Ezra 2:69
They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments. They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments.
The giving belongs to the return from exile to Judea and Canaan after the decree of Cyrus. The company was led by Zerubbabel, a descendant of David appointed governor, and Joshua the high priest, after God brought them safely across the desert. Those who returned numbered nearly fifty thousand. They were only a remnant of the Israelites scattered through the Medo-Persian provinces, because many chose to remain in captivity rather than return and help restore the temple services.
Grateful for God's mercies, the returned company at once set to restore what had been broken down and destroyed. The chief of the fathers and leaders led by giving from their own substance, and the people followed their example by giving freely out of their meager store, each according to ability. The gifts totaled 61,000 drams of gold, and 5,000 pounds of silver, and 100 priests' garments. Their offering paid the cost of rebuilding the temple and supplied the work of restoring the house of God.