Nehemiah 7:72

And [that] which the rest of the people gave [was] twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.

And that which the rest {H7611} of the people {H5971} gave {H5414} was twenty {H8147} thousand {H7239} drams {H1871} of gold {H2091}, and two thousand {H505} pound {H4488} of silver {H3701}, and threescore {H8346} and seven {H7651} priests {H3548}' garments {H3801}.

The rest of the people gave 20,000 gold darkmonim, 2,000 silver manim [about one-and-a-quarter tons] and sixty-seven tunics for the cohanim.

The rest of the people gave a total of 20,000 darics of gold, 2,000 minas of silver, and 67 priestly garments.

And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand pounds of silver, and threescore and seven priests’ garments.

Commentary

Nehemiah 7:72 concludes a significant section detailing the roster of those who returned from Babylonian captivity and their contributions to the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. This particular verse highlights the collective generosity of "the rest of the people," meaning the general populace beyond the specific leaders and family groups mentioned earlier.

Context

This verse is the culmination of a detailed census (Nehemiah 7:1-69) that parallels a similar record in Ezra 2. After listing the various families and their numbers, Nehemiah records the contributions made by the community towards the work of restoration. These offerings were crucial for funding the ongoing rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and supporting the temple service, indicating a widespread commitment to re-establishing their spiritual and physical heritage in the land.

Key Themes

  • Generosity and Sacrifice: The substantial donations of gold, silver, and valuable priests' garments demonstrate the deep commitment and sacrificial spirit of the returning exiles. Their contributions were vital for the immense task of rebuilding the city and reinstituting proper worship.
  • Collective Responsibility: The phrase "the rest of the people" underscores that the restoration project was not solely the burden of leaders or specific wealthy individuals. It was a broad, community-wide undertaking where everyone played a part, reflecting the people's collective effort in rebuilding with "a mind to work."
  • Provision for God's Work: The specific mention of priests' garments, alongside precious metals, signifies the people's dedication to supporting the Levitical priesthood and ensuring the proper functioning of temple rituals. It shows a holistic approach to rebuilding, encompassing both physical structures and spiritual institutions.

Linguistic Insights

The "drams of gold" refer to the daric, a Persian gold coin, which was a standard and valuable unit of currency in the Achaemenid Empire. "Two thousand pound of silver" likely refers to two thousand minas (or manehs) of silver, a significant weight of precious metal. These figures, combined with "threescore and seven priests' garments" (sixty-seven sets of priestly vestments), represent a considerable and tangible investment by the community, highlighting the magnitude of their devotion and the resources committed to God's service.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 7:72 offers a powerful illustration of faithful stewardship and community involvement. It reminds believers today that God's work, whether in local congregations or global missions, often requires the generous and willing contributions of His people. The passage encourages broad participation, emphasizing that every gift, large or small, contributes to the greater good and the advancement of God's purposes. It echoes the principle of cheerful giving, where contributions are made out of a willing heart for the glory of God and the benefit of His kingdom.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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