Ezra 1:6 describes the generous support given to the returning Jewish exiles who were authorized by King Cyrus of Persia to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down the verse:
"All those who were around them...": This refers to the neighbors of the returning exiles, who were likely either non-Jewish inhabitants of the region or Jews who had remained in the land of Babylon.
"...strengthened their hands...": This is a figurative way of saying that they supported and helped the exiles. To "strengthen someone's hands" means to empower them, encourage them, and make their task easier.
"...with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with animals, and with precious things...": This lists the types of material wealth that were donated to the returning exiles. These gifts would be crucial for rebuilding their lives, the Temple, and the city of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed decades prior.
Vessels of silver/gold: These could be valuable containers, religious objects, or even raw materials.
Goods: This is a broad term that could include food, clothing, tools, and other necessities.
Animals: Livestock was vital for agriculture, transportation, and sacrifices.
Precious things: This could encompass valuable jewels, ornaments, or other rare and expensive items.
"...besides all that was willingly offered.": This emphasizes that the donations were voluntary and heartfelt. In addition to the specific items mentioned, people gave according to their ability and desire. This suggests a genuine sense of goodwill and support for the returning exiles' mission.
In essence, the verse illustrates that the return to Jerusalem was not just a royal decree, but also a grassroots movement supported by the generosity of the people around the exiles. This support was crucial for the success of the rebuilding efforts and the restoration of Jewish religious life.
Key takeaways:
Support for the rebuilding: It shows the material support given to the returning exiles to help them rebuild the Temple and their lives.
Generosity and Willingness: It highlights the voluntary and generous nature of the contributions.
Importance of Community: It emphasizes the importance of community support in times of rebuilding and restoration.
Practical Needs Met: The gifts were practical and addressed the diverse needs of the returning exiles, from basic necessities to resources for religious rituals.
Ezra 1:6 describes the generous support given to the returning Jewish exiles who were authorized by King Cyrus of Persia to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down the verse:
"All those who were around them...": This refers to the neighbors of the returning exiles, who were likely either non-Jewish inhabitants of the region or Jews who had remained in the land of Babylon.
"...strengthened their hands...": This is a figurative way of saying that they supported and helped the exiles. To "strengthen someone's hands" means to empower them, encourage them, and make their task easier.
"...with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with animals, and with precious things...": This lists the types of material wealth that were donated to the returning exiles. These gifts would be crucial for rebuilding their lives, the Temple, and the city of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed decades prior.
Vessels of silver/gold: These could be valuable containers, religious objects, or even raw materials.
Goods: This is a broad term that could include food, clothing, tools, and other necessities.
Animals: Livestock was vital for agriculture, transportation, and sacrifices.
Precious things: This could encompass valuable jewels, ornaments, or other rare and expensive items.
"...besides all that was willingly offered.": This emphasizes that the donations were voluntary and heartfelt. In addition to the specific items mentioned, people gave according to their ability and desire. This suggests a genuine sense of goodwill and support for the returning exiles' mission.
In essence, the verse illustrates that the return to Jerusalem was not just a royal decree, but also a grassroots movement supported by the generosity of the people around the exiles. This support was crucial for the success of the rebuilding efforts and the restoration of Jewish religious life.
Key takeaways:
Support for the rebuilding: It shows the material support given to the returning exiles to help them rebuild the Temple and their lives.
Generosity and Willingness: It highlights the voluntary and generous nature of the contributions.
Importance of Community: It emphasizes the importance of community support in times of rebuilding and restoration.
Practical Needs Met: The gifts were practical and addressed the diverse needs of the returning exiles, from basic necessities to resources for religious rituals.