1 esdras 8:58 - And I said to them, Both you⌃ are holy to the Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the gold and the silver are a vow to the Lord, the Lord of our fathers.

Generated Verse: 1 esdras 8:58

What does "1 esdras 8:58" mean?


This verse from 1 Esdras 8:58, part of the apocryphal book 1 Esdras (which corresponds largely to Ezra in the Hebrew Bible), speaks about the holiness of the people and the offerings intended for the temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down the meaning:

"And I said to them...": This likely refers to Ezra, the priest and scribe, addressing the Levites and other temple servants who were tasked with protecting and transporting the treasures back to Jerusalem from Babylon.
"Both you are holy to the Lord...": Ezra is emphasizing that the people chosen for this task are consecrated and set apart for God's service. Their role in handling sacred objects requires them to be in a state of purity and devotion.
"...and the vessels are holy...": The vessels mentioned are the sacred containers and utensils used in the temple for rituals and sacrifices. They are inherently holy because of their dedicated purpose.
"...and the gold and the silver are a vow to the Lord, the Lord of our fathers.": The gold and silver represent the offerings and donations made to God, a fulfillment of vows made to Him by the people of Israel, tracing back to their ancestors. These precious metals are dedicated specifically to the service of the temple and are considered sacred.
"The Lord of our fathers": The title is a reminder of the continuity of God's relationship with Israel throughout history, emphasizing the importance of honoring the covenant made with their ancestors.

In essence, the verse underscores the sacredness of both the people entrusted with the task and the objects they are transporting. It highlights the importance of dedication, purity, and fulfilling vows to God. The verse is a powerful statement of the sanctity of the temple and the worship of God.

What categories does "1 esdras 8:58" have?