It is proper to remark, that this gift was rather religious than charitable, the offering of piety as distinguished from that of almsgiving. This will be obvious, upon considering that the contributions to the treasury were not for the support of the poor, but for the supply of sacrifices and other necessary services. Dr. Lightfoot states that there were thirteen treasure-chests, called _Shopheroth_, and collectively _Corban_ or _Corbonah_, which were placed in that part of the temple denominated the Court of the Women. Two of these chests were for the half shekel, which every Israelite was to pay according to the law; and eleven others were appropriated to the uses specified in their respective inscriptions. 1. _For the price of the two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons_. 2. _For the burnt-offering of birds_. 3. _For the money offered to buy wood for the altar_. 4. _For those who gave money to buy frankincense_. 5. _For those who offered gold for the mercy-seat_. 6. _For the residue of the money for the sin-offering_. 7. _For the residue of the money for a trespass-offering_. 8. _For the residue of an offering of birds_. 9. _For the surplus of a Nazarite's offering_. 10. _For the residue of a leper's trespass-offering_. 11. _For whosoever would offer an offering of the herds_. Our Saviour eulogized the gift of this good woman less, probably, on account of its comparative superiority to the more splendid donations of opulent contributors to the treasury, whose circumstances were so widely different from hers, than because her motives were more pure and pious. The intention to purchase renown or self-approbation, diminishes the excellence of the most costly offering; while the simple desire to honour God and promote his cause, superadds substantial worth to the meanest donation. Jesus Christ perceived the workings of genuine faith and love in this woman's heart, and estimated them at a price above the choicest jewels or the purest gold.