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.

And I said {H559} unto them, Ye are holy {H6944} unto the LORD {H3068}; the vessels {H3627} are holy {H6944} also; and the silver {H3701} and the gold {H2091} are a freewill offering {H5071} unto the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of your fathers {H1}.

Then I told them, "You are consecrated to ADONAI, the articles are holy, and the silver and gold are a voluntary offering for ADONAI the God of your ancestors.

Then I told them, โ€œYou are holy to the LORD, and these articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers.

And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto Jehovah, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill-offering unto Jehovah, the God of your fathers.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezra 8:28 (KJV)

Ezra 8:28 is a pivotal verse in the account of Ezra's second return journey from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem, highlighting the sacred trust placed upon the returning exiles and their valuable offerings for the rebuilt Temple. It underscores the profound sense of consecration and divine ownership that permeated their mission.

Context

This verse is part of Ezra's narrative detailing the preparations for the arduous and dangerous journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. Ezra had gathered a significant number of exiles, along with substantial amounts of silver, gold, and vessels donated by King Artaxerxes, his counselors, and the Israelites themselves, all intended for the service of the Temple in Jerusalem. Recognizing the perils of the journey (robbers, wilderness), Ezra fasted and prayed for divine protection (Ezra 8:21-23), choosing not to request a military escort to demonstrate his trust in God. Before embarking, he entrusted these precious items to a select group of priests and Levites, emphasizing their immense responsibility. Verse 28 serves as his charge to them, setting the tone for their sacred duty.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Consecration: The declaration "Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are holy also" signifies that both the people handling the sacred items and the items themselves are set apart for God's exclusive use and service. This isn't merely ritual purity but a deep spiritual dedication. It echoes the broader Old Testament emphasis on the distinctness of God's people and anything associated with His worship, reminding them to "sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God."
  • Stewardship and Trust: Ezra entrusts immense wealth to the priests and Levites, highlighting the weighty responsibility of managing God's resources. Their integrity and faithfulness were paramount. This act also demonstrates Ezra's trust in God to protect these consecrated items through His chosen servants.
  • Freewill Offering: The silver and gold are explicitly called "a freewill offering unto the LORD God of your fathers." This indicates that these contributions were given voluntarily, out of a willing heart, rather than as a compulsory tax. Such offerings were highly valued in Israelite worship, signifying sincere devotion and generosity, much like the offerings for the Tabernacle.
  • Divine Ownership: Despite being handled by human hands, all the wealth and the people themselves ultimately belong to the "LORD God of your fathers," emphasizing His supreme authority and ownership over all things.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "holy" used here is ืงึนื“ึถืฉื (qodesh), which carries the core meaning of being "set apart," "consecrated," or "dedicated" for sacred use. It implies separation from the common or profane and exclusive devotion to God. When applied to the people, it signifies their special covenant relationship with God; when applied to the vessels and offerings, it denotes their specific purpose in divine worship.

Practical Application

Ezra 8:28 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  1. Personal Consecration: Just as the exiles were declared holy, believers are called to be holy, set apart for God's purposes. Our lives, bodies, and actions should reflect our dedication to the Lord (Romans 12:1).
  2. Faithful Stewardship: We are entrusted with various resourcesโ€”time, talents, finances, and relationships. This verse reminds us that these are ultimately God's, and we are called to be faithful stewards, handling them with integrity and for His glory.
  3. Cheerful Giving: The emphasis on a "freewill offering" encourages us to give generously and willingly, not under compulsion, but out of love and devotion to God (2 Corinthians 9:7).
  4. Trust in God's Protection: When undertaking God's work, especially when it involves valuable resources or significant risks, we are encouraged to trust in His divine protection and provision, just as Ezra did.
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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

  • Leviticus 22:2

    Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they profane not my holy name [in those things] which they hallow unto me: I [am] the LORD.

  • Leviticus 22:3

    Say unto them, Whosoever [he be] of all your seed among your generations, that goeth unto the holy things, which the children of Israel hallow unto the LORD, having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off from my presence: I [am] the LORD.

  • Leviticus 21:6

    They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, [and] the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

  • Leviticus 21:8

    Thou shalt sanctify him therefore; for he offereth the bread of thy God: he shall be holy unto thee: for I the LORD, which sanctify you, [am] holy.

  • Deuteronomy 33:8

    ยถ And of Levi he said, [Let] thy Thummim and thy Urim [be] with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, [and with] whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;

  • Numbers 4:4

    This [shall be] the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation, [about] the most holy things:

  • Numbers 4:15

    And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward; after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear [it]: but they shall not touch [any] holy thing, lest they die. These [things are] the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.
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