And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:
Some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord ... offered freely ... The sight of a place hallowed by the most endearing and sacred associations, but now lying in desolation and ruins, made the well-springs of their piety and patriotism gush out afresh; and before taking any active measures for providing accommodation to themselves and their families, the chief among them raised a large sum by voluntary contributions toward the restoration of the temple.