Ezra 8:27
Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold.
Original Language Analysis
וּכְפֹרֵ֤י
basons
H3713
וּכְפֹרֵ֤י
basons
Strong's:
H3713
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, a cover, i.e., (by implication) a tankard (or covered goblet); also white frost (as covering the ground)
כַּזָּהָֽב׃
as gold
H2091
כַּזָּהָֽב׃
as gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
2 of 12
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
אָ֑לֶף
of a thousand
H505
אָ֑לֶף
of a thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
5 of 12
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וּכְלֵ֨י
vessels
H3627
וּכְלֵ֨י
vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
6 of 12
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
נְחֹ֜שֶׁת
copper
H5178
נְחֹ֜שֶׁת
copper
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
7 of 12
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
טוֹבָה֙
of fine
H2896
טוֹבָה֙
of fine
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
9 of 12
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
Historical Context
Liturgical vessels served specific functions in temple sacrifice and worship: basins for blood sprinkling (Leviticus 8:15), bowls for incense (Numbers 7:14), and various implements for offerings. The detailed inventory parallels Numbers 7's account of tribal leaders' gifts at tabernacle dedication. By cataloging these items, Ezra documented that the second temple, though less glorious than Solomon's (Ezra 3:12), possessed legitimate liturgical furnishings enabling proper covenant worship according to Mosaic law.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the inclusion of bronze vessels 'precious as gold' teach about diverse forms of valuable service to God?
- How does the detailed inventory of liturgical vessels demonstrate care for proper worship forms versus casual pragmatism?
- In what ways should modern worship balance functional necessity with beauty and excellence in sacred implements?
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Analysis & Commentary
Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams—אַגַּרְטָלִין (agartalin, bowls/basins) were liturgical vessels for temple service, likely for sprinkling blood or holding incense. The אַדַרְכֹנִים (adarkonim, darics/drams) were Persian gold coins weighing about 8.4 grams, named after Darius I. Thus 1,000 darics equal approximately 18.5 pounds (8.4 kg) of gold. The כֹּתֶם (kotem, fine gold) indicates high purity. Twenty such vessels represented both functional liturgical tools and portable treasury reserve.
And two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold—כְּלֵי נְחֹשֶׁת (kelei nechoshet, vessels of copper/bronze) are described as מֻצְהָב (mutzhav, gleaming/polished) and חֲמוּדֹת כַּזָּהָב (chamudot kazahav, precious/desirable as gold). This unusual description suggests either exceptionally crafted bronze (perhaps Corinthian bronze, a rare alloy prized in antiquity) or copper vessels overlaid with gold. Including these among the precious metal inventory indicates their significant value—perhaps heirloom vessels from the first temple or specially commissioned liturgical pieces. The variety of materials (gold, silver, bronze) ensured temple had complete furnishings for all worship functions.