The term "daric" refers to a gold coin used during the Persian Empire, named after Darius the Great. The daric was a significant unit of currency in the ancient Near East and is mentioned in the context of the Bible, particularly in the books of Chronicles and Ezra. The daric was known for its high gold content and was widely accepted in trade and commerce.

Biblical Context

The mention of "20,000 darics of gold" is found in the context of the preparations for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem. In 1 Chronicles 29, King David makes extensive preparations for the building of the temple, which his son Solomon would eventually construct. David's preparations included gathering materials and resources, as well as encouraging the leaders and people of Israel to contribute to the project.

1 Chronicles 29:7 : "They gave for the service of the house of God 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze, and 100,000 talents of iron."

In this passage, the leaders of Israel contribute generously to the temple's construction, offering a substantial amount of gold, silver, bronze, and iron. The mention of "10,000 darics of gold" highlights the significant financial commitment made by the leaders. The daric, being a high-value coin, underscores the wealth and dedication of the people towards the temple project.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The daric was a coin that symbolized the economic power and influence of the Persian Empire. It was introduced by Darius I and became a standard currency throughout the empire, facilitating trade and commerce across vast regions. The use of darics in the biblical narrative reflects the historical context of Persian influence over the region during the post-exilic period.

The contribution of "20,000 darics of gold" in the biblical account signifies not only the wealth of the Israelite community but also their commitment to the worship of Yahweh and the centrality of the temple in their religious life. The substantial amount of gold collected for the temple's construction demonstrates the importance placed on creating a magnificent and enduring place of worship.

Symbolic Interpretation

In a symbolic sense, the contribution of darics can be seen as an expression of devotion and sacrifice. The willingness of the leaders and people to give generously from their wealth reflects their dedication to God and their desire to honor Him with the best of their resources. The daric, as a symbol of wealth and prosperity, becomes a means through which the people express their faith and commitment to the divine purpose.

The narrative of the 20,000 darics of gold serves as a reminder of the collective effort and unity required in the service of God. It highlights the importance of generosity and the role of material resources in the fulfillment of spiritual and communal goals.