King James Version

What Does Ezra 1:9 Mean?

Ezra 1:9 in the King James Version says “And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,”

Ezra 1:9 · KJV

Context

7

Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods;

8

Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.

9

And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,

10

Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.

11

All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem. the captivity: Heb. the transportation

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives. This verse begins the detailed inventory of returned temple vessels, emphasizing precision and accountability. The Hebrew word for 'chargers' (agartal) likely refers to large basins or platters used in temple service. The dramatic difference between gold chargers (30) and silver chargers (1,000) reflects both value hierarchy and functional needs in temple ritual.

The mention of 'knives' (machalaph) may refer to sacrificial knives or cultic implements for various temple services. The specific number (29) seems unusual but demonstrates the meticulous nature of the inventory. Every item, regardless of apparent significance, receives careful accounting. This teaches that in God's economy, nothing dedicated to His service is too small for notice or beneath careful stewardship.

The literary function of this detailed inventory serves multiple purposes: (1) documenting divine faithfulness in preserving what seemed lost, (2) establishing continuity between pre-exilic and post-exilic worship, (3) providing accountability for valuable items, and (4) demonstrating that the restoration wasn't haphazard but carefully planned and executed. The precision suggests divine order and intentionality in redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern temple inventories were common administrative documents, often inscribed on clay tablets and stored in temple archives. The biblical record's inclusion of such detailed inventory aligns with broader cultural practices while serving theological purposes unique to Israel's covenant faith.

The large number of vessels (5,400 total per verse 11) indicates the original temple's wealth and the thoroughness of Babylonian looting. These items had been accumulated over approximately 400 years from Solomon's temple construction through various royal donations and dedications. Their preservation intact despite regime changes and potential pressures to melt them down for bullion demonstrates remarkable providence.

The specific categories of vessels mentioned correspond to implements described in the original temple construction accounts (1 Kings 7:40-50), providing tangible link to Solomonic worship. This continuity was crucial for religious legitimacy—the returning exiles weren't establishing novel worship but restoring divinely ordained patterns.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the detailed inventory teach about the relationship between spiritual devotion and practical accountability in church administration?
  2. How does God's preservation of specific numbered vessels encourage believers about His attention to details in their lives?
  3. What balance should churches maintain between focusing on spiritual matters and attending to practical financial and administrative details?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְאֵ֖לֶּה1 of 11
H428

these or those

מִסְפָּרָ֑ם2 of 11

“And this is the number”

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

אֲגַרְטְלֵי3 of 11

“chargers”

H105

a basin

זָהָ֜ב4 of 11

“of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

שְׁלֹשִׁ֗ים5 of 11

“of them thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

אֲגַרְטְלֵי6 of 11

“chargers”

H105

a basin

כֶ֙סֶף֙7 of 11

“of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

אָ֔לֶף8 of 11

“a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

מַֽחֲלָפִ֖ים9 of 11

“knives”

H4252

a (sacrificial) knife (as gliding through the flesh)

תִּשְׁעָ֥ה10 of 11

“nine”

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

וְעֶשְׂרִֽים׃11 of 11

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 1:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 14:82 Chronicles 4:82 Chronicles 24:14Numbers 7:13Ezra 8:272 Chronicles 4:21-22

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