Ezra 2:69 – “According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver and 100 priestly garments.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Ezra 2:69 describes how the returning exiles generously contributed to the rebuilding of the temple. Each person gave according to their ability, and the total offering amounted to 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 priestly garments. This verse highlights both the willingness of the people to give and the diversity in their giving—some gave precious metals, while others gave practical items like priestly garments. This act of giving was a demonstration of their commitment to restoring the house of God and ensuring that worship could be resumed in Jerusalem.
Historical Context
After 70 years in exile, the Israelites were finally permitted by King Cyrus of Persia to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4). The temple had been destroyed by the Babylonians, and its rebuilding was a crucial step in restoring the spiritual life of Israel. As the returning exiles began this monumental task, they gave generously from their own resources to fund the project. The reference to specific amounts of gold and silver shows that the people were fully invested in the work. The daric was a gold coin used in the Persian Empire, and a mina was a unit of silver. These offerings were significant both in their financial value and in the personal sacrifice they represented.
The mention of 100 priestly garments also points to the need for restoring proper worship, as the priests needed specific garments to carry out their duties in the temple. This shows that the people were concerned not only with the physical rebuilding of the temple but also with ensuring that worship was conducted in accordance with God’s laws.
Theological Implications
Ezra 2:69 teaches us about the importance of giving according to one’s ability and the heart of generosity that should accompany it. The people gave willingly and generously, according to what they had, to support the rebuilding of the temple. This reflects a biblical principle that giving is not about the amount, but about the willingness and sacrifice behind it. God values cheerful and sacrificial giving, whether it’s from our financial resources, our time, or our talents.
Theologically, this verse reminds us that God’s work is often supported by the collective effort of His people. Just as the temple was rebuilt through the contributions of many, God’s kingdom continues to advance as His people give and serve according to their ability. This also reflects the idea that each of us has a role to play in God’s plan, and our contributions—whether large or small—are valuable in His eyes.
Literary Analysis
Ezra 2 is a detailed account of the people, resources, and efforts involved in the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple. Verse 69 is part of a broader narrative that highlights the community’s commitment to restoring their relationship with God through worship. The specific mention of gold, silver, and priestly garments adds a sense of weight and significance to the contributions. This verse also emphasizes that giving was not forced or coerced; it was done willingly and in proportion to what each person could afford. This reinforces the theme of voluntary and joyful giving that runs throughout Scripture.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 2 Corinthians 8:12 – Paul teaches that the value of a gift is measured by what a person has, not by what they don’t have. This aligns with the idea in Ezra 2:69 that the people gave according to their ability.
- Exodus 35:21-29 – The Israelites brought freewill offerings to support the building of the tabernacle, similar to how they gave for the rebuilding of the temple in Ezra.
- Luke 21:1-4 – Jesus praises the widow who gave two small coins because she gave out of her poverty, showing that the heart behind the gift matters more than the amount.
- 1 Chronicles 29:9 – When the temple was first being prepared under King David, the people rejoiced because they had given willingly and generously.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
Ezra 2:69 teaches us the importance of giving generously and willingly to support God’s work. Whether through financial contributions, time, or talents, we are called to give according to our ability, knowing that our gifts can be used to further God’s kingdom. This verse reminds us that giving is not about comparison or competition—it’s about offering what we have with a willing heart. Just as the returning exiles gave to rebuild the temple, we are called to support the work of the church and the spread of the gospel through our own resources.
It also encourages us to see giving as an act of worship. The offerings given in Ezra 2:69 were not just financial transactions; they were expressions of devotion and commitment to God. For Christians today, giving is a way to honor God and participate in His mission, whether that’s through supporting ministries, helping those in need, or investing in the spiritual growth of others.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Ezra 2:69 reflects God’s loving nature in that He involves His people in His work. God could have provided for the rebuilding of the temple through any means, but He chose to work through the generosity of His people. This shows that God’s love is not just about what He gives to us, but about how He invites us to participate in His redemptive plan. When we give, we reflect God’s generous nature and demonstrate our love for Him and His purposes.
God’s love is also seen in how He values our gifts, no matter their size. Whether it’s a large contribution or a small one, God honors the heart behind the gift. This shows that God’s love is not based on what we can give, but on the relationship we have with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Ezra 2:69 connects to Jesus Christ in that Jesus is the ultimate example of sacrificial giving. Just as the exiles gave generously to rebuild the temple, Jesus gave His life to restore our relationship with God. His sacrifice on the cross was the greatest gift ever given, and it was offered freely and willingly. In response to His sacrifice, we are called to give of ourselves—our time, talents, and resources—to support the work of His kingdom.
Jesus also teaches that our giving should be done with a joyful and willing heart. In Matthew 6:19-21, He reminds us that our treasures should be stored up in heaven, not on earth, pointing to the eternal value of giving to God’s work. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His generosity by giving sacrificially for the sake of others and for the glory of God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Ezra 2:69 challenge us to think about the way we give to support God’s work, whether financially or in other ways?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of giving according to our ability and not comparing our gifts with others?
- In what ways can we cultivate a heart of generosity like the leaders who gave willingly for the rebuilding of the temple?
- How does this passage remind us that giving is an act of worship and an expression of our devotion to God?
- How can Jesus’ sacrificial giving inspire us to give more freely and joyfully in our own lives, knowing that our gifts are valuable to God’s kingdom?