Nehemiah 7:71

And [some] of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.

And some of the chief {H7218} of the fathers {H1} gave {H5414} to the treasure {H214} of the work {H4399} twenty {H8147} thousand {H7239} drams {H1871} of gold {H2091}, and two thousand {H505} and two hundred {H3967} pound {H4488} of silver {H3701}.

Some of the heads of fathers' clans gave into the treasury for the work 20,000 gold darkmonim [420 pounds] and 2,200 silver manim [one-and-a-third tons].

And some of the heads of the families gave to the treasury for the project 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver.

And some of the heads of fathers’ houses gave into the treasury of the work twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pounds of silver.

Commentary

Nehemiah 7:71 KJV Commentary provides insight into the generous contributions made by the leaders of Israel upon their return from Babylonian exile, underscoring their dedication to rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple.

Context

Nehemiah 7:71 is part of a detailed record of those who returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity, a list that largely mirrors the account in Ezra chapter 2. Following the census of families and their numbers, this verse, along with the subsequent ones, enumerates the financial and material contributions made by the "chief of the fathers" (heads of ancestral houses) and the people. These donations were specifically designated for "the treasure of the work," referring to the ongoing effort of rebuilding the temple and the city walls of Jerusalem, which had lain in ruins for decades. This act of giving immediately precedes the public reading of the Law in Nehemiah chapter 8, highlighting the people's commitment to both physical and spiritual restoration.

Key Themes

  • Generosity and Sacrifice: The verse showcases significant voluntary contributions of precious metals. The "chief of the fathers" led by example, offering substantial amounts of gold and silver, demonstrating their deep commitment to God's work and the restoration of their homeland.
  • Support for God's Work: The donations were directed towards "the treasure of the work," emphasizing the collective responsibility to finance and support the divine mandate of rebuilding the temple and the city. This act of giving was crucial for the practical execution of Nehemiah's vision.
  • Community and Leadership: The involvement of the "chief of the fathers" highlights the importance of leadership in fostering a spirit of generosity and unity within the community. Their contributions set a precedent and encouraged others to participate.
  • Post-Exilic Dedication: This verse reflects the renewed spiritual fervor and dedication of the returned exiles, who, having experienced the consequences of disobedience, now sought to honor God through their resources and labor.

Linguistic Insights

The units of currency mentioned, "drams of gold" and "pound of silver," are significant:

  • Drams (darkonim / δράχμη drachmē): This term, likely referring to the Persian daric, was a gold coin weighing about 8.4 grams. Twenty thousand drams of gold represented an immense sum, indicating the wealth and dedication of the donors. This was a common unit of currency in the Persian Empire during the post-exilic period.
  • Pound (maneh / μνᾶ mna): A "pound" or mina was a unit of weight, typically about 50-60 shekels, or around 500-600 grams. Two thousand two hundred pounds of silver also constituted a very large quantity, further emphasizing the scale of the contributions.

These terms underscore the historical context of the Persian Empire's influence and the substantial nature of the offerings.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 7:71 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Stewardship and Giving: The verse reminds us of the importance of being good stewards of the resources God entrusts to us and of our responsibility to give generously to support His work in the world. Just as the Israelites gave for the temple, we are called to support ministries, churches, and missions. This reflects the principle of cheerful giving as taught in the New Testament.
  • Leadership by Example: Leaders, whether in the church, community, or family, have a unique opportunity to inspire others through their own commitment and generosity. The "chief of the fathers" demonstrated this effectively.
  • Commitment to God's House: The dedication to rebuilding the physical temple translates today into a commitment to the spiritual "house of God" – the church – and its mission. Our contributions, whether financial, time, or talent, are vital for the advancement of God's kingdom.

This verse stands as a testament to the power of collective generosity and dedication in achieving God's purposes, even in challenging times of reconstruction and renewal.

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Cross-References

  • Job 34:19 (2 votes)

    [How much less to him] that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all [are] the work of his hands.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:12 (2 votes)

    For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not.

  • Luke 21:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

  • Luke 21:4 (2 votes)

    For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.