65 The governor told them not to eat the priests' share of food from the sacrifices until a priest could consult the Lord about the matter by using the Urim and Thummim-the sacred lots. 66 So a total of 42,360 people returned to Judah, 67 in addition to 7,337 servants and 245Â singers, both men and women. 68 They took with them 736Â horses, 245Â mules, 69 435Â camels, and 6,720 donkeys. 70 Some of the family leaders gave gifts for the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 gold coins, 50Â gold basins, and 530Â robes for the priests.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:65-70
Commentary on Nehemiah 7:5-73
(Read Nehemiah 7:5-73)
Nehemiah knew that the safety of a city, under God, depends more upon the inhabitants than upon its walls. Every good gift and every good work are from above. God gives knowledge, he gives grace; all is of him, and therefore all must be to him. What is done by human prudence, must be ascribed to the direction of Divine Providence. But woe to those who turn back from the Lord, loving this present world! and happy those who dedicate themselves, and their substance, to his service and glory!