Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, treasurers held significant roles within the governance and religious structures of ancient Israel and surrounding nations. These individuals were responsible for managing the wealth and resources of kings, temples, and other institutions. The position of a treasurer required trustworthiness, diligence, and a keen understanding of financial matters.
Old Testament ReferencesThe role of treasurers is mentioned several times in the Old Testament, often in the context of the royal court or the temple. In
1 Chronicles 27:25, we read about Azmaveth, the son of Adiel, who was in charge of the king's treasuries, and Jonathan, the son of Uzziah, who was over the storehouses in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the towers. This passage highlights the division of responsibilities among those who managed the wealth of the kingdom.
In
1 Kings 4:6, Ahishar is mentioned as being in charge of the palace, while Adoniram, the son of Abda, was in charge of the forced labor. Although not explicitly called a treasurer, Ahishar's role would have included managing the resources and finances necessary for the maintenance of the royal household.
The temple also had its own treasurers. In
1 Chronicles 26:20, we find that the Levites were appointed over the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated gifts. This indicates that the temple had a structured system for managing its wealth, which included offerings and other contributions dedicated to God.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the concept of treasurers is less prominent, but the role of managing finances is still evident. Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, served as the keeper of the money bag for Jesus and His followers, as noted in
John 12:6: "He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it." This passage illustrates the importance of integrity in those who handle financial matters.
Symbolic and Spiritual ImplicationsThe role of treasurers in the Bible also carries symbolic and spiritual implications. In
Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus teaches about the true nature of treasure: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This passage emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth.
ConclusionTreasurers in the Bible were entrusted with significant responsibilities, whether in the service of a king, a temple, or a community. Their role required a high level of integrity and faithfulness, reflecting the broader biblical principle that one's handling of material wealth is a reflection of their spiritual priorities.
Strong's Hebrew
1411. gedaberayya -- perhaps treasurer... 1410, 1411. gedaberayya. 1412 . perhaps treasurer. Transliteration: gedaberayya
Phonetic Spelling: (ghed-aw-bawr') Short Definition:
treasurers.
...1490. gizbar -- treasurer
... 1489, 1490. gizbar. 1491 . treasurer. Transliteration: gizbar Phonetic
Spelling: (ghiz-bawr') Short Definition:treasurers. Word...
Library
How Xerxes the Son of Darius was Well Disposed to the Jews; as...
... I have, moreover, written to thetreasurers of Syria and Phoenicia, that they take
care of those affairs that Esdras the priest, and reader of the laws of God...
Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all thetreasurers which
are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of...
How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More...
... Before that time they were kept under the seal of the high priest, and of the
treasurers of the temple; whichtreasurers, the day before a festival, went up to...
In the Homes of the People
... how hard she worked them. Thetreasurers and secretaries tell of her
cleverness in financial affairs. The sergeant-majors chuckle...
Reformation
... with confidence, and all Judah brought "the tithe of the corn and the new wine and
the oil." Men who "were counted faithful" were made "treasurers over the...
The Test by Fire
... of Babylon. Then he sent for the officers, the governors, the judges, the
treasurers, and all the rulers of the provinces. So they...
How Constantius his Father, Being Reproached with Poverty by...
... money into his own hands, but that it had long been kept for his use in the custody
of the owners, as securely as if under the charge of faithfultreasurers....
Letter ccxxv. To Demosthenes, as from the Synod of Bishops.
... If there is any question of the wasteful expenditure of money, thetreasurers of
the Church funds are there, ready to give an account to any one who likes, and...
The Wonderful Integrity of Alypius in Judgment. The Lasting...
... He had six othertreasurers in so many provinces under him, whereof he of Italy
was one under whom this Alypius had some office of judicature, something like...
The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... Abba Shaul) pronounced upon the High-Priestly families (including that of Annas),
who were themselves High-Priests, their sonstreasurers (Gizbarin), their sons...
Thesaurus
Treasurers (5 Occurrences)...Treasurers (5 Occurrences).
... Now therefore take no more money from your
treasurers,
but deliver it for the breaches of the house." (WEB NIV).
...Treasurer (6 Occurrences)
... gizbar, cakhan; oikonomos): (1) 'Atsar, meaning primarily "to store up," and hence,
one who lays up in store, ie a "treasurer": "I madetreasurers over the...
Justices (2 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 And Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
prefects, and the governors, the judges, thetreasurers, the counsellors, the...
Deputies (14 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, thetreasurers, the counselors, the...
Magistrates (18 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 and Nebuchadnezzar the king hath sent to gather the satraps, the prefects,
and the governors, the honourable judges, thetreasurers, the counsellors...
Provincial (7 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 and Nebuchadnezzar the king hath sent to gather the satraps, the prefects,
and the governors, the honourable judges, thetreasurers, the counsellors...
Pedaiah (8 Occurrences)
... called "Phaldeus"). (5) A "Levite," appointed one of thetreasurers over
the "treasuries" of the Lord's house (Nehemiah 13:13). (6...
Prefects (18 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, thetreasurers, the counsellors, the...
Counsellors (21 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the
governors, and the captains, the judges, thetreasurers, the counsellors, the...
Counselors (21 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, thetreasurers, the counselors, the...
Resources
Who were the satraps in the book of Daniel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are ways I could serve / be serving in the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhere was Daniel when his three friends were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's statue? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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