Definition: Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second [sort] four hundred and ten, [and] other vessels a thousand.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 1:10. It’s a really interesting detail about the amount of precious metals that were recovered! Here's what it means in simpler terms: “Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second [sort] four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.” Let's unpack each part: “Thirty basons of gold…” – This refers to a significant amount of gold. "Bason" is a Hebrew word that means “a large measure” or “a significant amount”. So, they found 30 large pieces of gold. “…silver basons of a second [sort] four hundred and ten…” - This is where it gets more complex. “Silver” was used for religious objects – like censers (used to purify the air) and other holy items. “A second sort” means they found another kind of silver. They discovered 400 and 10 more pieces of silver. “And other vessels a thousand.” - This is the really important part! They also recovered a thousand other vessels – likely containers used for ritual purposes, perhaps for offering food or drinks. So, putting it all together: Ezra was overseeing the recovery of valuable religious artifacts after a period of rebuilding and impurity in Jerusalem. They found a huge amount of gold and silver, plus many more vessels. It’s essentially a record of an incredibly rich treasure hoard! Context is Key: This verse is important because it shows: Wealth & Prosperity: The discovery of this much gold and silver was a major event that helped restore the Temple in Jerusalem after its destruction. Religious Importance: The mention of “vessels” points to a focus on ritual purity and devotion in Jewish life. Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail, perhaps relate it to a specific story or concept? For example, would you like to know: What the "second sort" refers to specifically? How this discovery impacted the rebuilding of Jerusalem?