Ezra 8:30

So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring [them] to Jerusalem unto the house of our God.

So took {H6901} the priests {H3548} and the Levites {H3881} the weight {H4948} of the silver {H3701}, and the gold {H2091}, and the vessels {H3627}, to bring {H935} them to Jerusalem {H3389} unto the house {H1004} of our God {H430}.

So the cohanim and L'vi'im received the consignment of silver and gold and the articles to bring to Yerushalayim, to the house of our God.

So the priests and Levites took charge of the silver and gold and sacred articles that had been weighed out to be taken to the house of our God in Jerusalem.

So the priests and the Levites received the weight of the silver and the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem unto the house of our God.

Commentary

Ezra 8:30 details a crucial moment in Ezra's journey from Babylon back to Jerusalem: the formal acceptance of the precious offerings by the designated priests and Levites. This verse encapsulates the careful accountability and sacred trust involved in transporting valuable contributions intended for the rebuilt temple.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative describing Ezra's second return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem (following the initial return led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua). Ezra 8 focuses on the preparation for this arduous and dangerous journey. Knowing the perils of robbers and enemies along the way, Ezra had refused a military escort from King Artaxerxes, instead relying on divine protection after a period of fasting and prayer (Ezra 8:21-23). Because of this decision, the responsibility for safeguarding the considerable donations of silver, gold, and vessels for the temple fell entirely upon a select group of priests and Levites. Verses Ezra 8:26-27 specifically list the immense value and sacred nature of these items, underscoring the weight of responsibility mentioned in verse 30.

Key Themes

  • Stewardship and Accountability: The verse highlights the meticulous process of weighing and entrusting the sacred offerings. This emphasizes the importance of careful stewardship, especially when handling resources dedicated to God. The priests and Levites were held accountable for every piece.
  • Consecration and Trust: The task was given to the priests and Levites, individuals set apart for holy service. Their consecrated status made them the appropriate custodians for God's holy treasures, signifying a deep trust placed in them.
  • Faithfulness to God's House: The ultimate goal was to bring these items "to Jerusalem unto the house of our God." This demonstrates a profound commitment to supporting the worship and restoration of the temple, which was central to Israelite identity and spiritual life after the exile.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "took the weight" in Hebrew (derived from the verb qabal, Χ§ΦΈΧ‘Φ·Χœ) means to receive or accept. It implies not just physically taking possession, but formally accepting the charge and responsibility. This isn't a casual transfer; it's a solemn act of receiving a measured, accounted-for quantity, underscoring the meticulousness and accountability involved in handling God's dedicated resources.

Practical Application

Ezra 8:30 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Responsible Stewardship: We are called to be faithful stewards of all that God entrusts to usβ€”our time, talents, and material possessions. This verse reminds us of the importance of integrity and accountability in handling resources, especially those dedicated to God's work.
  • Trustworthiness: Just as the priests and Levites were chosen for their trustworthiness, believers should strive to be reliable and dependable in all their commitments, particularly in matters of faith and service.
  • Dedication to God's Purpose: The ultimate aim was to bring the offerings to the House of our God in Jerusalem. This encourages us to dedicate our resources and efforts towards advancing God's kingdom and supporting His purposes in the world.

This single verse, though brief, powerfully illustrates the values of responsibility, holiness, and unwavering dedication in the service of the Lord.

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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

  • Isaiah 60:13

    The glory of Lebanon shall come unto thee, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

  • Ezra 8:22

    For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God [is] upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath [is] against all them that forsake him.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:2

    Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for [things to be made] of gold, and the silver for [things] of silver, and the brass for [things] of brass, the iron for [things] of iron, and wood for [things] of wood; onyx stones, and [stones] to be set, glistering stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:3

    Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, [which] I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

  • Psalms 122:9

    Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.
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