MPV Commentary

39. The priests who returned from exile were from four of the priestly courses established by David. Although the course of Abia (mentioned in Luke 1:5) is not listed here, it's worth noting that these four courses would later be divided into twenty-four, each retaining its original name.

70. The register now lists some of the prominent leaders who contributed to the support of the priests and other ministers. This section marks a transition back to Nehemiah's story, where he is described as the governor (or tirshatha) who oversaw the provision for the religious leaders. Their donations primarily consisted of clothing, which was a common practice in ancient Eastern cultures.

A daric, equivalent to about £1 5s, was a gold coin used in ancient Persia. The value of their contributions is also mentioned in terms of silver, with one pound (mina) being equivalent to sixty shekels or approximately £9.

73. These genealogical records proved useful for identifying the cities and localities where each family originally belonged within their respective tribes.