Definition: And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which [is] in Jerusalem:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 7:16. It's a really important passage about giving to God. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Babylon was a Place of Chaos: In ancient times, Babylon was a powerful and wealthy city-state in the Middle East. It was often a place of conflict and disruption. A Special Offering: Ezra’s mission was to help rebuild the temple in Jerusalem after a period of chaos and rebuilding. He asked for a special offering – a lot of silver and gold – from everyone in Babylon, including the people, priests (religious leaders), and even those who were giving freely to the temple before. “House of Their God”: This refers to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which was the central place where Jewish people prayed and worshipped. It was considered the dwelling place of God. Putting it Together – What’s Being Said? The verse says that anyone who finds a lot of silver and gold – from everyone in Babylon – should give it willingly to God at the Temple in Jerusalem. It's like saying, "If you have a lot of wealth, offer it to God as a way to show your devotion." Key Takeaway: It’s a call for generosity and showing faith by giving back to God through offerings – not just money, but also time, dedication, and belief. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story about the rebuilding of Jerusalem after a long period of exile. It emphasizes the importance of returning to God and restoring his presence in the land. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: Why was this offering important? What does it say about the relationship between God and the people of Babylon?