Verse:
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."

Context and Background:
Ezra 2:69 is situated within the broader narrative of the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem, a pivotal moment in Jewish history. This chapter lists the exiles who returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua, as well as the resources they contributed to the rebuilding of the temple. The return from exile marks a significant fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people and reestablish worship in Jerusalem.

Analysis:
The verse highlights the voluntary contributions made by the returning exiles towards the reconstruction of the temple. The phrase "according to their ability" underscores the principle of proportional giving, where each individual contributed based on their capacity. This reflects a communal commitment to the restoration of the temple, which was central to Jewish worship and identity.

The specific mention of "61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 priestly garments" indicates the substantial nature of the contributions. The daric, a gold coin, and the mina, a unit of weight for silver, represent significant wealth, suggesting the dedication and sacrifice of the people. The inclusion of priestly garments emphasizes the importance of restoring not just the physical structure of the temple but also the proper conduct of worship and religious practices.

Theological Significance:
Ezra 2:69 illustrates the principle of stewardship and the importance of supporting God's work through material resources. The willingness of the exiles to give generously reflects their devotion to God and their desire to see His purposes fulfilled. This act of giving is an expression of faith and trust in God's provision and a recognition of their role in His redemptive plan.

The verse also serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility of God's people to contribute to the community's spiritual and physical needs. It highlights the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving common goals, particularly in the context of rebuilding and renewal.

Application:
For contemporary readers, Ezra 2:69 encourages a spirit of generosity and commitment to supporting the work of God in various forms, whether through financial contributions, time, or talents. It challenges believers to assess their own capacity to give and to do so willingly and joyfully, trusting in God's provision and blessing.

In a broader sense, this verse calls the faith community to prioritize the worship and service of God, recognizing that such endeavors require collective effort and sacrifice. It serves as an enduring example of how God's people can come together to accomplish His purposes, even in the face of challenges and uncertainties.61000 (1 Occurrence)

Ezra 2:69
they gave after their ability into the treasury of the work sixty-one thousand darics of gold, and five thousand minas of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.
(See NAS)

61000 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 61000 (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:69 they gave after their
ability into the treasury of the work sixty-one thousand ...
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