Ezra 7:22
Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.
Original Language Analysis
מְאָ֑ה
an hundred
H3969
מְאָ֑ה
an hundred
Strong's:
H3969
Word #:
4 of 20
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
כֹּרִ֣ין
measures
H3734
כֹּרִ֣ין
measures
Strong's:
H3734
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, a deep round vessel, i.e., (specifically) a cor or measure for things dry
מְאָ֑ה
an hundred
H3969
מְאָ֑ה
an hundred
Strong's:
H3969
Word #:
8 of 20
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
בַּתִּ֥ין
baths
H1325
בַּתִּ֥ין
baths
Strong's:
H1325
Word #:
11 of 20
a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids
מְאָ֑ה
an hundred
H3969
מְאָ֑ה
an hundred
Strong's:
H3969
Word #:
12 of 20
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
בַּתִּ֥ין
baths
H1325
בַּתִּ֥ין
baths
Strong's:
H1325
Word #:
14 of 20
a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids
מְאָ֑ה
an hundred
H3969
מְאָ֑ה
an hundred
Strong's:
H3969
Word #:
16 of 20
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
Historical Context
One hundred talents of silver (approximately 7,500 pounds or 3.4 metric tons) represents enormous wealth—multiple years' revenue for a province. The specified amounts (wheat, wine, oil) were essential for grain and drink offerings. Salt's unlimited provision recognizes its necessity for all sacrifices per Leviticus 2:13 ('the salt of the covenant of thy God'). The generosity demonstrates Persian wealth and policy of securing divine favor through proper worship support.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's provision through pagan treasuries demonstrate that He controls resources globally for His purposes?
- What does unlimited salt provision teach about God ensuring essentials for commanded worship without restriction?
Analysis & Commentary
The limits set—'Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much'—provide substantial but bounded resources. One talent equals approximately 75 pounds; 100 talents of silver represents enormous wealth. The phrase 'salt without prescribing how much' allows unlimited provision of this sacrificial essential (Leviticus 2:13). Generous limits demonstrate both imperial wealth and commitment to proper worship.