Whoever is left, in any place where he lives, let the men of his place help him with silver, with gold, with goods, and with animals, in addition to the free will offering for God’s house which is in Jerusalem.’”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 4. Rest, who do not please to return. The Jews went at different times, and under the different leaders, Zorobabel, Esdras, and Nehemias. Many did not return at all. Cyrus allowed them full liberty. He permits money to be exported, particularly the half sicle, required Exodus 30:13, and all voluntary contributions for the temple. Grotius. Calmet.—He also enjoins the prefects of the provinces, (verse 6, and Calmet. 3:7) whom Josephus styles “the king’s friends,” to forward this work; and he even designed to perfect it at his own expence. Calmet. 6:4.