9 This was the inventory:
9 And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,
9 And this was the number of them: basins of gold, 1,000 basins of silver, 29 censers,
9 30 gold dishes 1,000 silver dishes
9 This is the number of them: thirty gold platters, one thousand silver platters, twenty-nine knives,
9 This is a list of the items that were returned: gold basins 30 silver basins 1,000 silver incense burners 29
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezra 1:9
Commentary on Ezra 1:5-11
(Read Ezra 1:5-11)
The same God that raised up the spirit of Cyrus to proclaim liberty to the Jews, raised up their spirits to take the benefit. The temptation was to some to stay in Babylon; but some feared not to return, and they were those whose spirits God raised, by his Spirit and grace. Whatever good we do, is owing to the grace of God. Our spirits naturally bow down to this earth and the things of it; if they move upward in any good affections or good actions, it is God who raises them. The calls and offers of the gospel are like the proclamation of Cyrus. Those bound under the power of sin, may be made free by Jesus Christ. Whosoever will, by repentance and faith, return to God, Jesus Christ has opened the way for him, and raises him out of the slavery of sin into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Many that hear this joyful sound, choose to sit still in Babylon, are in love with their sins, and will not venture upon a holy life; but some break through all discouragements, whatever it cost them; they are those whose spirit God has raised above the world and the flesh, whom he has made willing. Thus will the heavenly Canaan be filled, though many perish in Babylon; and the gospel offer will not have been made in vain. The bringing back the Jews from captivity, represents the redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ.