer. "Unto their hand" signifies a direct, personal entrustment and transfer of responsibility. It implies a public and verifiable act, where the recipients physically received and acknowledged the weight of the treasures, thereby accepting full accountability for their safe transport. This act was crucial for ensuring transparency and preventing any later accusations of theft or mismanagement.
* **"six hundred and fifty talents of silver":** This specifies the first and largest component of the treasure. A talent of silver was a substantial sum, and 650 talents represented an enormous quantity of wealth designated for the Temple. This silver was likely in the form of ingots or unworked metal, intended for various uses in the Temple, such as purchasing supplies, paying workers, or crafting new implements.
* **"and silver vessels an hundred talents":** In addition to raw silver, 100 talents' worth of silver vessels were entrusted. These were likely pre-fabricated items, possibly cultic vessels or decorative elements, already shaped and ready for use in the Temple services. Their inclusion indicates a comprehensive provision for the Temple's needs, encompassing both raw materials and finished goods.
* **"and of gold an hundred talents":** This indicates a significant quantity of gold, the most precious of the metals. Gold was typically reserved for the most sacred and valuable items in the Temple, such as overlaying furniture, crafting specific vessels, or for the high priest's garments. The presence of such a large amount of gold further underscores the immense value of the offerings and the reverence with which these materials were dedicated to God's service.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 8:26 employs **Enumeration** and **Hyperbole** (or at least, the effect of hyperbole through sheer scale) to impress upon the reader the immense value and meticulous accounting of the Temple treasures. The specific listing of "six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents" provides a precise enumeration of the wealth, emphasizing the exactness of Ezra's stewardship. While not strictly hyperbole, the sheer magnitude of these figures—totaling over 48,000 pounds of silver and 7,500 pounds of gold—creates an effect of overwhelming abundance, underscoring the extraordinary generosity of the contributors and the divine provision for the Temple. This detailed accounting also serves as a **Symbolism** of accountability and integrity, demonstrating Ezra's commitment to transparency in handling sacred resources, which in turn symbolizes the trustworthiness required of those who serve God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 8:26 is a powerful testament to God's providential care for His people and His house, demonstrating His ability to move the hearts of kings and people to provide abundantly for His purposes. It highlights the principle that when God calls His people to a task, He also provides the necessary resources, often in unexpected and lavish ways. Furthermore, Ezra's meticulous accounting underscores the theological imperative of faithful stewardship and accountability for all that God entrusts to us, whether material wealth, spiritual gifts, or opportunities for service. This act of weighing and entrusting is a practical demonstration of integrity in ministry, setting a precedent for handling sacred resources with utmost care and transparency.

* [Exodus 38:21](/exodus/38-21 "Exodus 38:21 - Accountability for Tabernacle Materials")
* [1 Chronicles 29:6-9](/1_chronicles/29-6 "1 Chronicles 29:6-9 - Offerings for the Temple")
* [2 Corinthians 8:19-21](/2_corinthians/8-19 "2 Corinthians 8:19-21 - Paul's Accountability for Offerings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 8:26 speaks profoundly to the contemporary believer about the nature of stewardship and trust. Just as Ezra meticulously accounted for the vast treasures dedicated to God's house, we are called to handle all resources—whether financial, material, or spiritual—with integrity, transparency, and responsibility. This verse challenges us to consider our own practices of accountability in every sphere of life, recognizing that everything we possess is ultimately a trust from God. Moreover, Ezra's decision to forgo a military escort, relying instead on divine protection for such a valuable cargo, serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate security and provision come from God alone. This encourages us to cultivate a radical trust in His safeguarding hand, especially when undertaking significant endeavors for His kingdom, even when it seems counter-intuitive to worldly wisdom. Our faithful stewardship, coupled with unwavering trust, honors God and positions us to witness His miraculous provision and protection.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel God has entrusted you with significant "treasures" (resources, gifts, relationships, time)?**
* **How does Ezra's meticulous accounting challenge or affirm your own practices of stewardship and accountability?**
* **What "valuable cargo" (ministry, family, personal calling) are you carrying that requires you to trust God for protection rather than relying solely on human means?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper sense of transparency and integrity in managing the resources God has given you?**

### FAQ

**What was the approximate value of the treasures mentioned in Ezra 8:26 in modern terms?**

Answer: While a precise modern equivalent is difficult due to fluctuating metal prices and ancient purchasing power, the value was immense. A talent of silver was roughly 75 pounds (34 kg), and a talent of gold was also about 75 pounds (34 kg).
* 650 talents of silver: ~48,750 pounds (22,112 kg) of silver.
* 100 talents of silver vessels: ~7,500 pounds (3,400 kg) of silver in vessels.
* 100 talents of gold: ~7,500 pounds (3,400 kg) of gold.

At current market prices (which vary greatly), this would be hundreds of millions of dollars, if not billions. This staggering sum underscores the extraordinary generosity of King Artaxerxes and the Jewish exiles, and the profound importance placed on the Temple's restoration and service. It was truly a king's ransom, demonstrating the scale of divine provision for His people and His house. This level of provision is also seen in the offerings for the first Temple in [1 Chronicles 29:6-9](/1_chronicles/29-6 "1 Chronicles 29:6-9 - Offerings for the Temple").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 8:26, with its emphasis on immense treasure meticulously weighed and entrusted for God's house, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual amplification in Christ. The physical treasures for the earthly Temple foreshadow the immeasurable spiritual riches found in Christ, who is the true and eternal Temple (as described in [John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus and the Temple") and [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Just as Ezra was entrusted with material wealth for a physical structure, Christ, the Son of God, was entrusted with the ultimate "treasure"—the salvation of humanity and the establishment of God's spiritual kingdom. He perfectly stewarded this divine mission, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, far surpassing any earthly silver or gold (as seen in [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Precious Blood")). The meticulous weighing of treasures in Ezra’s time points to the perfect, unblemished nature of Christ's sacrifice, weighed in the scales of divine justice and found perfectly sufficient. Furthermore, the divine protection granted to Ezra's valuable cargo prefigures the ultimate security and preservation of those who are "in Christ," for whom spiritual treasures are laid up in heaven, guarded by God Himself ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")). The immense value of the offerings for the Temple pales in comparison to the "unsearchable riches of Christ" that believers now inherit ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - Unsearchable Riches of Christ")), freely given to us through His grace.

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

Ezra 1:9

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

Ezra 1:11

All the vessels of gold and of silver [were] five thousand and four hundred. All [these] did Sheshbazzar bring up with [them of] the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.