Topical Encyclopedia Context and Background:Nehemiah 7:71 is situated within the broader narrative of the Book of Nehemiah, which chronicles the efforts of Nehemiah, a Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. The book highlights themes of leadership, faithfulness, and communal restoration. Nehemiah's mission is not only a physical reconstruction but also a spiritual renewal of the Jewish people. Verse Text (Berean Standard Bible): "Some of the heads of the families contributed to the treasury for the project: 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver." Analysis: Nehemiah 7:71 occurs in a section detailing the contributions made by the people of Israel towards the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the reestablishment of the community. This verse specifically mentions the generous donations made by the heads of families, underscoring the communal effort and shared responsibility in the restoration process. Key Themes: 1. Generosity and Sacrifice: · The verse highlights the willingness of the community leaders to give generously from their resources. The substantial contributions of gold and silver reflect a deep commitment to the cause and a recognition of the importance of the task at hand. 2. Leadership and Example: · The heads of families set an example for the rest of the community. Their leadership is not only in decision-making but also in demonstrating sacrificial giving. This act of generosity would have inspired others to contribute according to their means. 3. Community and Unity: · The collective effort in rebuilding the walls signifies a unified community working towards a common goal. The contributions from various families illustrate the shared vision and purpose among the Israelites, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation. 4. Faith and Trust in God: · The willingness to part with valuable resources indicates a trust in God's provision and a belief in the divine significance of their mission. The rebuilding of Jerusalem is seen as a fulfillment of God's promises and a step towards spiritual renewal. Historical and Cultural Insights: - Currency and Economy: · The mention of "darics" and "minas" provides insight into the economic context of the time. The daric was a gold coin used in the Persian Empire, indicating the influence of Persian culture and economy on the Jewish community during this period. - Post-Exilic Restoration: · This verse is part of the larger narrative of post-exilic restoration, where the Jewish people, having returned from Babylonian captivity, are re-establishing their identity and religious practices in their ancestral homeland. Conclusion: Nehemiah 7:71 serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of leadership in achieving communal goals. It reflects the dedication of the Jewish people to their faith and heritage, as well as their reliance on God to guide and sustain them through the challenges of rebuilding their city and community. This verse, like much of Nehemiah, encourages readers to consider the roles of generosity, leadership, and unity in their own spiritual and communal lives. Concordance 2200 (1 Occurrence)Nehemiah 7:71 Thesaurus 2200 (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance 2200 (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:71 Some of the heads of fathers' houses gave into the treasury of the work ... /num/2200.htm - 6k 2172 (2 Occurrences) 2300 (1 Occurrence) According (7613 Occurrences) Gospel (108 Occurrences) Hebrews (24 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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