Ezra 8:26
I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents; I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents;
Ezra carefully weighed out the offerings of silver and gold and the vessels for the temple service, placing the exact amounts into the hands of responsible priests chosen to carry them safely to Jerusalem. The sum involved six hundred and fifty talents of silver, with silver vessels valued at a hundred talents and a hundred talents of gold, all counted out and committed to their charge for the journey. Their commission was to convey this treasure securely over the long and perilous road to its destination.
The treasure was holy, set apart and dedicated to the Lord, and therefore to be guarded with reverent care as a sacred trust. Its custodians were solemnly charged to watch over it faithfully until it should be weighed again in the chambers of the house of God at Jerusalem. Their appointment shows that confidence in divine blessing was not made a substitute for prudence, careful organization, and strict accountability. Proven and faithful men were deliberately selected and made answerable for what had been entrusted to them, so that order and responsibility safeguarded the work of God.