Ezra 7 19

Ezra 7:19 kjv

The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.

Ezra 7:19 nkjv

Also the articles that are given to you for the service of the house of your God, deliver in full before the God of Jerusalem.

Ezra 7:19 niv

Deliver to the God of Jerusalem all the articles entrusted to you for worship in the temple of your God.

Ezra 7:19 esv

The vessels that have been given you for the service of the house of your God, you shall deliver before the God of Jerusalem.

Ezra 7:19 nlt

"But as for the cups we are entrusting to you for the service of the Temple of your God, deliver them all to the God of Jerusalem.

Ezra 7 verses

Ezra 7 19 Meaning

Ezra 7:19 concerns the sacred vessels entrusted to Ezra for use in the Temple in Jerusalem. It underscores the responsibility to faithfully deliver these items dedicated for the worship of God. The instruction highlights the importance of precision in sacred service and acknowledges the ultimate authority of "the God of heaven" to whom these items and service are ultimately rendered.

Ezra 7 19 Context

Ezra chapter 7 begins with Ezra's journey from Babylon to Jerusalem during the seventh year of Artaxerxes' reign. Ezra, a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, was divinely called to lead a new group of exiles back to Judah. King Artaxerxes, influenced by God's providence, issued a generous decree supporting the rebuilding and adornment of the Jerusalem Temple, restoring its sacred functions. The decree granted Ezra extensive authority, including funds, permission to appoint judges, and exemption from taxes for temple workers. Verse 19 specifically details a portion of Artaxerxes' decree, ensuring the appropriate handling of the precious vessels and implements that were given to Ezra for use in the house of God, emphasizing their proper placement and reverence before the divine authority of the "God of heaven." This historical context showcases Gentile king's surprising support for Israel's God, contrasting the previous destruction.

Ezra 7 19 Word analysis

• And the vessels (וּמָאנַיָּא – ūmānayyā): The Aramaic word refers to instruments, containers, or utensils. Here, it specifically means sacred Temple articles—bowls, cups, tools—used in sacrificial worship and rituals. These were holy and belonged to God, recovered from the Babylonian plunder. Their proper handling underscored the reverence required for all things consecrated to God.

• that are given thee (דִּיתִיהֲב֖וּ לָךְ֙ – dîythîhabû lāḵ): "Given" emphasizes the divine provision working through human means. Though provided by Artaxerxes, Ezra understood this as a gift from God. This highlights God's sovereignty over kings and nations, using them for His purposes even when they do not explicitly acknowledge Him.

• for the service (לְפָֽלְחָן֙ – lᵉpālḥān): This Aramaic term signifies service, ministry, or worship, particularly in a religious or cultic context. It denotes the functional purpose of these vessels: they were not for common use but exclusively for the sacred rituals and operations within the Temple, underscoring the distinction between sacred and profane.

• of the house of thy God (בֵּ֣ית אֱלָהָ֔ךְ – bêt ’ĕlāhāḵ): This phrase emphasizes the unique relationship between Israel and God, referring to the Temple in Jerusalem. It signifies a dedicated, holy space where God's presence dwelt among His people. The "thy God" highlights Ezra's personal devotion and relationship with the one true God, as distinct from pagan deities.

• those deliver thou (הַשְׂלֵם֙ – haślēm): The Aramaic verb means to "complete," "make whole," "pay," or "deliver safely." In this context, it is a command to meticulously transport and place these sacred articles in the Temple, ensuring their proper return and functionality. It carries a sense of fulfilling an obligation or commission with integrity.

• before the God of heaven (קֳדָ֣ם אֱלָֽהּ־שְׁמַיָּֽא׃ – qodām ’ĕlāh-šəmayyā’): "Before" (qodām) signifies in the presence of, or dedicated to. "God of heaven" (’ĕlāh-šəmayyā’) is a significant title for God in post-exilic texts (Ezra, Neh, Dan, Jon). It speaks of God's universal sovereignty, His transcendence above all earthly powers, and His control over all nations. For Artaxerxes, this acknowledged God as a powerful deity; for Ezra, it declared Him as the supreme and only true God. It contrasts the one God with the many local gods of the Persian empire, implicitly stating His ultimate authority and sole rightful recipient of worship.

• "And the vessels... for the service of the house of thy God": This phrase group emphasizes the sacred nature and intended purpose of the items. They are not merely physical objects but instruments dedicated to a divine calling within a consecrated space. It points to God's careful attention to the details of worship.

• "those deliver thou before the God of heaven": This instruction highlights accountability and ultimate dedication. Ezra's task is not just logistics but a spiritual act, carried out under the watchful eye and for the honor of the supreme, sovereign God. It emphasizes that service to God must be done with full awareness of His transcendent presence and authority.

Ezra 7 19 Bonus section

• The phrasing "God of heaven" serves as an important theological bridge. While it could be used by pagans as one deity among many, within the biblical narrative, it uniquely refers to Yahweh, emphasizing His universal power and dominion over creation, a stark contrast to limited national or local gods. This language helped gentiles like Artaxerxes acknowledge the Jewish God without necessarily abandoning their own pantheons initially, but providentially prepared the way for greater recognition of His sole supremacy.
• This verse illustrates the meticulous divine oversight in the return of the exiles and the restoration of Temple worship. Not only were people and funds provided, but even the precise articles for worship were designated, indicating God's comprehensive care for the integrity and spiritual fidelity of His people's worship practices. It signifies the Lord’s faithfulness to His covenant promises of restoration.

Ezra 7 19 Commentary

Ezra 7:19 articulates a specific instruction within King Artaxerxes' decree, directing Ezra to ensure the careful and reverent placement of sacred Temple vessels. This verse transcends mere administrative detail, embodying core biblical truths. It showcases the precise care required in handling consecrated items designated for God's house, reinforcing the concept of holiness and the separation of sacred and common things. The delivery "before the God of heaven" elevates this task to a profoundly spiritual act, signifying an offering and an acknowledgment of divine ownership and sovereignty. It underscores that all acts of service, particularly within the worship context, must be performed with integrity, intentionality, and a clear understanding of who is being served – the transcendent, supreme God who rules over all creation. This verse implicitly corrects any notion that worship is merely human ritual; rather, it is a dedicated offering to the Most High God, initiated by Him and carefully performed for His glory.