Some from among the heads of fathers’ households gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury one thousand darics of gold, fifty basins, and five hundred thirty priests’ garments.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 70. Athersatha; that is, Nehemias, as appears from Calmet. 8:9. Either that he was so called at the court of the king of Persia, where he was cup-bearer, or that, as some think, this name signifies governor; and he was at that time governor of Judea. Challoner.—Rom. Septuagint insinuates that the princes gave these things “to Nehemias.” Calmet.—Alex. Septuagint “They gave for the work, unto Athersatha.”—Prot. “The Tirshatha gave,” and so forth Bible.—Thersa means, “he fed,” and satha, “he caused to drink.” Tirinus.—The A, at the beginning, is only the article. Bible.
a daric was a gold coin issued by a Persian king, weighing about 8.4 grams or about 0.27 troy ounces each.