Ezra 7:27 kjv
Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem:
Ezra 7:27 nkjv
Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem,
Ezra 7:27 niv
Praise be to the LORD, the God of our ancestors, who has put it into the king's heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way
Ezra 7:27 esv
Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem,
Ezra 7:27 nlt
Praise the LORD, the God of our ancestors, who made the king want to beautify the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem!
Ezra 7 27 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 21:1 | The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, like channels of water; he turns it wherever he will. | God's sovereignty over rulers' wills |
| Dan 2:21 | He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings... | God's supreme authority over earthly kingdoms |
| Ezra 8:22 | ...The hand of our God is favorable to all who seek him... | God's hand of favor on His people |
| Neh 2:8 | ...And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me. | God moving a king's heart for a rebuilding project |
| Ps 33:10-11 | The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples... | God's purposes stand above human plans |
| Isa 44:28 | who says of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose’; saying of Jerusalem, ‘She shall be built,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid.’ | God uses pagan kings for His plans |
| Gen 24:27 | He said, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his steadfast love and his faithfulness from my master!" | Expressing blessing/praise to God for His faithfulness |
| 1 Chron 29:10-13 | Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever... | A similar doxology praising God for provision and sovereignty |
| Ps 103:1-2 | Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits... | Praising God for His goodness |
| Deut 6:3 | Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you...the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you. | God of our fathers refers to the covenant God |
| Ex 3:6 | He said also, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." | Identifying God as the covenant God of Israel's ancestors |
| Hag 1:4-9 | Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? | Encouragement for temple rebuilding/beautification |
| Isa 60:7, 13 | ...and I will beautify my glorious house. ...and I will make the place of my feet glorious. | Prophecy of the beautification of God's house |
| 2 Cor 3:18 | And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another... | God's transformative work in hearts, ultimately toward His glory |
| Phil 2:13 | for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. | God's divine enablement and working in human will |
| Rom 8:28 | And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. | God orchestrates circumstances for His good purposes |
| Eph 1:3 | Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places... | A New Testament doxology acknowledging God's blessings |
| 1 Pet 1:3 | Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope... | A NT doxology recognizing God's transformative grace |
| John 3:27 | John answered, "A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven." | All good things originate from God |
| Isa 10:5-7 | Ah, Assyria, the rod of my anger; the staff in their hand is my fury! ...Yet he does not so intend, nor does his heart so think... | God uses unwilling nations for His purposes |
| Zech 4:6 | ...'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts. | God's work is done by His Spirit, not human means alone |
Ezra 7 verses
Ezra 7 27 Meaning
Ezra 7:27 is a doxology, a profound expression of praise and gratitude offered by Ezra to the Lord. It acknowledges God's sovereign hand in moving the heart of the pagan Persian King Artaxerxes to provide resources and authorization for the beautification and restoration of the temple in Jerusalem. Ezra sees this act of a secular ruler as a direct intervention and demonstration of God's providence for His people.
Ezra 7 27 Context
Ezra chapter 7 describes Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, preparing for his journey from Babylon to Jerusalem during the reign of Artaxerxes I. The king, according to a detailed decree (Ezra 7:11-26), grants Ezra broad authority, royal financial support, and access to resources for the Jerusalem temple and its services. The purpose of this expedition is to further establish Jewish religious practices and to teach the Law of God in Judah and Jerusalem. Verse 27 immediately follows this incredible and favorable decree, showcasing Ezra’s immediate, spontaneous, and fervent response. It shifts the focus from the human king and his powerful decree to the ultimate divine orchestrator behind it all. Historically, this event takes place during the post-exilic period, marking the second significant return of the exiles to Jerusalem. While the temple foundations had been laid earlier (Ezra 3) and dedicated (Ezra 6), the services and the structure itself still needed embellishment, maintenance, and ongoing support for proper worship, which this decree facilitated.
Ezra 7 27 Word analysis
- Blessed: Hebrew Baruch (בָּרוּךְ). This is an active participle, meaning "praised" or "lauded." When applied to God, it signifies recognizing and acknowledging His inherent goodness, holiness, and power as the source of all blessing. It is not merely saying "thank you," but an adoration that elevates God's position.
- be the Lord: Hebrew YHWH (יְהוָה) or Yahweh, the covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent, faithful, and personal nature. Using this specific name emphasizes that the God of Israel, not a pagan deity, is the ultimate agent of this provision.
- the God of our fathers: Hebrew 'Elohei avotenu (אֱלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ). This phrase connects the present deliverance and provision directly to God’s historical covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It underscores the continuity of God's faithfulness through generations and confirms that the current events are part of His unfolding redemptive plan for His people. It implicitly affirms the unbroken covenant relationship.
- who has put such a thing as this: Hebrew asher natan et-zot (אֲשֶׁר נָתַן זֹאת). "Has put" (natan) means "given" or "placed." The action implies deliberate divine insertion. "Such a thing as this" refers specifically to the detailed, generous, and far-reaching decree issued by Artaxerxes, as outlined in the preceding verses (7:11-26). It's Ezra recognizing that this isn't random or mere human benevolence but God's doing.
- into the heart: Hebrew al-lev (עַל-לֵב). In Hebrew thought, the "heart" (lev) is not just the seat of emotion, but the center of thought, will, intellect, and moral decision-making. Thus, God "putting" something into the king's heart means God divinely influenced, prompted, and orchestrated the king's intentions, thoughts, and subsequent actions. This demonstrates God’s absolute sovereignty over even the most powerful secular rulers.
- of the king: Referring to Artaxerxes I Longimanus, a Gentile king of Persia. This highlights the paradox and power of God working through an individual who does not worship Him, illustrating that God’s plan extends beyond the boundaries of Israel.
- to beautify the house of the Lord: Hebrew lefa'er bet Yahweh (לְפָאֵר בֵּית יְהוָה). "To beautify" (pa'er) suggests to adorn, glorify, or enhance. This goes beyond mere functional repair or construction. It implies restoring its splendor, making it honorable and fitting for the worship of the Lord. The focus is on the temple's glory reflecting God's glory.
- which is in Jerusalem: Emphasizes the geographical and spiritual focal point of God's covenant with His people, reminding the reader of the central significance of the holy city as God’s dwelling place and the heart of Israelite worship.
Ezra 7 27 Bonus section
- Ezra's spontaneous praise highlights his devout character. He sees beyond the human instruments to the divine will orchestrating events. This serves as an example for believers to cultivate a grateful heart that attributes all blessings to God.
- The fact that God moves the heart of a pagan king demonstrates God’s universal dominion. His rule extends over all nations and their rulers, regardless of their personal beliefs or acknowledgment of Him. He is not confined by human limitations or religious boundaries.
- This verse undergirds the concept of God using "secular" or "worldly" powers for sacred purposes. It assures believers that God can raise up anyone, from any background or political affiliation, to advance His kingdom work and protect His people.
- The beautification of the temple was not just for aesthetics but for proper, glorious worship. A reverent and honorable place of worship was considered crucial for drawing near to a holy God, prefiguring the New Testament understanding of glorifying God in our spiritual worship.
Ezra 7 27 Commentary
Ezra 7:27 stands as a powerful testament to God's unfailing sovereignty and meticulous providence. It reveals Ezra’s deep faith and theological insight, immediately recognizing the divine hand behind the extraordinary decree from King Artaxerxes. Instead of attributing credit to the Persian monarch, Ezra spontaneously erupts in a doxology, redirecting all praise to the "Lord, the God of our fathers." This is a profound affirmation that God, in His faithful adherence to His covenant, orchestrates events even through ungodly rulers and distant empires to fulfill His purposes for His people and His temple. The act of "putting such a thing into the heart of the king" signifies God's absolute control over the intentions and actions of all human authorities, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (Prov 21:1). The goal of this divine intervention – "to beautify the house of the Lord" – underscores the importance of honoring God with sacred space, not just functionally adequate, but aesthetically glorious, as a reflection of His majesty. Ezra’s response models how believers should attribute every good provision and unexpected blessing to the ultimate Giver, discerning God’s invisible hand working behind visible circumstances.