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Ezra 7

Ezra 7 marks a significant moment in Israel’s history, as Ezra, a priest and skilled scribe, leads a group of Israelites from Babylon to Jerusalem. Ezra’s mission is to teach the people the Law of Moses, reinforce temple practices, and help reestablish the worship of Yahweh. This chapter highlights the favor Ezra finds with King Artaxerxes, who supports Ezra’s mission by granting him provisions and authority.

Ezra 7:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
2 the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
3 the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
4 the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
5 the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest—

These verses establish Ezra’s priestly lineage, tracing his descent from Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first high priest. By emphasizing this genealogy, the text confirms Ezra’s legitimacy and authority as a spiritual leader among the Israelites. His heritage as a direct descendant of Aaron shows his qualification to teach and lead in the temple worship and legal matters of the Jewish people.

Ezra 7:6 (NKJV)
6 this Ezra came up from Babylon; and he was a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given. The king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him.

Ezra is introduced as a skilled scribe, well-versed in the Law of Moses. His expertise makes him an essential figure in the restoration of Israel’s religious practices. King Artaxerxes grants Ezra’s requests, showing that Ezra has favor not only with God but also with the Persian ruler. This verse emphasizes that God’s hand was upon Ezra, guiding his mission.

Ezra 7:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Some of the children of Israel, the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.
8 And Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.
9 On the first day of the first month he began his journey from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.

Ezra’s journey from Babylon to Jerusalem took about four months, and he was accompanied by other key groups such as priests, Levites, and temple workers. The repetition of the phrase "the good hand of his God" shows that the success of the journey was due to divine favor. God was ensuring the safe and timely arrival of Ezra and his companions to accomplish their mission in Jerusalem.

Ezra 7:10 (NKJV)
10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

This verse reveals Ezra’s dedication to his role as a spiritual leader. His intention was not only to know the Law of the Lord but also to live it and teach it to the people. Ezra’s preparation and commitment show the sincerity of his mission and highlight his role as a reformer and teacher, helping the Israelites reconnect with their covenant relationship with God.

Ezra 7:11 (NKJV)
11 This is a copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave Ezra the priest, the scribe, expert in the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of His statutes to Israel:

The verse introduces the royal decree given by King Artaxerxes. This letter formalizes Ezra’s authority and mission, granting him the legal backing to carry out the work of teaching and enforcing the Law of Moses. The mention of Ezra’s expertise in the commandments further solidifies his role as the spiritual and legal leader in this mission.

Ezra 7:12-13 (NKJV)
12 Artaxerxes, king of kings,
To Ezra the priest, a scribe of the Law of the God of heaven:
Perfect peace, and so forth.
13 I issue a decree that all those of the people of Israel and the priests and Levites in my realm, who volunteer to go up to Jerusalem, may go with you.

King Artaxerxes addresses Ezra directly, acknowledging his role as a priest and scribe of the Law of God. The decree allows any Israelite, priest, or Levite who wishes to return to Jerusalem to do so. This shows the king’s support for the religious and cultural restoration of Israel, allowing for voluntary participation in the mission.

Ezra 7:14 (NKJV)
14 And whereas you are being sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, with regard to the Law of your God which is in your hand;

Ezra is commissioned by the king and his advisors to inspect the state of affairs in Judah and Jerusalem, specifically concerning the adherence to the Law of God. This official endorsement empowers Ezra to investigate and enforce religious observance, reinforcing the idea that this mission is not only spiritual but also officially sanctioned by the Persian authorities.

Ezra 7:15-16 (NKJV)
15 and whereas you are to carry the silver and gold which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem;
16 and whereas all the silver and gold that you may find in all the province of Babylon, along with the freewill offering of the people and the priests, are to be freely offered for the house of their God in Jerusalem—

The king provides silver and gold for Ezra to take to Jerusalem as offerings for the temple. The financial support from both the king and the people of Babylon reflects the favor Ezra has among both the Persian rulers and the Jewish community in exile. This wealth is to be used for temple worship, demonstrating the importance of restoring the religious practices of Israel.

Ezra 7:17 (NKJV)
17 Now therefore, be careful to buy with this money bulls, rams, and lambs, with their grain offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them on the altar of the house of your God in Jerusalem.

The king instructs Ezra to use the money for the purchase of animals and offerings for the temple sacrifices. This shows the detailed level of support Artaxerxes gives for the restoration of worship in Jerusalem. The emphasis on offerings highlights the central role of the temple and its sacrificial system in the spiritual life of Israel.

Ezra 7:18 (NKJV)
18 And whatever seems good to you and your brethren to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do it according to the will of your God.

The king grants Ezra and his fellow leaders discretion to use any remaining silver and gold as they see fit for the work of the temple. This flexibility shows the king’s trust in Ezra’s judgment and reinforces the idea that the mission’s ultimate purpose is aligned with God’s will.

Ezra 7:19 (NKJV)
19 Also the articles that are given to you for the service of the house of your God, deliver in full before the God of Jerusalem.

Ezra is entrusted with sacred articles intended for the service of the temple. The king emphasizes the importance of delivering these items in full, ensuring that nothing is withheld or misused. This further highlights the king’s commitment to the restoration of the temple’s worship and services.

Ezra 7:20 (NKJV)
20 And whatever more may be needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to provide, pay for it from the king’s treasury.

The king offers further financial support from his own treasury if additional resources are needed for the temple. This demonstrates the depth of Artaxerxes’ support for the mission and his willingness to ensure that the worship in Jerusalem is fully restored, sparing no expense in the process.

Ezra 7:21 (NKJV)
21 And I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, issue a decree to all the treasurers who are in the region beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, let it be done diligently,

The king issues a direct decree to all the treasurers in the provinces west of the Euphrates, instructing them to provide Ezra with whatever he needs for his mission. This underscores Ezra’s authority and the full support of the Persian empire, as the local treasurers are commanded to assist Ezra without hesitation. The focus on diligence indicates the importance of Ezra’s work in Jerusalem.

Ezra 7:22 (NKJV)
22 up to one hundred talents of silver, one hundred kors of wheat, one hundred baths of wine, one hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribed limit.

King Artaxerxes provides a specific list of resources that Ezra can request, including large amounts of silver, wheat, wine, and oil. The inclusion of salt without a set limit reflects its essential role in sacrifices and temple services. These provisions are generous and sufficient to ensure the proper functioning of the temple worship, demonstrating the king’s commitment to the religious needs of the Israelites.

Ezra 7:23 (NKJV)
23 Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it diligently be done for the house of the God of heaven. For why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

Artaxerxes expresses a desire to comply with the commands of the God of heaven, recognizing that it is in the best interest of his kingdom to avoid divine wrath. This statement shows that the Persian king respects the God of Israel and seeks to maintain peace and favor by supporting the temple’s worship. It also reflects a broader understanding that spiritual matters could impact the wellbeing of his realm.

Ezra 7:24 (NKJV)
24 Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tax, tribute, or custom on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God.

The king exempts all those who serve in the temple from taxes, tribute, or customs. This financial exemption ensures that the priests and temple workers can focus entirely on their religious duties without the burden of state obligations. This act of generosity highlights the king’s respect for the temple and its staff, enabling them to carry out their service to God without interference.

Ezra 7:25 (NKJV)
25 And you, Ezra, according to your God-given wisdom, set magistrates and judges who may judge all the people who are in the region beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God; and teach those who do not know them.

Ezra is given the authority to appoint judges and magistrates over the Jewish people living in the region beyond the Euphrates River. He is instructed to ensure that these leaders are familiar with God’s laws, and to teach those who are not yet knowledgeable. This shows the central role Ezra plays in establishing a legal and judicial framework based on the Law of Moses, ensuring justice and order among the people.

Ezra 7:26 (NKJV)
26 Whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily on him, whether it be death, or banishment, or confiscation of goods, or imprisonment.

The decree authorizes strict enforcement of both the Law of God and the law of the king, with severe penalties for those who disobey. The options of death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment reflect the seriousness with which both divine and royal laws are to be upheld. This verse underscores the importance of maintaining order and reverence for both religious and civil authority.

Ezra 7:27 (NKJV)
27 Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem,

Ezra praises God for inspiring King Artaxerxes to support the beautification of the temple in Jerusalem. This acknowledgment emphasizes that the king’s generosity is ultimately the result of God’s influence. It also highlights Ezra’s gratitude for the favor shown to the Israelites and the restoration of worship in the temple.

Ezra 7:28 (NKJV)
28 and has extended mercy to me before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. So I was encouraged, as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me; and I gathered leading men of Israel to go up with me.

Ezra concludes by recognizing God’s mercy in granting him favor before the king and his officials. This divine favor gives Ezra the courage and confidence to move forward with his mission, and he gathers leading men of Israel to accompany him. The phrase “the hand of the Lord my God was upon me” reinforces the theme of God’s providential care and guidance throughout Ezra’s journey.

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