Ezra 6 9

Ezra 6:9 kjv

And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

Ezra 6:9 nkjv

And whatever they need?young bulls, rams, and lambs for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the request of the priests who are in Jerusalem?let it be given them day by day without fail,

Ezra 6:9 niv

Whatever is needed?young bulls, rams, male lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, and wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem?must be given them daily without fail,

Ezra 6:9 esv

And whatever is needed ? bulls, rams, or sheep for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, or oil, as the priests at Jerusalem require ? let that be given to them day by day without fail,

Ezra 6:9 nlt

"Give the priests in Jerusalem whatever is needed in the way of young bulls, rams, and male lambs for the burnt offerings presented to the God of heaven. And without fail, provide them with as much wheat, salt, wine, and olive oil as they need each day.

Ezra 6 verses

Ezra 6 9 Meaning

Ezra 6:9 outlines a crucial decree from King Darius of Persia, mandating that the necessary provisions for the Temple sacrifices in Jerusalem be supplied from the royal treasury. These provisions include specific animals for burnt offerings—young bulls, rams, and lambs—as well as foodstuffs like wheat, salt, wine, and oil, all designated for the priests to use in the sacrificial rituals. The decree emphasizes that these provisions must be delivered "day by day without fail," ensuring an uninterrupted and complete restoration of the worship services to the God of heaven according to the Jewish law.

Ezra 6 9 Context

Ezra chapter 6 describes the resolution of the dispute over the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Tattenai, the governor of Trans-Euphrates, had questioned the Jews' authority to rebuild and requested verification from King Darius. Darius diligently searched the royal archives, discovering King Cyrus's original decree which authorized the temple's reconstruction. Based on this finding, Darius issues his own comprehensive decree. Ezra 6:9 is a specific component of this decree, addressing the essential logistical and financial support needed to resume the daily sacrificial system, demonstrating not only the king's affirmation of the rebuilding project but also his commitment to sustaining its religious operations through the royal treasury. This pivotal decision secured the resources and protection for the returning exiles to complete the Temple.

Ezra 6 9 Word analysis

• And whatever is needed: Implies a comprehensive provision, covering all requirements for the sacrifices, without exception. This shows the king's commitment to ensuring the worship can be performed fully.
• young bulls, rams, and lambs: (Aramaic: tōrīn, dikrīn, imrīn). These are the standard, clean animals prescribed for various Old Testament sacrifices, especially burnt offerings (Lev 1). Their explicit mention confirms Darius's detailed understanding or precise adoption of Jewish religious requirements.
• for burnt offerings: (Aramaic: ʿǎlāvān). This refers to offerings completely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication to God and often functioning as an atonement for general sin. It was a foundational part of daily temple worship.
• to the God of heaven: (Aramaic: ʾĕlāh šmayyāʾ). A diplomatic and universal title for Yahweh, used frequently in Ezra and Nehemiah by both Jews and Gentiles (e.g., Ezra 1:2; Neh 1:4). It conveyed respect within the polytheistic Persian empire and resonated with both Persian and Jewish theology, acknowledging Yahweh's supremacy.
• and wheat, salt, wine, and oil: (Aramaic: ḥinṭīn, mĕlaḥ, ḥǎmar, mišḥāʾ). These were essential components of the Mosaic sacrificial system (Leviticus, Numbers). Wheat for grain offerings, salt as a covenant symbol (Lev 2:13), wine for drink offerings, and oil for anointing and grain offerings. Their inclusion ensures proper adherence to all sacrificial elements.
• for the priests to use in sacrifices: Clarifies the purpose and the officiants of these provisions, emphasizing their sacred, ritualistic application as commanded by God through Moses.
• let it be given to them: A strong royal command, not a suggestion. It signifies the authoritative and mandatory nature of the provision, guaranteeing execution by the Persian administrators.
• day by day: (Aramaic: yōm bĕyōm). This stresses the ongoing, consistent nature of the offerings. Daily sacrifices were commanded (Ex 29:38-42; Num 28:3-8) and symbolized continuous communion with God and atonement for sins.
• without fail: (Aramaic: bĕlāʾ ḥǎšāḥāʾ). Literally "without lack" or "without omission." This phrase underscores the reliability and completeness of the supply, preventing any interruption or deficiency in the divinely prescribed worship. It ensured consistency.

• Sacrificial Provisions Specified: The detailed list of animals (bulls, rams, lambs) and agricultural products (wheat, salt, wine, oil) shows King Darius's decree was incredibly precise and aimed at fully reinstating the temple's prescribed worship according to Mosaic law. This meticulousness indicates either a careful consultation with the Jewish leaders or precise administrative practice in the Persian Empire, perhaps based on detailed Jewish records available.
• "To the God of heaven": This particular phrasing, common among Gentile rulers when referring to Israel's God, illustrates the divine providence at work. While Darius likely sought stability and prosperity for his kingdom (Ezra 6:10), his decree inadvertently promoted the worship of the one true God, using a title comprehensible within his polytheistic framework while subtly elevating Yahweh.
• Royal Mandate for Daily and Uninterrupted Provision: The phrase "let it be given to them day by day without fail" is crucial. It highlights the mandatory, consistent, and reliable nature of the royal support. This ensured the uninterrupted performance of the essential daily offerings, which were central to Israelite worship and a tangible expression of their covenant relationship with God. It symbolizes God's commitment to maintaining His worship despite adverse circumstances.

Ezra 6 9 Bonus section

The precision of this decree, detailing specific types and quantities of animals and produce for offerings, along with the command for "day by day without fail" provision, highlights the remarkable administrative efficiency and record-keeping of the Persian Empire. This ensured the accurate and ongoing fulfillment of the decree. From a theological perspective, it serves as a powerful testament to God's providence, showing His control extends even to the mundane logistics and financial structures of powerful Gentile empires to support His covenant people and the continuity of His prescribed worship. It also foreshadows the future reality where Gentile nations and kings would one day bring their wealth and support to Zion (Isa 60:6-7; Zech 14:16). This specific verse showcases how political pragmatism (Darius seeking prayer for himself and his sons, Ezra 6:10) intersected with divine will, illustrating God's capacity to weave human motivations into His greater tapestry of redemption and kingdom building.

Ezra 6 9 Commentary

Ezra 6:9 reveals God's powerful hand orchestrating the political will of a pagan king, Darius, to ensure the full and proper restoration of worship in Jerusalem. Following the discovery of Cyrus's original decree, Darius goes beyond mere permission; he actively commands the use of royal funds to provide specific and costly elements for the daily Temple sacrifices. The detailed enumeration of bulls, rams, lambs for burnt offerings, along with wheat, salt, wine, and oil, testifies to the king's commitment to precision in facilitating the religious observances of a foreign people. The phrase "day by day without fail" underlines the decree's uncompromising nature, guaranteeing an uninterrupted flow of resources crucial for the daily perpetuation of the Mosaic ritual system. This reflects divine providence, using imperial power to sustain the very practices that pointed toward the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ (Heb 9-10). It underscores the principle that God can, and often does, utilize secular authorities, even unknowingly, to achieve His redemptive purposes and sustain His people's fidelity to Him.