And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.
And all their neighbors helped them by giving them silver items, gold, supplies, animals, and valuable things, in addition to everything else that was freely given.
The writer is showing how the neighboring people generously supported the Jewish exiles with gifts and supplies as they prepared to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Ezra, this verse occurs shortly after King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, fulfilling prophecies from Isaiah and Jeremiah about God's restoration of His people. The surrounding peoples, including Persians and others, supported the returning Jews by providing practical resources like silver vessels, gold, goods, animals, and precious items, which helped them undertake this journey and rebuilding effort. This act of generosity reflected God's overarching plan to reestablish His presence among the Israelites after their 70-year exile in Babylon.
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