Ezra 8:28

Then I told them, "You are holy to the LORD, and these articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers.

Study Bible

You are holy to the LORD
This phrase underscores the consecration and sanctification of the people involved. The Hebrew word for "holy" is "qadosh," which means set apart or sacred. In the context of Ezra, this holiness is not just a personal attribute but a communal identity. The Israelites are reminded of their covenant relationship with God, which calls them to live distinctively in accordance with His laws. Historically, this reflects the post-exilic period where the returning exiles were re-establishing their identity as God's chosen people, emphasizing purity and devotion.

and the articles are holy also
The "articles" refer to the sacred vessels and offerings being transported back to Jerusalem. These items were used in temple worship and were considered holy because they were dedicated to God's service. The Hebrew term for "articles" is "kelim," which can mean vessels or implements. This highlights the importance of treating objects dedicated to God with reverence and care. The historical context here is significant, as these articles had been taken to Babylon during the exile and their return symbolizes the restoration of proper worship and the re-establishment of the temple as the center of Jewish religious life.

and the silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD
The "silver and gold" represent the wealth being offered voluntarily by the people. The phrase "freewill offering" comes from the Hebrew "nedabah," indicating a voluntary gift given out of devotion rather than obligation. This reflects the heart of worship, where offerings are given joyfully and willingly to honor God. In the historical context of Ezra, these offerings were crucial for the rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem. It demonstrates the people's commitment to God and their desire to see His house restored.

the God of your fathers
This phrase connects the present generation with their ancestors, emphasizing continuity in faith and tradition. The term "fathers" refers to the patriarchs and the covenantal promises made to them. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness throughout generations and His enduring relationship with His people. In the context of Ezra, this connection to the "God of your fathers" would have been particularly poignant as the returning exiles sought to reclaim their heritage and renew their covenant with God. It is a call to remember and uphold the faith and practices of their forebears, ensuring that the worship of Yahweh remains central to their identity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who led a group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in the spiritual and religious reform of the Jewish people.

2. Levites and Priests
The individuals Ezra addresses in this verse, responsible for the care and transport of the holy articles and offerings.

3. Jerusalem
The destination of Ezra and the exiles, where the temple of the LORD was located, and the place where the offerings were to be presented.

4. Babylon
The place of exile from which Ezra and the Jewish exiles were returning to Jerusalem.

5. The Articles
Sacred items used in the worship and service of the temple, which were to be transported with care and reverence.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Responsibility
As believers, we are called to be holy and set apart for God's purposes, just as the priests and Levites were in Ezra's time.

Stewardship of God's Gifts
The silver and gold were freewill offerings, reminding us of the importance of being good stewards of what God has entrusted to us.

Worship and Reverence
The sacred articles were to be handled with care, teaching us to approach worship and service with reverence and respect.

Generational Faithfulness
Ezra refers to "the God of your fathers," encouraging us to maintain faithfulness to God across generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of holiness in Ezra 8:28 apply to our lives as Christians today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are being good stewards of the resources God has given us, as seen in the handling of the silver and gold?

3. How can we cultivate a sense of reverence and respect in our worship and service to God?

4. What are some practical ways we can pass down our faith to the next generation, as implied by Ezra's reference to "the God of your fathers"?

5. How do the roles of the priests and Levites in Ezra 8:28 relate to the New Testament concept of the priesthood of all believers?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:2
This verse emphasizes the holiness of God's people, similar to Ezra's declaration of the holiness of the priests and Levites.

1 Peter 2:9
This New Testament passage speaks of believers as a royal priesthood, connecting to the idea of being set apart for God's service.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Relates to the concept of freewill offerings, highlighting the importance of giving willingly and cheerfully to the Lord.