The custody of the treasure.
After fasting and prayer, before the caravan moved from the halt on the banks of the Ahava, Ezra made arrangements for the custody of the offerings with which he was intrusted. Whatever is done under Divine direction is intended to instruct, and in these arrangements we may seek for matter of profitable meditation. Let us then consider—
I. THE TREASURE. The vessels which were for the service of the house of the Lord typified his saints (Acts 9:15; 2 Timothy 2:20, 2 Timothy 2:21).
1. The treasure was various.
2. The treasure was precious.
(a) Immortal.
(b) Capable of God (Job 28:19).
Redeemed by the Son of God (1 Peter 1:7).
3. The treasure was sacred.
II. THE TREASURERS.
1. These were twelve in number.
2. They were of the chief of the priests.
III. THEIR DUTIES.
1. They were duly to estimate the value of their c/large.
2. They were to watch over it.
3. They were to present it in its integrity in the temple.