Nehemiah 7:70
Some of the heads of the families contributed to the project. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 bowls, and 530 priestly garments.
Some of the heads of the families
This phrase highlights the leadership and responsibility within the community. In the Hebrew context, "heads of the families" refers to the patriarchs or leaders of the family units, who were often responsible for making decisions and guiding their families in spiritual and communal matters. Their contribution signifies a collective commitment to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of leadership in fostering unity and purpose among the people.

contributed to the project
The act of contributing underscores the communal effort and shared vision for the restoration of Jerusalem. The Hebrew root for "contributed" can imply a voluntary offering, suggesting that these leaders gave willingly and generously. This reflects a heart of stewardship and dedication to God's work, serving as an example of sacrificial giving for the greater good of the community.

The governor
This refers to Nehemiah himself, who was appointed as the governor of Judah by the Persian king. Nehemiah's role as governor was not just administrative but also spiritual, as he led the people in both rebuilding the physical walls and restoring their spiritual identity. His leadership is marked by integrity, prayerfulness, and a deep commitment to God's purposes.

gave to the treasury
The treasury was a storehouse for the resources needed for the temple and the community. Nehemiah's contribution to the treasury demonstrates his personal investment in the project and his leadership by example. It highlights the importance of resource management and the need for leaders to be the first to give, inspiring others to follow suit.

1,000 darics of gold
The daric was a gold coin used in the Persian Empire, indicating the significant value of Nehemiah's contribution. This substantial gift reflects the wealth and resources that Nehemiah had access to, as well as his willingness to use them for God's work. It also illustrates the economic context of the time, where such contributions were necessary for large-scale projects.

50 bowls
Bowls were often used in temple rituals and offerings, symbolizing worship and service to God. The specific mention of 50 bowls suggests a readiness to restore the temple services and the importance of worship in the life of the community. It signifies the preparation for spiritual renewal alongside the physical rebuilding.

530 priestly garments
Priestly garments were essential for the priests to perform their duties in the temple. The provision of these garments indicates a focus on restoring the proper worship and religious practices according to the Law of Moses. It underscores the importance of holiness and the distinct role of the priesthood in leading the people in worship and maintaining the covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The governor of Judah who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and initiated reforms among the people.

2. Heads of the Families
Leaders within the community who contributed to the rebuilding efforts, demonstrating leadership and responsibility.

3. The Treasury
The place where contributions were collected and managed for the rebuilding project.

4. Darics
A gold coin used during the Persian Empire, indicating the wealth and resources being invested in the project.

5. Priestly Garments
Special clothing for the priests, signifying the importance of worship and religious observance in the community.
Teaching Points
Leadership in Giving
Leaders are called to set an example in generosity and commitment to God's work. Just as the heads of families contributed, modern leaders should inspire and lead by example in supporting church and community projects.

Community Involvement
The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was a communal effort. This teaches us the importance of collective action and shared responsibility in achieving God's purposes.

Sacrificial Giving
The contributions of gold, bowls, and garments reflect sacrificial giving. Believers are encouraged to give not just from their excess but in a way that reflects true sacrifice and devotion.

Prioritizing Worship
The mention of priestly garments highlights the importance of worship and maintaining a focus on spiritual priorities even amidst practical projects.

Faithful Stewardship
The careful recording and management of contributions underscore the need for integrity and accountability in handling resources dedicated to God's work.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the example of the heads of families in Nehemiah 7:70 inspire you to contribute to your community or church projects?

2. In what ways can leaders today demonstrate the same commitment to God's work as Nehemiah and the heads of families did?

3. How can the principle of sacrificial giving be applied in your personal life, and what might that look like practically?

4. Why is it important to prioritize worship and spiritual practices even when engaged in practical or secular projects?

5. How can we ensure faithful stewardship and accountability in managing resources within our church or community organizations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 2:68-69
This passage describes a similar event where the heads of families contributed to the rebuilding of the temple, showing a pattern of communal responsibility and generosity.

1 Chronicles 29:6-9
King David and the leaders of Israel gave generously for the building of the temple, illustrating a tradition of leadership-led giving.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Paul speaks about giving cheerfully, which aligns with the spirit of generosity seen in Nehemiah 7:70.
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
50, 530, 1000, Basons, Bowls, Chief, Coats, Contributed, Darics, Drachmas, Drams, Extremity, Families, Fathers, Fifty, Garments, Gold, Governor, Heads, Households, Houses, Hundred, Money, Priests, Robes, Store, Thirty, Thousand, Tirshatha, Treasure, Treasury, Tunics
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Nehemiah 7:70-72

     4333   gold
     5260   coinage
     7366   freewill offering

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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