Nehemiah 7:71
And some of the heads of the families gave to the treasury for the project 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver.
And some of the heads of the families
This phrase highlights the leadership and responsibility within the community. The "heads of the families" refers to the patriarchs or leaders of the family units, who were often responsible for making decisions on behalf of their extended families. In the Hebrew context, family heads held significant influence and were expected to lead by example, especially in matters of faith and communal responsibility. Their willingness to contribute underscores their commitment to the collective mission of rebuilding and restoring Jerusalem.

gave to the treasury
The act of giving to the treasury signifies a voluntary contribution to a communal fund. In ancient Israel, the treasury was a place where offerings and donations were collected for the maintenance of the temple and other communal projects. This act of giving reflects a spirit of generosity and sacrifice, as the contributors prioritized the needs of the community over personal wealth. It also demonstrates a trust in God's provision, as they gave from their resources to support the work of God.

for the work
The phrase "for the work" refers to the specific task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and restoring the city. This was a monumental task that required not only physical labor but also financial resources. The work was not just a physical reconstruction but also a spiritual renewal, as the city of Jerusalem held significant religious and cultural importance for the Jewish people. The contributions were thus an investment in both the physical and spiritual future of the nation.

20,000 darics of gold
The "daric" was a gold coin used in the Persian Empire, named after Darius the Great. Its mention here indicates the influence of Persian culture and economy on the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. The substantial amount of 20,000 darics reflects the wealth and generosity of the contributors. It also highlights the importance of the project, as such a significant sum would have been a considerable sacrifice for the community.

and 2,200 minas of silver
A "mina" was a unit of weight and currency in the ancient Near East. The contribution of 2,200 minas of silver further emphasizes the community's commitment to the rebuilding effort. Silver, like gold, was a valuable commodity, and its use here underscores the seriousness with which the people approached the task. The combined contributions of gold and silver illustrate a unified effort, with each family giving according to their means to support the common goal.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Heads of the Families
These were the leaders or patriarchs of the various family groups within the community. They played a significant role in decision-making and leadership within the Jewish society.

2. Treasury
This refers to the storehouse or fund where contributions were collected for the work of rebuilding and maintaining the temple and the city walls of Jerusalem.

3. 20,000 Darics of Gold
The daric was a gold coin used during the Persian Empire, indicating the significant financial contribution made by the heads of the families.

4. 2,200 Minas of Silver
A mina was a unit of weight and currency, showing the substantial amount of silver contributed for the work.

5. The Work
This refers to the rebuilding efforts of Jerusalem's walls and the temple, a central focus of Nehemiah's mission to restore the city and its religious practices.
Teaching Points
Generosity in Giving
The heads of the families demonstrated a spirit of generosity, which is a model for believers today. We are called to give willingly and sacrificially to support God's work.

Leadership and Responsibility
The leaders took initiative in giving, setting an example for others. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to lead by example in stewardship and generosity.

Community Involvement
The collective effort of the community in contributing to the work underscores the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving God's purposes.

Faith in Action
The contributions were a tangible expression of faith and commitment to God's mission. Our faith should also be evident in our actions and willingness to support God's work.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the example of the heads of the families in Nehemiah 7:71 challenge your perspective on giving and generosity?

2. In what ways can you contribute to the "work" of God in your community, similar to the contributions made for the rebuilding of Jerusalem?

3. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or participated in a community effort for a common goal. How did it impact your faith and understanding of unity?

4. How can leaders today emulate the example of the heads of the families in taking initiative and setting an example in stewardship?

5. Consider the connection between Nehemiah 7:71 and 2 Corinthians 9:7. How can you cultivate a heart of cheerful giving in your own life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 35:20-29
This passage describes the Israelites' contributions to the construction of the Tabernacle, showing a parallel in the willingness of God's people to give generously for His work.

2 Corinthians 9:7
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and cheerfully, which aligns with the spirit of generosity seen in Nehemiah 7:71.

1 Chronicles 29:6-9
This passage recounts the leaders of Israel giving generously for the building of the temple, similar to the contributions made in Nehemiah's time.
The True Method of ProsperityR.A. Redford Nehemiah 7:6-73
People
Akkub, Amon, Asaph, Ater, Azariah, Azmaveth, Baanah, Bakbuk, Barkos, Barzillai, Bazlith, Besai, Bezai, Bigvai, Bilshan, Darkon, Delaiah, Gahar, Gazzam, Giddel, Habaiah, Hagaba, Hakkoz, Hakupha, Hanan, Hanani, Hananiah, Harhur, Harsha, Hashum, Hashupha, Hasupha, Hatipha, Hatita, Hattil, Hezekiah, Hodaviah, Hodevah, Immer, Israelites, Jaala, Jedaiah, Jeshua, Joab, Kadmiel, Keros, Koz, Lebana, Lebanah, Levites, Mehida, Meunim, Mispereth, Mordecai, Nahamani, Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah, Nehum, Nekoda, Nephishesim, Neziah, Padon, Pahathmoab, Parosh, Paseah, Pashur, Perida, Phaseah, Pochereth, Raamiah, Reaiah, Rezin, Shallum, Shalmai, Shephatiah, Shobai, Sia, Sisera, Solomon, Sophereth, Sotai, Tabbaoth, Talmon, Tamah, Thamah, Tobiah, Tobijah, Uzza, Zaccai, Zattu, Zerubbabel, Ziha
Places
Ai, Anathoth, Babylon, Beeroth, Beth-azmaveth, Bethel, Bethlehem, Cherub, Geba, Gibeon, Hadid, Immer, Jericho, Jerusalem, Kiriath-jearim, Lod, Michmas, Nebo, Netophah, Ono, Ramah, Tel-harsha, Tel-melah
Topics
2, 200, Darics, 20000, Drachmas, Drams, Families, Fathers, Gold, Heads, Households, Houses, Hundred, Minas, Myriads, Pound, Pounds, Silver, Store, Thousand, Treasure, Treasury, Twenty
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 7:70-72

     4333   gold

Nehemiah 7:71-72

     4363   silver
     5615   weights

Library
"Take My Yoke Upon You, and Learn of Me," &C.
Matt. xi. 20.--"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me," &c. Self love is generally esteemed infamous and contemptible among men. It is of a bad report every where, and indeed as it is taken commonly, there is good reason for it, that it should be hissed out of all societies, if reproaching and speaking evil of it would do it. But to speak the truth, the name is not so fit to express the thing, for that which men call self love, may rather be called self hatred. Nothing is more pernicious to a man's
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Strait Gate;
OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN: PLAINLY PROVING, BY THE SCRIPTURES, THAT NOT ONLY THE RUDE AND PROFANE, BUT MANY GREAT PROFESSORS, WILL COME SHORT OF THAT KINGDOM. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."--Matthew 7:13, 14 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. If any uninspired writer has been
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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