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 8:33KJV
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Ezra 8:33 (KJV)

What does Ezra 8:33 mean?

Ezra 8:33 describes how, on the fourth day after arriving in Jerusalem, the silver, gold, and sacred vessels brought from Babylon were carefully weighed in the temple by appointed priests and Levites. This verse highlights the accountability and transparency in handling the valuable offerings for God's house.

Ezra, the scribe and leader, had led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem, carrying donations for the temple. Upon arrival, specific priests—Meremoth, Eleazar, Jozabad, and Noadiah—were responsible for weighing and recording the treasures in the temple, ensuring everything was handled honestly and nothing was lost or misused.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 8:33

  • "weighed" (וַיִּשָּׁקֵל, vayyishaqel; H8254): This word means to measure or weigh out, emphasizing the careful and precise accounting of the valuables. It shows the seriousness with which the temple treasures were treated.
  • "house" (בֵּית, beit; H1004) and "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim; H430): Together, these words refer to the temple as the "house of our God," underlining that the setting is sacred and the actions are performed before God, not just people.
  • "vessels" (כְּלִים, kelim; H3627): This term refers to the various containers and items used in temple worship, not just generic objects. Their inclusion in the weighing process shows their importance alongside the silver and gold.

Why Ezra 8:33 matters

  • This verse clears up any suspicion of mishandling or theft by showing that everything brought from Babylon was publicly accounted for in the temple, with multiple trustworthy leaders present.
  • The careful process described here connects to the wider theme of Ezra: restoring proper worship and integrity in the community after exile.
  • By naming the individuals and their roles, the verse emphasizes shared responsibility and transparency in spiritual and community matters.

Where else these words appear

“Noadiah” Hebrew H5129 · used in 2 verses

  • Nehemiah 6:14 My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

“Meremoth” Hebrew H4822 · used in 6 verses

  • Ezra 10:36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,
  • Nehemiah 3:4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.
  • Nehemiah 10:5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,

“Binnui” Hebrew H1131 · used in 7 verses

  • Ezra 10:30 And of the sons of Pahathmoab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.
  • Nehemiah 3:24 After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.
  • Nehemiah 10:9 And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel;

“Jozabad” Hebrew H3107 · used in 9 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 12:4 And Ismaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad the Gederathite,
  • 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.
  • Ezra 10:23 Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah,(the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.