Ezra 7 23

Ezra 7:23 kjv

Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

Ezra 7:23 nkjv

Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it diligently be done for the house of the God of heaven. For why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

Ezra 7:23 niv

Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should his wrath fall on the realm of the king and of his sons?

Ezra 7:23 esv

Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full for the house of the God of heaven, lest his wrath be against the realm of the king and his sons.

Ezra 7:23 nlt

Be careful to provide whatever the God of heaven demands for his Temple, for why should we risk bringing God's anger against the realm of the king and his sons?

Ezra 7 verses

Ezra 7 23 Meaning

Ezra 7:23 conveys a powerful decree from King Artaxerxes of Persia. It mandates that every command from the God of Heaven, especially concerning His temple, must be carried out precisely and fully. The stated reason for this diligence is to avert divine wrath against the king's own kingdom and his descendants. This shows a pagan king acknowledging the supreme authority and power of the God of Israel and taking proactive steps to appease Him, recognizing the direct impact of God's displeasure on earthly power.

Ezra 7 23 Context

Ezra chapter 7 recounts the arrival of Ezra, a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, in Jerusalem during the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia (c. 458 BC). The preceding chapters detail the first and second returns from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple. In this chapter, Artaxerxes issues a generous decree empowering Ezra to take vessels back to the Temple, appoint magistrates and judges, and ensure the Mosaic Law is taught and enforced. The king’s decree provides resources from the royal treasury and specifies exemptions for those involved in Temple service. Verse 23 is a critical part of this royal mandate, highlighting the king's pragmatic acknowledgment of the God of Heaven's ultimate authority. Historically, Persian kings often adopted a policy of supporting local deities and their worship to maintain peace and stability within their vast empire, seeing it as beneficial to their rule. The "God of heaven" was a neutral term acceptable in the diverse Persian court, yet recognized by Jews as referring to Yahweh, the supreme God. Artaxerxes' concern for "wrath against the kingdom" likely stemmed from previous troubles experienced by Persian monarchs, possibly remembering instances of instability or divine judgment against those who had interfered with Temple work or offended the deities of their subjects.

Ezra 7 23 Word analysis

• Whatever is commanded (אֱלָהּ טְעֵם - ʾělāh ṭᵉʻēm / "God's command"): The Aramaic term ṭᵉʻēm (טְעֵם) implies an authoritative decree, taste, or decision. Here, it signifies the will or directive from the God of heaven. This isn't just a suggestion but a royal endorsement of divine imperative, signifying a higher authority backing the directive.
• by the God of heaven (אֱלָהּ שְׁמַיָּא - ʾĕlāh šĕmayyā): This is a specific title for God prevalent in post-exilic biblical books (Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, Jonah) and particularly used by non-Jewish rulers. It emphasizes His universal sovereignty and transcendent nature as the Creator and Ruler of all, distinct from localized pagan deities. For a Persian king, it signified the most high and powerful deity worthy of appeasement. It implicitly stood in contrast to the numerous local gods worshipped within the Persian Empire, recognizing a singular, supreme deity.
• let it be diligently done (לָהוֵא מְתַעְבֵּד אֻסְפַּרְנָא - lāhwē mᵉṯaʻbēd ʾusp̄arnā): The Aramaic ʾusp̄arnā means "with all diligence," "fully," "precisely," "exactly." It conveys completeness, strict accuracy, and careful execution, leaving no room for negligence or partial compliance. This emphasizes that God's commands are not to be taken lightly or executed superficially, but with utmost care.
• for the house of the God of heaven: Refers specifically to the Temple in Jerusalem and its sacrificial system and all connected services. This highlights that the commands being enforced primarily pertain to the worship and service of the God of Israel. It shows the king's interest in the proper functioning of the worship of this powerful deity within his realm.
• for why should there be wrath (וְלָמָה לֶהֱוֵא קְצַף - wᵉlāmā lēhewē qᵉṣap̄ / "and why should there be wrath?"): Qᵉṣap̄ (קְצַף) is divine anger or indignation. This question underscores a pragmatic concern from Artaxerxes; he understands that disobedience to this God leads to severe, potentially devastating, consequences. His motive, though not born of spiritual conversion, is rooted in a real fear of divine retribution. It acknowledges God's justice and judgment.
• against the kingdom of the king and his sons?: This specifies the target of God's wrath: the royal dynasty and its succession. It demonstrates the king's primary concern for the stability and continuation of his reign and family lineage. The understanding is that affronting this God would imperil the entire political structure, showing how God's sovereign power transcends national borders and affects rulers directly.

Ezra 7 23 Bonus section

The Aramaic portion of Ezra (which includes this verse) underscores the authenticity of the decrees mentioned. The title "God of Heaven" became a common way for Persian officials and other non-Jews to refer to the God of Israel without adopting specifically Jewish theological terminology. This usage facilitated broader acceptance of Israel's God within the multicultural Persian administration. Artaxerxes' edict also implicitly carries a polemic against local polytheism, as it singles out one supreme "God of Heaven" whose commands demand universal and diligent compliance from everyone within the kingdom, not just the Jewish people, due to the far-reaching impact of His wrath. Ezra's wisdom and his understanding of God's power likely influenced the king's perception, shaping a decree that immensely benefited the restoration of Jewish religious life. This episode demonstrates how the fear of God's active involvement in the affairs of nations, even by those outside His covenant, can contribute to the advancement of His kingdom purposes.

Ezra 7 23 Commentary

Ezra 7:23 is a striking demonstration of divine sovereignty over earthly rulers. King Artaxerxes, a pagan monarch, is compelled to issue a decree prioritizing the strict observance of the commands of the God of Heaven. This isn't out of theological conviction, but rather a practical acknowledgment of the devastating consequences ("wrath") that arise from neglecting or disobeying this supreme deity. The king's motivation is rooted in self-preservation and the welfare of his dynasty, revealing that God can work through the secular ambitions of leaders to further His divine plan, particularly concerning His people and their worship. The "diligence" in execution underscores that God expects complete and careful adherence to His will, not partial or superficial compliance. This verse highlights the profound biblical truth that obedience to God brings blessing, while disobedience, even by powerful earthly figures, invites His just judgment upon entire kingdoms.