Ezra 8 33

Ezra 8:33 kjv

Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;

Ezra 8:33 nkjv

Now on the fourth day the silver and the gold and the articles were weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; with them were the Levites, Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui,

Ezra 8:33 niv

On the fourth day, in the house of our God, we weighed out the silver and gold and the sacred articles into the hands of Meremoth son of Uriah, the priest. Eleazar son of Phinehas was with him, and so were the Levites Jozabad son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui.

Ezra 8:33 esv

On the fourth day, within the house of our God, the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed into the hands of Meremoth the priest, son of Uriah, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas, and with them were the Levites, Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui.

Ezra 8:33 nlt

On the fourth day after our arrival, the silver, gold, and other valuables were weighed at the Temple of our God and entrusted to Meremoth son of Uriah the priest and to Eleazar son of Phinehas, along with Jozabad son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui ? both of whom were Levites.

Ezra 8 verses

Ezra 8 33 Meaning

Ezra 8:33 describes the meticulous and formal handover of the dedicated silver, gold, and other articles for the Temple. On the fourth day after their arrival in Jerusalem, Ezra and his companions precisely weighed and delivered these precious items into the care of specific priests and Levites: Meremoth the priest, Eleazar the son of Phinehas (also a priest), and Jozabad and Noadiah, both Levites. This act signifies the successful, safe, and accountable completion of their mission to bring these holy offerings to the house of God.

Ezra 8 33 Context

The Book of Ezra details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple and the spiritual life of the community. Chapter 8 specifically chronicles Ezra's journey, which involves a second wave of returning exiles. This chapter emphasizes careful preparation, a journey without military escort (relying on divine protection), and the transportation of a vast treasure—silver, gold, and sacred vessels donated by King Artaxerxes, his officials, and the Israelites themselves—dedicated for the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. Ezra had earlier, in Ezra 8:24-30, meticulously weighed and entrusted these valuables to twelve chief priests and Levites, emphasizing the extreme care required because "you are holy to the Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the Lord" (Ezra 8:28). Verse 33, therefore, marks the crucial final step of this dangerous mission: the successful and precise delivery of these holy items into the official Temple custody in Jerusalem, ensuring meticulous accountability after the perilous journey. It culminates the journey narrative and transitions to the administrative aspects of Temple life.

Ezra 8 33 Word analysis

• On the fourth day: Hebrew: Ba-yom ha-revi'i. This specific temporal marker highlights deliberate timing and meticulous order. It was not a hasty transaction, but a carefully planned and observed event, emphasizing the importance and formal nature of the transfer. It implies a period of rest or preparation after arrival before undertaking this significant duty.
• we weighed out: Hebrew: va-yishkelu. From the root shakal, meaning "to weigh," "to pay," or "to be accurately balanced." This term stresses precision, fairness, and accountability. It signifies that the precious metals and articles were re-counted and re-verified against the original inventory (mentioned in Ezra 8:26-28), ensuring no loss or discrepancy occurred during the journey. This public and accurate weighing underscored integrity.
• the silver and the gold and the articles: Hebrew: ha-kesef w'ha-zahav w'ha-kelim. These were the consecrated offerings (Ezra 8:25-27), explicitly itemized as valuables intended for the Temple. The "articles" included various sacred vessels and implements for Temple service. Their material worth was immense, but their spiritual value as offerings to God was even greater.
• in the house of our God: Hebrew: be-vet Elohenu. Refers specifically to the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This phrase emphasizes the divine ownership and sacred destination of these dedicated items. The transfer occurred at the very place these items were meant to serve, underscoring the fulfillment of their purpose.
• into the hand of: Hebrew: el yad. A common Hebrew idiom signifying formal transfer of responsibility, authority, or possession. It implies placing something completely within another's charge, entrusting them with its care and safekeeping.
• Meremoth the priest: Hebrew: Meremoth ha-kohen. A key priestly figure (mentioned also in Neh 3:4, 21, Neh 10:5), chosen for his trustworthiness and position. His presence, as a priest, signified the sacred nature of the items being transferred and their official receipt into priestly custody. He represented the line of priests charged with Temple duties.
• the son of Uriah: Designates Meremoth's lineage. Uriah, though perhaps not the same high priest from King Ahaz's time (2 Kgs 16), indicates a recognized priestly family, lending further credibility and authority to Meremoth's role.
• Eleazar the son of Phinehas: Another priest whose name carries significant historical and theological weight. Eleazar was a prominent priestly name, echoing Eleazar, the son of Aaron. Phinehas, Eleazar's son, was celebrated for his zealous act of judgment, establishing a covenant of lasting priesthood (Num 25:10-13). This lineage implies integrity, zeal, and faithfulness in sacred duties.
• Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui, the Levites: These two men represent the Levites. The Levites played a crucial supporting role to the priests in Temple service, managing the storehouses, music, and various administrative duties. Their inclusion ensures that all necessary parties were involved in the official reception of the goods, covering both the direct Temple service and its logistical support, emphasizing corporate responsibility and broad accountability.

Ezra 8 33 Bonus section

• The practice of "weighing out" valuables was standard for large financial transactions in ancient Near Eastern societies, as coinage was not always uniform or widely used. This detail anchors the spiritual act within a practical and understandable cultural framework, underscoring the absolute honesty employed.
• The formal handover in Ezra 8:33 completes a detailed process of accountability that began even before the journey, with Ezra entrusting the vessels to key leaders (Ezra 8:24-30). This chain of responsibility illustrates biblical principles of careful management and oversight, relevant for all who are stewards of God’s gifts, whether spiritual or material.
• This verse provides a tangible demonstration of Ezra's commitment to King Artaxerxes' decree regarding the Temple contributions. It showcases an organizational structure rooted in divine principles, ensuring order and avoiding chaos, particularly after the precarious journey.

Ezra 8 33 Commentary

Ezra 8:33 succinctly captures the climax of a demanding journey and the unwavering commitment to stewardship. This verse is far more than a simple record of a delivery; it's a profound statement about meticulous accountability and sacred responsibility. By specifying "the fourth day" and the act of "weighing out," the text emphasizes transparency and exactitude, leaving no room for doubt or accusation regarding the vast, sacred treasures entrusted to them. This level of precision reflects the reverence due to God and His holy possessions, indicating that spiritual and material stewardship are inseparable in His service.

The explicit naming of both priests (Meremoth, Eleazar) and Levites (Jozabad, Noadiah) highlights a carefully structured leadership and a collective responsibility within God's chosen people for the administration of His Temple. Meremoth and Eleazar, potentially from distinguished priestly lines, lend credibility and spiritual authority, while the Levites signify the practical oversight and support system crucial for the Temple's function. This verse serves as a powerful testimony to Ezra’s faithful leadership, the diligence of the returnees, and most importantly, God's providential care in ensuring the safe arrival and proper dedication of what was His. It sets an enduring standard for integrity in handling divine resources and fulfilling divine mandates.