Ezra 2:69

They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments.

Ezra 2:69 (KJV)

Context

After seventy years in Babylon, Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel. Ezra 2 lists the families who came back. When they reached the house of the LORD, the leaders gave freely for rebuilding the temple. This verse records the total of their gifts.

Meaning

The phrase “after their ability” shows that giving was proportional. Each person gave what he could, not a fixed amount. The “treasure of the work” was the treasury set apart for the building project. The gifts included gold, silver, and one hundred priests’ garments. The gold was about 61,000 darics, a Persian coin. The silver was about 5,000 minas. The priestly garments show that the people cared not only for the building but also for worship. The priests needed proper clothing to serve in the restored temple. This giving was a freewill response to God’s work of restoration, not a tax or a debt.

Biblical connections

Nehemiah 7:70-72 records similar offerings for the same work. There, the governor, the heads of families, and the rest of the people gave different amounts. This parallel account confirms that the giving was voluntary and collective. No one was forced to contribute. Together, these passages show that God’s people supported His house with willing hearts and varied resources.

Application

This verse teaches that God values willing giving according to ability. Believers today can support God’s work with cheerful hearts, giving what they can. The example of the returning exiles encourages careful, generous support of worship and ministry. Giving is not about equal amounts but about faithful stewardship of what God has entrusted to each person.

Reflection

The people gave after their ability, not beyond it. Their offering was a response to God’s faithfulness in bringing them home. Consider how your own giving reflects gratitude for what God has done. Does your giving flow from a willing heart, offered freely to honor Him?