Question 1

Who is the Tirshatha mentioned in this passage and what did he do?

Accepted Answer

“Tirshatha” is a title for the governor of the people, the one overseeing the community after they returned from exile. In this passage, he leads the way in giving. He gives a large sum of gold, along with basins and many priests’ garments, to the treasury for the work. His giving is not for himself but for the rebuilding and service connected with God’s house. By going first and giving generously, he sets an example for the other leaders and for the rest of the people to follow.

Question 2

What is the significance of the gold silver and garments given to the work?

Accepted Answer

The gold, silver, and priests’ garments were practical gifts for the rebuilding of the city and the service of the temple. The money would cover the costs of the work, and the basins and garments were needed for sacrifices and priestly service. After years in exile, they did not have these things ready, so they had to give again for worship to start properly. The passage shows that restoring God’s worship required real, costly gifts, and that the whole community shared in providing what was needed.

Question 3

Why are the gifts of the chief fathers and the rest of the people listed separately?

Accepted Answer

The passage first mentions what the governor gave, then what the chief of the fathers gave, and then what the rest of the people gave. This shows an order: the leader gives, then the leading families, then the wider community. It highlights that all levels of the people took part. The leaders did not ask others to do what they were not willing to do themselves. At the same time, the gifts of the ordinary people are still noted, which shows that every contribution mattered in supporting God’s work and the life of worship.

Question 4

Who are the priests Levites porters singers and Nethinims mentioned here?

Accepted Answer

These groups are different kinds of servants among God’s people. The priests offered sacrifices and led certain parts of worship. The Levites were their helpers, serving in many duties connected with the temple. Porters were gatekeepers, watching the entrances. Singers led the songs of praise. The Nethinims were temple servants, given to help with practical tasks. By naming them all together, the passage shows that many different roles were needed, and that the restored community included all these servants settling back into their own cities.

Question 5

What does it mean that all Israel dwelt in their cities when the seventh month came?

Accepted Answer

“All Israel dwelt in their cities” means that after returning from exile and giving for the work, people were now settled back in their own towns and homes across the land. The mention of the seventh month matters because this month included important feasts, such as the feast of tabernacles. So when the seventh month came, the people were not scattered without order. They were in place as a restored community, ready to gather for worship and follow the pattern God had given for their life together.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about shared responsibility in God’s work?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God’s work was not carried by one person alone. The governor gives, then the chief fathers give, and then the rest of the people give. The amounts differ, but all are counted. It also notes the different groups who later live in their cities, from priests to temple servants and ordinary people. This teaches that restoring worship and community life involves many people doing their part, whether leading or following. It encourages a view of God’s people as a body where everyone has a share in supporting what God has called them to do.

Question 7

Why were so many priests’ garments needed after the return from exile?

Accepted Answer

The passage lists hundreds of priests’ garments given, along with other gifts. During the long time in Babylon, regular sacrifices and temple service in Jerusalem had stopped, so their old garments would not have been in use there. When they came back and started to rebuild and serve again, they needed proper garments for the priests to minister. The large number suggests a fresh start, equipping many priests for their duties. It underlines that renewing worship was not just about walls and buildings but also about preparing the people who served in God’s presence.

Question 8

How might this description of giving and settling apply to believers today?

Accepted Answer

While the details of gold, silver, and priestly garments belong to that time, the pattern still speaks today. God stirred their hearts to give what was needed for worship and community life, and people responded according to what they had. Leaders set the tone by generous giving, and the rest followed. Then everyone took up their place in their own cities. For believers now, this passage can encourage thoughtful, willing support of God’s work and a sense of belonging to a community, where each person has a role and a place.

Nehemiah 7:70

¶ And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests’ garments.

Offerings by the Exiles

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Nehemiah 7:70

¶ And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests’ garments.

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