Definition: And I said unto them, Ye [are] holy unto the LORD; the vessels [are] holy also; and the silver and the gold [are] a freewill offering unto the LORD God of your fathers.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 8:28. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising passage in the Bible! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the people of Jerusalem (at the time) were already considered holy and special to God. They weren’t just being polite; they were actually treated as a gift – like offering something precious to God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezra 8:28” : This refers to a specific event in ancient Israel – a meeting between Ezra and the priests. “And I said unto them…” : This is an address, like speaking directly to someone. Ezra is addressing the people. “…Ye [are] holy unto the LORD…” : This means they were already considered righteous or set apart by God. It's not about earning holiness; it’s about being blessed and loved by God from the start. Think of it like having a special, protected place in God's heart. “…the vessels [are] holy also…” : “Vessels” refers to people – specifically, the priests and leaders of Israel. They were valued because they were responsible for carrying out God’s laws and offering sacrifices. “…and the silver and the gold [are] a freewill offering unto the LORD God of your fathers.” : This is the really interesting part! It means that their wealth, possessions (silver and gold), weren't just being given as a payment for their work or status. Instead, they were offered as a gift to God – a way of showing their devotion and trust in Him. It’s like saying, “We are giving this to you because we believe in you!” It was a demonstration of their faith and willingness to surrender something valuable to the divine. In short: Ezra is saying that the people of Jerusalem were blessed from the beginning and were given a special place – a way of showing their love and devotion to God by offering something precious to Him. Why it’s important: This verse highlights the idea of ongoing holiness, not just a one-time event. It shows that God's love and favor are always available to those who are truly devoted to Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a specific story or historical context?