Definition: They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priestsâ garments.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezra 2:69. It's a really significant story about restoring faith and rebuilding a community after a period of apostasy (breaking God’s laws). Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: The Problem: A long time ago, some people in Jerusalem were acting very strangely – they weren’t following God's rules. They were practicing different religions and worshipping other gods. This was a big problem for the Jewish community because it threatened their faith and stability. The Offer: The Jewish leaders, led by Ezra, decided to take action. They offered a huge reward – a massive amount of money and precious metals – to anyone who would help them recover the lost faith and rebuild the community. What Happened: The Treasure: They amassed a huge fortune: 3000 drams (that’s about $1.2 million in today's dollars!) of gold, 5000 pounds of silver, and 100 priests’ garments (which were special robes used for religious rituals). This was a really impressive amount of wealth! The Meaning – It’s About Restoration: Giving After Their Ability: The key part is "they gave after their ability unto the treasure." This means they voluntarily surrendered their wealth to the rebuilding project. They weren't demanding it, but they were willing to give it up for a good cause – restoring faith and bringing back the community to God’s law. Focus on Faith: The act of giving this treasure wasn't just about money; it was about returning to faith . It showed that they were truly committed to following God’s instructions and rebuilding their community according to His will. In essence, this verse tells us that even when people stray from the right path, they can still choose to do good and rebuild, demonstrating a willingness to turn back to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the story? Talk about what this event might symbolize (like the importance of repentance)?