Ezra Gets a Letter From The King

“If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible, our country will go on prospering and to prosper, but if we and our posterity ignore its instructions and authority, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity.&qu … More

Authority

The verses in this chapter are not merely the king’s decree but they are Ezra’s comments on the king’s decree. It shows how the king bestowed upon Ezra quite a number of extraordinary powers and at the same time, specifies certain ordinances which were to extend beyond Ezra’s lifetime. Ezra was a priest and an expert in the law (v. 11). King Artaxerxes gave Ezra a letter which said: Greetings from the great King Artaxerxes to Ezra the priest and expert in the teachings of the God of heaven (v. 12). Artaxerxes also gave Ezra authority to take with him to Jerusalem all “the people of Israel” who wished to return in a second great entry to Judea (v. 13). He told Ezra to find out if the laws of his God are being obeyed (v. 14). Permission was granted for him to take three specific offerings (vv. 15-16). First there was the silver and gold given by the king and his counselors; second there were the offerings given by the non-Jewish inhabitants of Babylon and thirdly Ezra collected offerings from the Jewish population.

The funds were to be used to purchase the animals as well as other items used in sacrifices at the temple (v. 17). The number to be purchased and used in this manner was left entirely to Ezra’s discretion (vv. 18-20). The king also ordered all the treasurers to do their very best to help him (vv. 21-22). This was so the God of heaven would not be angry at them (v. 23). All of those who had anything to do with the temple ministry were to be exempted from taxation (v. 24). Ezra was encouraged to use the wisdom God had given to him to choose officials and leaders to govern the people (v. 25). Furthermore Ezra was given the authority to punish anyone who disobeyed either the law of Jehovah or the Persian law. The type of punishment could be execution, excommunication, confiscation of goods or imprisonment (v. 26). Ezra could have assumed that his own greatness had given him favor with the king but he gave all the credit to God (vv. 27-28).

Application

I too need to be grateful to God for any accomplishments in my life and not think I can do things in our own power.

Ezra 7:11-28 (English Standard Version)


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