Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Ezra 8:26
I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels a hundred talents, [and] of gold a hundred talents;
26. unto their hand ] R.V. into their hand. Cf. note on Ezr 1:8.
The enormous value of these gifts is startling. The suspicion that the figures have been exaggerated by copyists is not unnatural.
six hundred and fifty talents of silver ] A talent of silver being reckoned as worth 375, this means a sum approaching to a quarter of a million sterling, 243,750.
silver vessels an hundred talents ] i.e. worth a 100 talents = 37,500.
and of gold an hundred talents ] R.V. omits ‘and’. A gold talent was worth about 6,750; 100 talents would then = 675,000.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 26. Silver vessels a hundred talents] That is, The weight of all the silver vessels amounted to one hundred talents; not that there were one hundred vessels of silver, each a talent in weight.
Reckoning in round sums, 650 talents of silver at 450 the talent, amount to 292,500 sterling. Silver vessels, 100 talents, amount to 45,000; gold, 100 talents, at 7,000 per talent, amount to 700,000 independently of the 20 basons of gold, amounting to 1000 drachms. Now the golden drachm or daric was worth about 1. 2s., therefore these basons were worth 1100; the whole amounting to 1,038,600 sterling. But these different weights and coins are variously computed; some making the silver talent only 353 11s. 10 d., and the talent of gold 5057 15s. 1 d., calculations which I have elsewhere introduced.
Two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold] What these were we cannot tell. The Syriac translates [Persian] nechoso corinthio toba, to be vessels of the best Corinthian brass; so called from the brass found after the burning of Corinth by Lucius Mummius, which was brass, copper, gold, and silver, all melted together, as is generally supposed. But it was probably some factitious metal made there, that took the polish and assumed the brightness of gold, and because of its hardness was more durable. There is still a certain factitious metal of this kind, made among the Asiatics. I have seen this metal often made; it is as bright and fine as gold, takes a most exquisite polish, and will scarcely tarnish. I have kept this exposed to every variation of the air, even among old iron, brass, copper, c., for twenty years together, without being scarcely at all oxidized. It requires much art in the making, but the constituent materials are of small value. Vessels of this metal, because of their lustre and durability for ornamental and domestic uses, are in many respects more valuable than gold itself. The only difficulty is to get at first the true colour, which depends on the degree of heat, and the time employed in fusion but there are, however, proper rules to ascertain them. This metal is widely different from the or molu of France and England, is less expensive, and much more valuable.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
I even weighed unto their hand six hundred fifty talents of silver,…. Which, according to Scheuchzer a amount to 975,000 imperials, and, of our money, 2,229,450 pounds sterling: and silver vessels one hundred talents; which came to 35,300 pounds, or 50,000 imperials; according to Jarchi, there were one hundred vessels, and every vessel weighed a talent, and so Aben Ezra, which, with Brerewood b, was three hundred and seventy five pounds:
and of gold one hundred talents; which, according to Scheuchzer c, were equal to 1,222,000 ducats of gold; the value of gold now is above 14 and a 3d to the value of silver, by which may be judged the difference between one hundred talents of gold and one hundred talents of silver; according to David de Pomis d, there were two sorts of talents; common talents, which weighed sixty pounds, and the talent of the sanctuary, which weighed double to that.
a Physica Sacra, vol. 4. p. 651. b De Pond. & Pret. Vet. Num. c. 4. c Ut supra. (Physica Sacra, vol. 4. p. 651.) d Tzemach David, fol. 57. 3.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
26. Six hundred and fifty talents This amount of silver would be in weight about sixty-one thousand pounds avoirdupois, and in value over one million dollars.
A hundred talents In weight nine thousand four hundred pounds; in value one hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars.
Gold a hundred talents In weight eighteen thousand eight hundred pounds, and in value nearly five million six hundred and ninety thousand dollars.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Ver. 26, 27. Six hundred and fifty talents of silver, &c. The six hundred and fifty talents of silver, at three hundred and seventy-five pounds to the talent, make two hundred and forty-three thousand seven hundred and fifty pounds. The silver vessels weighed one hundred talents, which come to thirty-seven thousand five hundred pounds. The gold, in coin, was one hundred talents, which, at four thousand five hundred pounds per talent, make four hundred and fifty thousand pounds. And, besides all this, there were twenty basons of gold of one thousand drachms; and two vessels of fine copper as valuable as gold. Houbigant, however, reads, instead of two vessels, &c.and vessels of fine copper, polished, and precious as gold.
From this new reformation made by Ezra in the Jewish church and common-wealth, the learned Prideaux begins the computation of Daniel’s weeks.
REFLECTIONS.1st, The proclamation of Artaxerxes having given the Jews full liberty to return to their own land, we have here the muster-roll of those who accepted the proffered liberty.
1. The volunteers in this service were 1496, and among them several of great name. Many of the former families also followed their brethren; and all the sons of Adonikam now left Babylon for Jerusalem. Note; If our relations have led the way towards the good land, let it provoke us to jealousy, and to cast in our lot with them. Pity it is, that houses should be divided, and any dear relations choose to stay behind rather than go with us to the heavenly Jerusalem.
2. At a general review on new-year’s day, among all this company no Levite was found. Ezra could not but be grieved at such a defection, and, as they came not of their own accord, he sends eleven of the principal people to Iddo, who was chief over them at Casiphia, that he might provide ministers for the house of God. Note; They who are backward to discharge their duty, must be stirred up to it. If ministers are negligent, they are to be put in mind, that they take heed to their ministry.
3. The application succeeded: thirty-eight Levites, under three principal leaders, offered themselves for the service; and two hundred and twenty Nethinims accompanied them, whose names were honourably inserted in the register. This Ezra justly ascribes to God’s gracious interposition, inclining and disposing the hearts of his ministers to undertake the service.
2nd, Dangerous and tedious was the journey that they were about to undertake; and they had to fear from their enemies, the Arabs and Samaritans. They proclaim a fast, therefore, to humble their souls for their sins, and entreat God to direct their way aright, and preserve them and theirs. They might, indeed, have procured a guard; but Ezra, jealous for the honour of God, in whom, before the king, he had expressed his firm confidence, as the protector of his people, and the destroyer of his enemies, would rather meet the danger, dependent on his care, than give the least occasion of offence by such an application. And their prayers procured a better guard than legions of armed men; for God was entreated of them, and covered them with the shadow of his wing. Note; (1.) It becomes us ever to be jealous for the honour of God, and rather to expose ourselves to difficulty, than give any occasion of stumbling to others. (2.) They who humbly seek God, dependent on his care, will find him a very present help in trouble.
3rdly, Before they set forth on their journey, Ezra appointed twelve priests, and as many Levites, to take the charge of the treasures and vessels which were consecrated to God’s service; with which they, as holy men employed also in the service of God, were the fittest to be entrusted, till they came to Jerusalem. Note; (1.) They who have the care of holy things, ought themselves to be holy men. (2.) They who are entrusted with the money of the public, or the contributions devoted to charitable uses, had need be exact in their accounts; that they may, without suspicion of dishonesty, minister the abundance confided to them. (3.) They who have the care of immortal souls, which are infinitely more precious than gold and silver, had need take heed, and incessantly watch over the flock of which the Holy Ghost hath made them pastors; that, when the chief Shepherd shall appear, they may with comfort and confidence give an account of their stewardship.
4thly, After a long journey of four months, we have,
1. Their safe arrival at Jerusalem, under the gracious conduct of a preserving God, notwithstanding all the wiles of their enemies. Note; (1.) Though the enemies of the children of God are mighty, many, and crafty, God will break through every snare, and make his people more than conquerors. (2.) Whenever we return in safety from a journey or a voyage, let us never forget the tribute of grateful acknowledgment for the mercy!
2. The faithful delivery of the dedicated treasures and vessels for the Lord’s house into the hands of the chief priests and Levites appointed to receive them, in tale and weight exact as they were committed to Sherebiah and his brethren, and the receipt of them recorded to their honour. Note; It will be a happy day, when we give up our trust to Jesus, if we can hear him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
3. No sooner are they arrived, than their first care is to surround God’s altar, and offer their sacrifices: a sin offering of atonement, to make peace with God; and burnt offerings of thanksgiving for all Israel, now once more united in the same happy service, and under the same leader. Note; When our persons are accepted through the atoning blood, our service becomes acceptable, a sacrifice of a sweet savour, well-pleasing to God.
4. Ezra delivered the commissions to the king’s lieutenants in the neighbouring provinces; who, seeing the king’s pleasure, contributed as they were required to the support of the people, and the house of God. Thus can God make his people’s foes bow down at their feet, and know that he hath loved them.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Ezr 8:26 I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, [and] of gold an hundred talents;
Ver. 26. Six hundred and fifty talents of silver ] That is, 243,750 pounds sterling.
An hundred talents
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Reciprocal: Exo 38:21 – by the hand Num 7:85 – two thousand Ezr 8:33 – weighed Zec 6:10 – which
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Ezr 8:26-27. Six hundred and fifty talents of silver Making, at f375 sterling to the talent, f243,750 sterling. And silver vessels a hundred talents Making near f40,000 sterling. And of gold (probably in coin) a hundred talents Which at f4,500 per talent, make f450,000 sterling. Also twenty basins of gold of a thousand drachms About f1,000 sterling value. And two vessels of fine copper As valuable as gold.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
8:26 I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty {h} talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, [and] of gold an hundred talents;
(h) Read 1Ki 9:14.