Ezra 1:9-11 lists several types of silver and gold items, the particulars of which add up to 2,499 items; but the passage ends by stating that 5,400 items were counted. Critics argue that this is a mathematical error. However, the list of particular items provided in verses 9 and 10 is not stated to be exhaustive; it highlights the most prominent or valuable items, while the final total of 5,400 encompasses all the vessels of gold and silver. To demand that a partial inventory match a grand total is to read into the text a strict modern accounting ledger that was not intended.

The passage lists several types of silver and gold items, the particulars of which add up to 2,499 items; but the passage ends by saying that 5,400 items were counted. 2,499 does not equal 5,400. However, the list of particular items is not said to be exhaustive. Assuming a contradiction requires reading into the text an exhaustiveness that is not explicitly stated.