Ezra 7:22

"I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, requires of you, it shall be done with all diligence,"

Key Reflection

Ezra 7:22 is a powerful decree issued by King Artaxerxes to ensure Ezra's success in his mission. The verse emphasizes the authority and importance of Ezra, whom the king acknowledges as a priest and scribe of the law of the God of heaven. This decree not only grants Ezra significant administrative power but also underscores the divine nature of the Law he represents, ensuring that whatever Ezra requests is executed with utmost diligence. The cultural context of ancient Persia recognized such royal decrees as binding and authoritative, thus Ezra's mission was seen as both a religious and governmental priority.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

This verse assigns limits to the permission ofEzra 7:20. As the Persian tribute was paid partly in money and partly in kind (seeEzra 4:13note), the treasuries would be able to supply them as readily as they could furnish money.

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