Ezra 6 10

Ezra 6:10 kjv

That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

Ezra 6:10 nkjv

that they may offer sacrifices of sweet aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and his sons.

Ezra 6:10 niv

so that they may offer sacrifices pleasing to the God of heaven and pray for the well-being of the king and his sons.

Ezra 6:10 esv

that they may offer pleasing sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons.

Ezra 6:10 nlt

Then they will be able to offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the welfare of the king and his sons.

Ezra 6 verses

Ezra 6 10 Meaning

Ezra 6:10 specifies the purpose of King Darius's decree: to ensure that the Jews, with royal financial support, could consistently offer sacrifices to their God, "the God of Heaven," with a "sweet savor" – signifying divine acceptance and pleasure. In return, the priests were to pray for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of the king and his royal line. This verse highlights a practical reciprocal arrangement between the Persian monarchy and the Judean religious community, aimed at securing divine favor for the empire through the legitimate worship of Israel's God.

Ezra 6 10 Context

Ezra 6:10 is part of the narrative detailing the reauthorization and completion of the second temple in Jerusalem. After years of interrupted building efforts following the return from Babylonian exile, adversaries questioned the Jews' authority to rebuild the temple. Tattenai, the governor "Beyond the River," sent an inquiry to King Darius I, asking for verification of Cyrus the Great's original decree allowing the temple's reconstruction. Upon searching the royal archives in Ecbatana, Cyrus's initial edict was indeed found. Darius, seeing its authenticity and likely recognizing the pragmatic benefit of appeasing a local deity believed powerful, reaffirmed the decree with even greater specificity and force. Verse 10 outlines the quid pro quo: the empire would provide financial and logistical support for the sacrifices, and in return, the Judean priests were to intercede for the king and his lineage, seeking divine blessing for the Persian throne. This decision secured continued peace and order in the region under Darius's rule.

Ezra 6 10 Word analysis

• that they may offer (וִיהְוֺן מְהַקְרְבִין): This Aramaic phrase denotes the purpose and ongoing action. וִיהְוֺן (vihwon) means "that they may be" and מְהַקְרְבִין (mehaqrevin) is a participle "offering" or "sacrificing." It emphasizes the continual nature of the cultic duties. The decree ensures not just one-time worship, but regular temple service.

• sacrifices (דִּבְחִין): The Aramaic term dəbāḥīn refers specifically to animal offerings or cultic sacrifices. It's akin to the Hebrew zevachim. These were central to Old Covenant worship, acting as atonement, thanksgiving, and devotion. Their regular performance was critical to maintaining the covenant relationship and was thus seen as beneficial by both the Israelites and, pragmatically, by the Persian authorities.

• of sweet savor (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ): This Aramaic phrase (rêaḥ nîḥôaḥ) directly translates to "a pleasing aroma" or "a soothing odor." It is a technical theological term common throughout the Pentateuch (especially Leviticus and Numbers), indicating that the sacrifice is acceptable to God, finding His pleasure. It implies not just the physical offering but the heart and manner of the offering being aligned with divine will, thus achieving the intended effect of reconciliation or communion.

• to the God of heaven (לֶאֱלָהּ שְׁמַיָּא): This title, ʾĔlāh šemayyāʾ in Aramaic, is frequently used in later biblical books, especially Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel. It emphasizes God's transcendent sovereignty, His authority over all realms, including the heavens and earth. For a pagan king like Darius, it acknowledged the unique, powerful, and universal nature of Israel's God, distinct from local deities. It positions Him as a supreme deity capable of impacting the king's fate.

• and pray (וּמְצַלַּיִן): The Aramaic ūməṣallayin means "and praying." This denotes specific, earnest supplication. Prayer, combined with sacrifice, formed the core of seeking divine favor and expressing devotion. It shows that Darius understood the role of priestly intercession as vital to securing God's blessing.

• for the life of the king and his sons (לְחַיֵּי מַלְכָּא וּבְנוֹהִי): ləḥayyê (for the life of) signifies not merely existence but also well-being, longevity, prosperity, and divine protection. This phrase underscores the reciprocal nature of the decree: the empire supports the cult, and in return, the deity is petitioned for the king and his royal house, ensuring stability and succession. It suggests a belief that the God of the Jews had power over the very destiny of the imperial ruler.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "sacrifices of sweet savor to the God of heaven": This phrase encapsulates the essence of acceptable worship. It underscores the quality and target of the devotion. "Sweet savor" points to God's acceptance and satisfaction, while "God of heaven" declares the transcendent, universal deity to whom such worship is due, setting Him above any localized or limited pagan gods. It reveals Darius's recognition of the particular nature of Israel's God and the specific manner in which He desired to be honored.
  • "pray for the life of the king and his sons": This part clarifies the direct pragmatic benefit for the Persian state. It's a clear mandate for intercessory prayer, seeking divine blessing, protection, and longevity for the ruling family. This practice aligns with later biblical instruction (Jer 29:7; 1 Tim 2:1-2), demonstrating how even pagan rulers recognized the value of the prayers of those serving the Most High God, believing such intercession could influence their earthly destinies.

Ezra 6 10 Bonus section

The recognition of the "God of Heaven" by a non-Israelite king like Darius is a significant theological point in Ezra. It reflects a post-exilic shift in divine revelation and interaction with global powers, wherein God's sovereignty is openly declared and even acknowledged by powerful Gentiles. While Darius's motivations were likely geopolitical—aiming for stability and a flourishing kingdom rather than personal piety—his actions unwittingly furthered God's plan for the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of Judah. This acknowledgment also subtly sets a polemic against polytheism and the belief in merely local deities, affirming a transcendent God whose power extended beyond national boundaries to affect even the mightiest emperors and their progeny. The emphasis on "life" (longevity, well-being) as the requested outcome reflects common ancient Near Eastern prayers for rulers, highlighting that even human longevity and imperial stability are ultimately dependent on divine decree, even by the assessment of a pagan king.

Ezra 6 10 Commentary

Ezra 6:10 illustrates a remarkable decree from a foreign king, Darius I, affirming God's providential care over His people, even through seemingly secular means. The directive highlights Darius's pragmatism, acknowledging the "God of Heaven" as a powerful entity whose favor could secure stability and prosperity for the Persian Empire and its rulers. The explicit mention of "sacrifices of sweet savor" underscores the importance of proper, divinely accepted worship. This wasn't merely any sacrifice, but one that met God's specific criteria, demonstrating an understanding by the Persian court of the distinct demands of the Judean deity. In return for royal patronage and resources, the Judean community's spiritual service was repurposed to include intercession for their imperial benefactors. This verse serves as a reminder that God can work through any ruler, regardless of their personal faith, to achieve His purposes for His people. It also demonstrates the timeless principle that believers are called to pray for those in authority, not just for personal benefit, but for societal order and peace, even when those authorities are not adherents of faith in the one true God.