Wealth of the Ancient Hebrews

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, Cal. · Mar 18, 1875

Wealth of the Ancient Hebrews

Wealth of the Ancient Hebrews.—In the times of David and Solomon gold existed in enormous quantities among the Hebrews. The figures given in the Old Testament appear almost fabulous. From 1 Chron. 20:14, we learn that David had collected together for the purpose of the Temple building a hundred thousand talents of gold and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and from 1 Chron. 29:3, we learn that over and above this enormous amount, he contributed from his own possessions three thousand talents of gold and seven thousand talents of silver; whilst the people in addition offered, “for the service of the house of God, five thousand talents and ten thousand drachms of gold, and of silver ten thousand talents,” (1 Chron 29:7). From these data the total value of the gold and silver has been calculated at nearly five thousand million dollars.—The Bible Educator.