Definition: And all they that [were] about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all [that] was willingly offered.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 1:6. It’s a really important passage about rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem after it had been ruined by disaster. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: “They” refers to the people of Israel. This verse is describing a group of people who were actively working to restore the Temple, which was damaged and lost. “About them” means “those who had done wrong.” The focus isn’t on who they were, but what they were doing – rebuilding it. What Were They Doing? They were meticulously preparing a large collection of precious items to offer as a sacrifice to God: Silver and Gold: These are valuable metals, symbolizing wealth and honor. Goods and Beasts: This includes livestock, animals, and other resources. Precious Things: This is a general term for anything that was considered holy or significant – perhaps even precious jewels. The Purpose of the Offering: The key point is that they were offering these items willingly . “Willingly” means freely and without being forced or pressured. It suggests a sincere desire to honor God and rebuild his house. It wasn’t an obligation, but a heartfelt act of devotion. In short, it's a story of restoration and faith – people working hard to bring back what was lost and showing their commitment to God. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a record of a specific event in the rebuilding of the Temple, but its significance goes beyond that. It represents a time when Israel was actively seeking to reconnect with God through tangible symbols of worship and devotion. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: What kind of context the story of this event had in ancient times? Why is it significant as a symbol of faith and restoration?