Nehemiah 7:71
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 the families
This phrase highlights the leadership and responsibility within the community. In the context of Nehemiah, the heads of families were often the elders or patriarchs who held significant influence. Their involvement in giving reflects a communal effort and a sense of duty to the restoration of Jerusalem. This mirrors the biblical principle of stewardship and leadership seen in passages like Exodus 18:21, where leaders are chosen for their ability to guide and manage the people.

gave to the treasury for the project
The act of giving to the treasury indicates a collective investment in the rebuilding of the city walls and the temple. This reflects the communal nature of worship and service in ancient Israel, where the community came together to support religious and civic projects. The treasury was a central place for collecting offerings, similar to the temple treasury mentioned in Mark 12:41-44, where Jesus observes the giving of the widow's mite.

20,000 darics of gold
The daric was a gold coin used during the Persian Empire, named after Darius the Great. Its mention here underscores the historical context of Nehemiah's time, when Judah was under Persian rule. The substantial amount of gold given signifies the wealth and commitment of the contributors. This generosity can be compared to the contributions for the tabernacle in Exodus 35:22, where the Israelites gave willingly and abundantly.

and 2,200 minas of silver
A mina was a unit of weight and currency in the ancient Near East. The large quantity of silver donated further emphasizes the dedication of the people to the rebuilding efforts. Silver, often associated with redemption in biblical symbolism, can be seen as a type pointing to the redemptive work of Christ, who was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15). The combined offering of gold and silver reflects the preciousness and value of the work being undertaken for God's glory.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Heads of the Families
These were the leaders or patriarchs of the various family groups within the community. They played a significant role in decision-making and leadership within the Jewish society.

2. Treasury
This refers to the storehouse or fund where contributions were collected for the work of rebuilding and maintaining the temple and the city walls of Jerusalem.

3. 20,000 Darics of Gold
The daric was a gold coin used during the Persian Empire, indicating the significant financial contribution made by the heads of the families.

4. 2,200 Minas of Silver
A mina was a unit of weight and currency, showing the substantial amount of silver contributed for the work.

5. The Work
This refers to the rebuilding efforts of Jerusalem's walls and the temple, a central focus of Nehemiah's mission to restore the city and its religious practices.
Teaching Points
Generosity in Giving
The heads of the families demonstrated a spirit of generosity, which is a model for believers today. We are called to give willingly and sacrificially to support God's work.

Leadership and Responsibility
The leaders took initiative in giving, setting an example for others. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to lead by example in stewardship and generosity.

Community Involvement
The collective effort of the community in contributing to the work underscores the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving God's purposes.

Faith in Action
The contributions were a tangible expression of faith and commitment to God's mission. Our faith should also be evident in our actions and willingness to support God's work.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the example of the heads of the families in Nehemiah 7:71 challenge your perspective on giving and generosity?

2. In what ways can you contribute to the "work" of God in your community, similar to the contributions made for the rebuilding of Jerusalem?

3. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or participated in a community effort for a common goal. How did it impact your faith and understanding of unity?

4. How can leaders today emulate the example of the heads of the families in taking initiative and setting an example in stewardship?

5. Consider the connection between Nehemiah 7:71 and 2 Corinthians 9:7. How can you cultivate a heart of cheerful giving in your own life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 35:20-29
This passage describes the Israelites' contributions to the construction of the Tabernacle, showing a parallel in the willingness of God's people to give generously for His work.

2 Corinthians 9:7
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and cheerfully, which aligns with the spirit of generosity seen in Nehemiah 7:71.

1 Chronicles 29:6-9
This passage recounts the leaders of Israel giving generously for the building of the temple, similar to the contributions made in Nehemiah's time.
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
2, 200, Darics, 20000, Drachmas, Drams, Families, Fathers, Gold, Heads, Households, Houses, Hundred, Minas, Myriads, Pound, Pounds, Silver, Store, Thousand, Treasure, Treasury, Twenty
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 7:70-72

     4333   gold

Nehemiah 7:71-72

     4363   silver
     5615   weights

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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