Ezra 7:16
And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:
Original Language Analysis
בְּכֹ֖ל
And all
H3606
בְּכֹ֖ל
And all
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
1 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
דִּ֣י
H1768
דִּ֣י
Strong's:
H1768
Word #:
4 of 17
that, used as relative conjunction, and especially (with a preposition) in adverbial phrases; also as preposition of
תְהַשְׁכַּ֔ח
that thou canst find
H7912
תְהַשְׁכַּ֔ח
that thou canst find
Strong's:
H7912
Word #:
5 of 17
to discover (literally or figuratively)
בְּכֹ֖ל
And all
H3606
בְּכֹ֖ל
And all
Strong's:
H3606
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מְדִינַ֣ת
the province
H4083
מְדִינַ֣ת
the province
Strong's:
H4083
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region
בָּבֶ֑ל
of Babylon
H895
בָּבֶ֑ל
of Babylon
Strong's:
H895
Word #:
8 of 17
babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire
עִם֩
with
H5974
עִם֩
with
Strong's:
H5974
Word #:
9 of 17
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
עַמָּ֤א
of the people
H5972
עַמָּ֤א
of the people
Strong's:
H5972
Word #:
11 of 17
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְכָֽהֲנַיָּא֙
and of the priests
H3549
וְכָֽהֲנַיָּא֙
and of the priests
Strong's:
H3549
Word #:
12 of 17
one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
לְבֵ֥ית
for the house
H1005
לְבֵ֥ית
for the house
Strong's:
H1005
Word #:
14 of 17
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Cross References
1 Chronicles 29:6Then the chief of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the king's work, offered willingly,1 Chronicles 29:9Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the LORD: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.Ezra 1:6And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.Ezra 1:4And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.
Historical Context
The authorization to collect 'all the silver and gold' throughout Babylon province gave Ezra broad fundraising authority. Jewish communities in Babylon had prospered economically (evidenced by business documents from Murashu archives). Their willingness to support Jerusalem temple showed maintained covenant identity despite geographical distance. This diaspora support pattern continues throughout Jewish history, with dispersed communities supporting the homeland.
Questions for Reflection
- How does combination of governmental funding and voluntary offerings demonstrate diverse means God uses to resource His work?
- What does diaspora Jewish support for Jerusalem temple teach about maintaining covenant identity across geographical separation?
Analysis & Commentary
Additional provision—'And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem'—combines imperial gifts with voluntary offerings. The phrase 'all the silver and gold that thou canst find' suggests comprehensive collection. The distinction between imperial provision and freewill offerings shows multi-source funding. Both governmental and personal generosity contributed to temple worship.