Ezra 2:69

“They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the world threescore and one thousand drachms of gold, etc.] These “darcemons or darics” were a Persian coin; one of which, according to Brerewood f28, was of the value of fifteen shillings of our money, and so this quantity of them amounted to 45,750 pounds; but according to Bishop Cumberland f29 they were of the value of twenty shillings and four pence of our money, and so came to upwards of 61,000 pounds; these everyone, according to his ability, put into the common stock or treasury for the work of building the temple; the Vulgate Latin f30 reads 40,000: and five thousand pounds of silver; and an Hebrew “mina”, or pound, being of our…”

“drams of gold--rather, "darics," a Persian coin (see on Ch1 29:7). priests' garments--(compare Neh 7:70). This--in the circumstances--was a very appropriate gift. In general, it may be remarked that presents of garments, or of any other usable commodities, however singular it may seem to us, is in harmony with the established notions and customs of the East. Next: Ezra Chapter 3”

“The numbers here and in Nehemiah (see the marginal reference) vary. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Sixty one thousand drams - Sixty one thousand drams of gold amount to something more than so many pounds of our money. So bishop Cumberland, who likewise supposes five thousand pounds of silver, to be about thirty seven thousand pounds sterling. Ezra 2:70”

“2:69 Each of the gold coins (Hebrew darics) was worth a month’s wages for a professional soldier. • 6,250 pounds (Hebrew 5,000 minas): Each mina weighed 20 ounces and was equal to 60 shekels of silver; each shekel was worth an average worker’s monthly wages.”

“the treasure: Ezr 8:25-34; Kg1 7:51; Ch1 22:14, Ch1 26:20-28; Neh 7:71, Neh 7:72 Ezra 2:70”