Ezra 3 7

Ezra 3:7 kjv

They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

Ezra 3:7 nkjv

They also gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre to bring cedar logs from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the permission which they had from Cyrus king of Persia.

Ezra 3:7 niv

Then they gave money to the masons and carpenters, and gave food and drink and olive oil to the people of Sidon and Tyre, so that they would bring cedar logs by sea from Lebanon to Joppa, as authorized by Cyrus king of Persia.

Ezra 3:7 esv

So they gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and the Tyrians to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the grant that they had from Cyrus king of Persia.

Ezra 3:7 nlt

Then the people hired masons and carpenters and bought cedar logs from the people of Tyre and Sidon, paying them with food, wine, and olive oil. The logs were brought down from the Lebanon mountains and floated along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to Joppa, for King Cyrus had given permission for this.

Ezra 3 verses

Ezra 3 7 Meaning

The verse describes the practical steps taken by the returning exiles under Zerubbabel to initiate the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. It details their financial and material contributions, specifically providing payment (money, food, drink, and olive oil) to skilled craftsmen—masons and carpenters—as well as to the Phoenicians of Sidon and Tyre. This payment facilitated the transportation of essential cedar logs from Lebanon, which were to be floated by sea to the port of Joppa, fulfilling the express permission and decree granted by King Cyrus of Persia. This verse highlights the communal effort, resourcefulness, and divine enablement through a secular king to accomplish God's redemptive plan.

Ezra 3 7 Context

Ezra chapter 3 marks a significant transition for the returning exiles. Following their initial arrival in Jerusalem and the construction of the altar (Ezr 3:1-6), the community moves to the next crucial phase: rebuilding the Temple itself. Verse 7 outlines the preparatory logistical and financial steps taken before the actual laying of the temple foundation in verse 8. The historical context is the post-exilic period, approximately 536 BC, when the first wave of exiles returned from Babylon under the leadership of Zerubbabel (governor) and Jeshua (high priest), empowered by the decree of Cyrus the Great. This rebuilding effort was a direct fulfillment of prophetic promises regarding their return and the restoration of Judah's worship. Culturally, the sourcing of materials and labor from Phoenicia mirrored the practice used by King Solomon in constructing the first Temple, emphasizing continuity and reliance on traditional regional trade networks. The mention of Cyrus's grant validates their work and protects them politically.

Ezra 3 7 Word analysis

• They also gave money: This signifies the collective commitment and sacrificial giving of the Jewish community. "Money" (כֶּסֶף, kesef) primarily refers to silver, the standard currency and medium of exchange. It shows an organized effort and substantial initial investment.
• to the masons and carpenters: These are specific, highly skilled trades essential for construction.
  • "Masons" (לַגֹּזְרִים, laggōzərîm): Literally "the cutters" or "hewers," referring to stonecutters who prepared the quarry stone. Their skill was vital for shaping the foundation and wall stones.
  • "Carpenters" (וְלַחָרָשִׁים, wəlaḥārāshîm): "Craftsmen" or "artisans" in a general sense, but here specifically referring to woodworkers. They would be responsible for timbers, framing, and interior finishing.
• and food and drink and olive oil: These represent payment in kind, a common economic practice in the ancient world alongside money. This also ensures the workers' sustenance, covering all necessary provisions for their livelihood. Olive oil was a staple, used for cooking, fuel, and as anointing oil.
• to the people of Sidon and Tyre: These were prominent Phoenician city-states, famous for their maritime trade, expert shipbuilders, and abundant access to the famed cedar forests of Lebanon. This alliance mirrors the one between King Solomon and Hiram of Tyre (1 Kgs 5, 2 Chr 2). It also highlights God working through pagan nations to achieve His purposes.
• to bring cedar logs from Lebanon: "Cedar logs" (עֲצֵי אֲרָזִים, ‘ăṣê ‘ărāzîm) indicates the prized material, Cedars of Lebanon, renowned for their beauty, durability, and resistance to decay, making them ideal for the Temple. Lebanon was the prime source for these premium trees.
• to the Sea of Joppa: This specifies the transportation route and the arrival point. The logs would be floated by sea as rafts from Lebanon southward along the Mediterranean coast to Joppa (modern Jaffa), which was the closest port for Jerusalem. This sea route was also famously used during Solomon's temple construction.
• according to the grant they had from Cyrus king of Persia: This clause provides the crucial legal and political justification for their actions. "Grant" (אִגְּרֶת, ‘iggəret) refers to an official decree or permission. Cyrus's edict (Ezra 1:1-4) not only permitted the return but also explicitly authorized the rebuilding of the Temple, giving the Jews access to resources and ensuring imperial protection. It underscores divine providence working through Gentile rulers.

Ezra 3 7 Bonus section

The cooperation with Sidon and Tyre not only mirrored Solomon's building project but also facilitated economic integration for the returning exiles into regional trade. This re-establishes a form of stability and recognized Israel's place in the broader ancient Near Eastern network. The use of the sea route to Joppa was highly efficient for transporting heavy, bulky logs and bypassed the more arduous overland routes. It also served as a demonstration of renewed commerce for a people returning from desolation. While primarily focused on Temple construction, the organized payment system and foreign trade reflect broader socio-economic reconstruction occurring in the post-exilic community.

Ezra 3 7 Commentary

Ezra 3:7 details the practical and pivotal first steps in rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple after the Babylonian exile, a work initiated through God's moving the heart of Cyrus. This verse demonstrates a robust communal effort, involving both financial contributions and the provisioning of essential goods. The detailed enumeration of payments highlights a dedicated commitment to resourcing the sacred task. The re-establishment of historical trade relationships with Phoenician cities, particularly Sidon and Tyre, for the supply of precious cedar from Lebanon signifies the re-emergence of old networks and resources, providentially available to God's people. This continuity of supply methods, directly mirroring Solomon's first Temple project, underscored both the divine guidance and the historical legitimacy of the current undertaking. Most critically, the work's legality and protection derived from King Cyrus's official decree. This illustrates God's sovereignty extends even over foreign rulers, orchestrating political events to fulfill His prophetic word and ensure His people could accomplish His will. The provision of necessary skills, materials, and official sanction reveals a seamless blend of human effort, practical arrangements, and divine oversight for the re-establishment of Israel's central place of worship.