Bible Strands
Ezra 7:15
Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The Persian king and his seven counselors issue this directive to Ezra during his commissioning to assess Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law. The instruction occurs at the outset of Ezra’s journey to manage the temple resources.
The words — The phrase וּ/לְ/הֵיבָלָ֖ה (u./le./hei.va.Lah) literally means "and to carry," commanding the physical transport of the metals. The verb הִתְנַדַּ֙בוּ֙ (hit.na.Da.vu) specifies that the king and his advisors "have offered freely" these funds as a voluntary gift.
The thread — The identification of Jerusalem as God's dwelling place appears in Psalms 135:21, while the theme of God's Name residing in a designated location connects to Ezra 6:12. The collection of silver and gold for the Jerusalem temple continues the financial provisions detailed in Ezra 7:16.
Why it lands — The text explicitly orders the movement of consecrated silver and gold to Jerusalem for the God of Israel. A reader must note that the metals were provided through voluntary offering rather than royal confiscation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,
Cross-references
- 2 Chronicles 6:2 But I have built You an exalted house, a place for You to dwell forever.”
- Psalms 135:21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion—He who dwells in Jerusalem. Hallelujah!
- Ezra 6:12 May God, who has caused His Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to alter this decree or to destroy this house of God in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have issued the decree. Let it be carried out with diligence.
- 1 Chronicles 29:6 Then the leaders of the families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly.
- 2 Chronicles 2:6 But who is able to build a house for Him, since the heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain Him? Who then am I, that I should build a house for Him, except as a place to burn sacrifices before Him?
- 2 Chronicles 6:6 But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’
- Ezra 6:4 with three layers of cut stones and one of timbers. The costs are to be paid from the royal treasury.
- Ezra 6:8 I hereby decree what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates, so that the work will not be hindered.
- Psalms 9:11 Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion; proclaim His deeds among the nations.
- Psalms 26:8 O LORD, I love the house where You dwell, the place where Your glory resides.