Ezra 7 15

Ezra 7:15 kjv

And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,

Ezra 7:15 nkjv

and whereas you are to carry the silver and gold which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem;

Ezra 7:15 niv

Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his advisers have freely given to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem,

Ezra 7:15 esv

and also to carry the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem,

Ezra 7:15 nlt

We also commission you to take with you silver and gold, which we are freely presenting as an offering to the God of Israel who lives in Jerusalem.

Ezra 7 verses

Ezra 7 15 Meaning

Ezra 7:15 describes Artaxerxes' specific instruction to Ezra: to transport silver and gold that the king and his royal advisors had willingly offered as sacred gifts. These precious metals were intended for the God of Israel, whose designated earthly dwelling place was recognized to be in Jerusalem. This verse underscores the extraordinary divine favor allowing pagan rulers to contribute lavishly to the sacred worship of the true God.

Ezra 7 15 Context

Ezra chapter 7 begins with Ezra, a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, returning to Jerusalem from exile. King Artaxerxes I (of Persia) issues a comprehensive decree (Ezr 7:12-26) sanctioning Ezra's journey, authorizing the collection of contributions, and providing resources for the Temple. Verse 15 specifically details one portion of these provisions: personal donations from the king and his royal council. This context is critical as it highlights the Persian Empire's policy of supporting local religious cults for imperial stability, yet here it specifically targets the worship of the God of Israel in Jerusalem. The gifts mentioned in verse 15 are thus a clear demonstration of official Persian recognition and financial backing for the restoration of the Jewish religious center, which had already seen its main structure rebuilt.

Ezra 7 15 Word analysis

• and to carry: (Aramaic: ul-hahbe'ah וּלְהַבְאָה) This Aramaic infinitive signifies Ezra's direct, active responsibility in transporting these valuable offerings. It wasn't a general provision but a specific task entrusted to him, highlighting the sacredness of the cargo and Ezra's authority.
• the silver and gold: (Aramaic: hakkesef v'hazahav הַכֶּסֶף וְהַזָּהָב) These precious metals were highly valued for wealth, ornament, and particularly, for sacred offerings and Temple furnishings throughout the Bible (e.g., Tabernacle, First Temple). Their presence here emphasizes the material value and importance of the gifts.
• that the king: (Aramaic: dī mal·kā דִּי־מַלְכָּא) Refers to Artaxerxes I. The direct involvement of a powerful pagan monarch in contributing to the God of Israel is noteworthy, showcasing divine influence over secular authorities.
• and his counselors: (Aramaic: wəḥaḵīmōhī וְחַכִּימוֹהִי) This phrase broadens the source of the offering beyond just the king. It implies support and perhaps theological acknowledgement from influential advisors within the Persian court, reflecting a consensus or broader policy.
• have freely offered: (Aramaic: hittan•daw הִתְנַדְּבוּ) This is a crucial term, indicating a voluntary, spontaneous, and generous giving. Unlike mandatory tribute or taxes, these were willing contributions, akin to the freewill offerings of the Israelites for the Tabernacle (Exod 35:29). It points to an uncoerced act, possibly prompted by God's influence. This contrasts with common ancient Near Eastern practices of forced labor or heavy taxation for temple building.
• to the God of Israel: (Aramaic: lêlāhāh dî yisrāʾēl לֵאלָהָא דִֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵל) This clearly identifies the specific deity receiving the gifts. It is remarkable that a pagan king and his court would explicitly acknowledge the distinct identity of Israel's God. It is an act of recognizing YHWH's existence and authority within their own understanding.
• whose dwelling is in Jerusalem: (Aramaic: dī bīrūšəlem mĕ‘ōnah דִּי בִירוּשְׁלֶם מְעוֹנֵהּ) This further qualifies the identity of God by specifying His earthly dwelling place – the Temple in Jerusalem. For the Persian court to make such a theological declaration underscores the perceived unique relationship between YHWH and His holy city, reinforcing Jerusalem's significance as a religious center.

Word-Groups Analysis:

• "carry the silver and gold": Highlights Ezra's practical role as a custodian of valuable, consecrated resources for sacred use, underlining the materiality of worship.
• "king and his counselors have freely offered": Emphasizes the prestigious origin and the voluntary nature of the contribution. It reflects a top-down endorsement of the restoration work and indicates God's sovereign ability to influence high officials.
• "to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem": A potent theological statement by non-Israelites. It publicly declares reverence for the specific, unique God of Israel and affirms the centrality of Jerusalem as His sacred earthly abode, recognizing His singular presence in the Temple.

Ezra 7 15 Bonus section

• This verse is part of the Aramaic section of Ezra (chapters 4-7), indicating its authenticity as an official Persian decree. The use of Aramaic, the international language of the empire, suggests a legal and public acknowledgement of the Jewish faith.
• The "freely offered" nature of the gifts stands in theological opposition to mandatory tithes or taxes for state-supported cults. It signifies a genuine respect, rather than mere political obligation, a point not lost on the Jewish exiles.
• The lavishness of the gifts, involving both silver and gold, underscores the high regard the king and his court had, or were divinely impressed to have, for the God of Israel. Such contributions from powerful, non-Israelite rulers also serve as a partial fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies envisioning foreign nations bringing their wealth and glory to Jerusalem (Isa 60:6-9, Zech 6:15).
• Ezra's role as the carrier and administrator of these treasures positions him not just as a scribe but also as a highly trusted commissioner with significant responsibility, showcasing divine trust in His chosen servants.

Ezra 7 15 Commentary

Ezra 7:15 captures a powerful moment of divine providence. It details Artaxerxes' unprecedented and voluntary contribution of significant wealth—silver and gold—specifically for the service of the God of Israel in Jerusalem. The explicit mention that these were "freely offered" is profound; it highlights that the gifts were not coerced or extracted through force, but were spontaneous acts of generosity, likely orchestrated by God working in the hearts of these pagan rulers (Prov 21:1). This generosity signals a recognition of the unique sovereignty of Israel's God, contrasting with the polytheistic norms of the time. The acknowledgement that God's "dwelling is in Jerusalem" further legitimizes the rebuilt Temple and underscores Jerusalem's status as a sacred global hub. This act, facilitated by Ezra, symbolizes how God can move unlikely hearts and unexpected sources to fund and advance His redemptive purposes, bringing resources even from Gentile empires to adorn His sanctuary and support His people.