Ezra 8:33

Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him [was] Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them [was] Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;

Now on the fourth {H7243} day {H3117} was the silver {H3701} and the gold {H2091} and the vessels {H3627} weighed {H8254} in the house {H1004} of our God {H430} by the hand {H3027} of Meremoth {H4822} the son {H1121} of Uriah {H223} the priest {H3548}; and with him was Eleazar {H499} the son {H1121} of Phinehas {H6372}; and with them was Jozabad {H3107} the son {H1121} of Jeshua {H3442}, and Noadiah {H5129} the son {H1121} of Binnui {H1131}, Levites {H3881};

On the fourth day, the silver, gold and articles were weighed in the house of our God and handed over to M'remot the son of Uriyah the cohen; with him was El'azar the son of Pinchas; and with them were Yozavad the son of Yeshua and No'adyah the son of Binui, who were L'vi'im.

On the fourth day, in the house of our God, we weighed out the silver and gold and sacred articles into the hand of Meremoth son of Uriah, the priest. Eleazar son of Phinehas was with him, along with the Levites Jozabad son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui.

And on the fourth day the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed in the house of our God into the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest (and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, the Levites)β€”

Commentary

Ezra 8:33 details a critical moment following the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem under Ezra’s leadership. This verse highlights the careful and transparent accounting of the valuable temple treasures that had been entrusted to Ezra and his companions for their perilous journey.

Context

This verse takes place on the fourth day after Ezra and his company arrived in Jerusalem, marking the culmination of their challenging journey from Babylon (see Ezra 7:9). Having previously refused a military escort, Ezra had instead sought God's protection through fasting and prayer for a safe passage (Ezra 8:21-23). The substantial amount of silver, gold, and vessels, weighing over 650 talents (Ezra 8:26-27), represented significant wealth and sacred items donated by King Artaxerxes, his counselors, and the Israelites remaining in Babylon. These were essential for the rebuilding and furnishing of the Temple of God in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians.

Key Themes

  • Stewardship and Accountability: The meticulous weighing of the precious items demonstrates a profound commitment to stewardship. Ezra had carefully appointed individuals to guard these treasures during the journey (Ezra 8:29), and now, upon arrival, they were publicly verified. This act underscores the biblical principle of faithfulness in handling resources, especially those dedicated to God.
  • Integrity and Transparency: The public weighing "in the house of our God" (the Temple precinct) by named priests and Levites ensured transparency. This open accounting prevented suspicion and affirmed the integrity of all involved in handling God's dedicated property.
  • Divine Protection and Faithfulness: The safe arrival of such a vast amount of wealth through dangerous territory, as previously prayed for, testifies to God's protective hand and faithfulness to His people.
  • Order and Process: The orderly transfer and verification of the treasures highlight the importance of proper procedures and adherence to established protocols, especially concerning sacred matters.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "weighed" (שָׁקַל - shaqal) implies a precise and careful measurement, often used in contexts of commercial transactions or the handling of precious metals. It signifies verification and exactness, emphasizing the thoroughness of the inventory process.

Key Figures

The verse names specific individuals entrusted with this vital task: Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest, Eleazar the son of Phinehas (also a priest), and Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui (both Levites). Their involvement underscores the importance of the priestly and Levitical roles in overseeing temple affairs and handling sacred objects, ensuring proper religious protocol and integrity.

Practical Application

Ezra 8:33 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Accountability in Service: Just as Ezra and his companions were meticulous with physical treasures, we are called to be accountable in all areas of life, especially when handling resources or responsibilities entrusted to us, whether in personal finances, church ministries, or professional roles.
  • Integrity as a Witness: Transparency and integrity in our dealings reflect positively on our faith and provide a powerful witness to others.
  • Trusting God for Protection: The safe journey of the exiles reminds us to pray for God's protection over our endeavors and to trust in His providence, even when facing significant risks.
  • The Value of Order: God is a God of order. Implementing clear processes and documentation in our personal and corporate lives can prevent misunderstandings and foster trust.
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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

  • Nehemiah 3:4

    And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.

  • 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.

  • Nehemiah 3:21

    After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.

  • Nehemiah 10:9

    And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel;

  • Nehemiah 3:24

    After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning [of the wall], even unto the corner.

  • 1 Chronicles 28:14

    [He gave] of gold by weight for [things] of gold, for all instruments of all manner of service; [silver also] for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service:

  • 1 Chronicles 28:18

    And for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot of the cherubims, that spread out [their wings], and covered the ark of the covenant of the LORD.
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