Nehemiah 7:70
Some of the heads of the families contributed to the project. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 bowls, and 530 priestly garments.
Some of the heads of the families contributed to the project.
In the context of Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, the heads of the families played a crucial role in supporting the project. This reflects the communal responsibility and leadership within the Jewish community. The heads of families were often the decision-makers and held significant influence, which they used to contribute resources and labor. This act of giving is reminiscent of the contributions for the building of the Tabernacle in Exodus 35:20-29, where the Israelites gave willingly for the work of the Lord. It highlights the importance of collective effort and sacrifice in achieving God's purposes.

The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold,
The governor, likely Nehemiah himself, demonstrated leadership by personally contributing to the project. The daric was a gold coin used in the Persian Empire, indicating the influence of Persian culture and economy on the Jewish people during this period. The substantial amount of 1,000 darics signifies a significant investment in the restoration of Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of the project. This act of giving by a leader sets an example for others, aligning with the biblical principle of leaders serving as models of generosity and commitment (1 Chronicles 29:3-9).

50 bowls,
The bowls mentioned here were likely used for temple services, including offerings and rituals. The provision of these items underscores the focus on restoring not just the physical walls of Jerusalem but also the spiritual and religious practices of the Jewish people. The number 50 can symbolize completeness or fullness in biblical numerology, suggesting a complete provision for the needs of the temple service.

and 530 priestly garments.
Priestly garments were essential for the proper conduct of temple services, as outlined in Exodus 28. The provision of 530 garments indicates a significant number of priests being prepared for service, reflecting the revival of religious life in Jerusalem. This preparation for priestly service can be seen as a type of Christ, who is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), emphasizing the importance of holiness and dedication in worship. The restoration of priestly functions was crucial for re-establishing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The governor of Judah who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and initiated reforms among the people.

2. Heads of the Families
Leaders within the community who contributed to the rebuilding efforts, demonstrating leadership and responsibility.

3. The Treasury
The place where contributions were collected and managed for the rebuilding project.

4. Darics
A gold coin used during the Persian Empire, indicating the wealth and resources being invested in the project.

5. Priestly Garments
Special clothing for the priests, signifying the importance of worship and religious observance in the community.
Teaching Points
Leadership in Giving
Leaders are called to set an example in generosity and commitment to God's work. Just as the heads of families contributed, modern leaders should inspire and lead by example in supporting church and community projects.

Community Involvement
The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was a communal effort. This teaches us the importance of collective action and shared responsibility in achieving God's purposes.

Sacrificial Giving
The contributions of gold, bowls, and garments reflect sacrificial giving. Believers are encouraged to give not just from their excess but in a way that reflects true sacrifice and devotion.

Prioritizing Worship
The mention of priestly garments highlights the importance of worship and maintaining a focus on spiritual priorities even amidst practical projects.

Faithful Stewardship
The careful recording and management of contributions underscore the need for integrity and accountability in handling resources dedicated to God's work.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the example of the heads of families in Nehemiah 7:70 inspire you to contribute to your community or church projects?

2. In what ways can leaders today demonstrate the same commitment to God's work as Nehemiah and the heads of families did?

3. How can the principle of sacrificial giving be applied in your personal life, and what might that look like practically?

4. Why is it important to prioritize worship and spiritual practices even when engaged in practical or secular projects?

5. How can we ensure faithful stewardship and accountability in managing resources within our church or community organizations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2:68-69
This passage describes a similar event where the heads of families contributed to the rebuilding of the temple, showing a pattern of communal responsibility and generosity.

1 Chronicles 29:6-9
King David and the leaders of Israel gave generously for the building of the temple, illustrating a tradition of leadership-led giving.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Paul speaks about giving cheerfully, which aligns with the spirit of generosity seen in Nehemiah 7:70.
The True Method of ProsperityR.A. Redford Nehemiah 7:6-73
People
Akkub, Amon, Asaph, Ater, Azariah, Azmaveth, Baanah, Bakbuk, Barkos, Barzillai, Bazlith, Besai, Bezai, Bigvai, Bilshan, Darkon, Delaiah, Gahar, Gazzam, Giddel, Habaiah, Hagaba, Hakkoz, Hakupha, Hanan, Hanani, Hananiah, Harhur, Harsha, Hashum, Hashupha, Hasupha, Hatipha, Hatita, Hattil, Hezekiah, Hodaviah, Hodevah, Immer, Israelites, Jaala, Jedaiah, Jeshua, Joab, Kadmiel, Keros, Koz, Lebana, Lebanah, Levites, Mehida, Meunim, Mispereth, Mordecai, Nahamani, Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah, Nehum, Nekoda, Nephishesim, Neziah, Padon, Pahathmoab, Parosh, Paseah, Pashur, Perida, Phaseah, Pochereth, Raamiah, Reaiah, Rezin, Shallum, Shalmai, Shephatiah, Shobai, Sia, Sisera, Solomon, Sophereth, Sotai, Tabbaoth, Talmon, Tamah, Thamah, Tobiah, Tobijah, Uzza, Zaccai, Zattu, Zerubbabel, Ziha
Places
Ai, Anathoth, Babylon, Beeroth, Beth-azmaveth, Bethel, Bethlehem, Cherub, Geba, Gibeon, Hadid, Immer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Kiriath-jearim, Lod, Michmas, Nebo, Netophah, Ono, Ramah, Tel-harsha, Tel-melah
Topics
50, 530, 1000, Basons, Bowls, Chief, Coats, Contributed, Darics, Drachmas, Drams, Extremity, Families, Fathers, Fifty, Garments, Gold, Governor, Heads, Households, Houses, Hundred, Money, Priests, Robes, Store, Thirty, Thousand, Tirshatha, Treasure, Treasury, Tunics
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 7:70-72

     4333   gold
     5260   coinage
     7366   freewill offering

Library
"Take My Yoke Upon You, and Learn of Me," &C.
Matt. xi. 20.--"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me," &c. Self love is generally esteemed infamous and contemptible among men. It is of a bad report every where, and indeed as it is taken commonly, there is good reason for it, that it should be hissed out of all societies, if reproaching and speaking evil of it would do it. But to speak the truth, the name is not so fit to express the thing, for that which men call self love, may rather be called self hatred. Nothing is more pernicious to a man's
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Strait Gate;
OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN: PLAINLY PROVING, BY THE SCRIPTURES, THAT NOT ONLY THE RUDE AND PROFANE, BUT MANY GREAT PROFESSORS, WILL COME SHORT OF THAT KINGDOM. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."--Matthew 7:13, 14 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. If any uninspired writer has been
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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