Ezra 8:27 (KJV)

What does Ezra 8:27 mean?

Ezra 8:27 lists some of the valuable items being transported to Jerusalem: twenty gold basins weighing a thousand drams, and two vessels made of fine copper that were considered as precious as gold. These objects were part of the temple treasures entrusted to Ezra and his companions for safe delivery.

Ezra, a Jewish scribe and leader, is recounting the specific treasures given into his care by the Persian authorities as he leads a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. The verse highlights the great value and trust involved, showing the importance of these items for the restored temple worship and the seriousness with which Ezra and his group treated their responsibility.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 8:27

• The word for "drams" is דַּרְכְּמוֹן (darkemon), often understood as a Persian coin or weight, showing the Persian influence on the Jewish community at this time.
• The phrase "fine copper" uses טוֹב (tov, meaning "good" or "fine") and מְשֻׁחָה (meshuchah, meaning "polished" or "refined"), emphasizing that these copper vessels were of especially high quality, not ordinary bronze.
• The word for "precious" is יָקָר (yaqar), meaning "valuable" or "costly," which underlines that these copper vessels were esteemed almost as highly as gold, not just for their material but also for their craftsmanship.

Why Ezra 8:27 matters

• This verse clarifies that the returning exiles were not only bringing people but also significant treasures for the temple, highlighting the restoration's material and spiritual investment.
• The mention of Persian weights and high-quality materials shows the influence and support of the Persian Empire, as well as the care taken to honor God with the best resources available.
• Understanding the value and description of these objects helps explain the careful procedures Ezra describes in the surrounding verses for guarding and accounting for the temple treasures, emphasizing integrity and accountability.