Ezra 8 36

Ezra 8:36 kjv

And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.

Ezra 8:36 nkjv

And they delivered the king's orders to the king's satraps and the governors in the region beyond the River. So they gave support to the people and the house of God.

Ezra 8:36 niv

They also delivered the king's orders to the royal satraps and to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, who then gave assistance to the people and to the house of God.

Ezra 8:36 esv

They also delivered the king's commissions to the king's satraps and to the governors of the province Beyond the River, and they aided the people and the house of God.

Ezra 8:36 nlt

The king's decrees were delivered to his highest officers and the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, who then cooperated by supporting the people and the Temple of God.

Ezra 8 verses

Ezra 8 36 Meaning

Ezra 8:36 signifies the official and successful completion of a crucial stage in Ezra's mission. After a perilous journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, the returning exiles formally delivered the decrees and financial provisions granted by King Artaxerxes to the Persian administrators stationed in the province of "Beyond the River" (Trans-Euphrates), which included Judah. This act ensured that the royal authority was recognized, and consequently, these local Persian officials actively supported the Jewish people and provided resources for the restoration and maintenance of the house of God (the Temple). It marks the transition from divine protection on the journey to formal, governmental assistance in establishing the community and its religious life.

Ezra 8 36 Context

Ezra 8 details the second wave of Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem, led by Ezra the scribe. The chapter recounts their preparations, including a muster of returnees, gathering of substantial Temple offerings (Ezra 8:25-27), and a significant fast and prayer for God's protection during their dangerous journey (Ezra 8:21-23). Despite having King Artaxerxes' permission and a royal escort available, Ezra chose to rely solely on God for their safety, declaring their trust to the king (Ezra 8:22). Having safely arrived in Jerusalem after a four-month journey (Ezra 8:31-32), the precious vessels and offerings were weighed and recorded (Ezra 8:33-34). Then sacrifices were offered to God (Ezra 8:35), symbolizing their rededication. Ezra 8:36 concludes this phase by noting the critical administrative action taken to solidify their position and ensure future support, effectively leveraging the royal decree.

Ezra 8 36 Word analysis

• And they delivered: (וַיִּתְּנוּ – vayyittenu) From the Hebrew verb נָתַן (nathan), meaning "to give, put, set, deliver." Here, it denotes the formal act of handing over documents or messages. This indicates a diligent fulfillment of the King's commands and demonstrates the respect for the Persian administration.

• the king's commissions: (דָּתֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ – datey hammelek) Dat (דָּת) is a Persian loanword, meaning "law, decree, edict." These were the official written mandates from Artaxerxes I, granting Ezra broad authority to transport treasures, appoint judges, and ensure adherence to both the Persian and divine laws among the Jews. These commissions provided legal standing and protection for the returning community.

• unto the king's lieutenants: (אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנֵי הַמֶּלֶךְ – achashdarpeney hammelek) Derived from Old Persian khshathrapāvan, meaning "protector of the kingdom." These were satraps, high-ranking provincial governors appointed directly by the Persian king, ruling over vast territories. This signifies the delivery to the highest administrative authorities in the region.

• and to the governors: (וְלַפַּחוֹת – vela-pakhot) From the Aramaic/Akkadian loanword pakhah (פַּח), meaning "governor, deputy." These were lower-ranking local governors, subservient to the satraps, who administered smaller districts or provinces, like Judah. Delivering the commissions to both ensured comprehensive official recognition and local enforcement.

• on this side the river: (עֵבֶר הַנָּהָר – 'ever hannahar) Literally "beyond the River." This refers to the trans-Euphrates satrapy, the large Persian administrative region west of the Euphrates River, encompassing areas like Syria, Phoenicia, and Judah. This geographically pinpointed the recipients of the decree.

• and they furthered: (וְהֵרִימוּ – veherimu) From the Hebrew verb רוּם (rum), in the Hiphil form, meaning "to raise up, lift, support, assist, help." This implies active cooperation, aid, and facilitation, not merely passive acceptance of the decree. The officials actively provided support and removed obstacles.

• the people: (הָעָם – ha'am) Referring to the Jewish community that returned with Ezra, along with the existing Jewish population in Jerusalem and Judah. The support was not just for the religious aspect but for the practical well-being and integration of the returning exiles.

• and the house of God: (וּלְבֵית הָאֱלֹהִים – u'leveit ha'elohim) Specifically referring to the Temple in Jerusalem. This indicates the administrative and financial aid for the Temple's worship, sacrifices, maintenance, and potentially further rebuilding efforts.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "And they delivered the king's commissions": This highlights the legal and administrative cornerstone of Ezra's mission. The success was secured by royal decree, carefully transported and formally presented, indicating a respect for governing authorities even as God guided.
  • "unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river": This demonstrates the methodical and comprehensive approach taken. Delivering the commissions to both the highest provincial authority (satrap) and the regional governors ensured that the decree's directives would filter down through the entire administrative hierarchy, ensuring widespread compliance and aid.
  • "and they furthered the people, and the house of God": This phrase encapsulates the tangible outcome of the formal delivery. The official recognition led to active support—financial, logistical, and protective—for both the daily lives and needs of the Jewish returnees and the continued functioning and welfare of the Jerusalem Temple. This active support from pagan officials shows God working providentially through secular structures to fulfill His divine purposes for His people.

Ezra 8 36 Bonus section

This verse underscores the reality of God's sovereignty over civil government. The meticulous adherence to bureaucratic process—delivery of official decrees to the appropriate high-ranking and local administrators—illustrates that while God can act supernaturally, He also frequently works through established systems and human structures. The province of "Beyond the River" ('Ever haNahār) was a crucial strategic territory for the Persian Empire, extending from the Euphrates to the border of Egypt. Having the cooperation of its administrators was vital for the fragile Jewish community's stability and ability to carry out Temple reforms and rebuild Jerusalem. This verse thus affirms the biblical principle that all authority is established by God (Rom 13:1), and even seemingly secular actions or decrees can be instruments of His will to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

Ezra 8 36 Commentary

Ezra 8:36 concludes the detailed account of Ezra's second return journey by emphasizing the formal and effective establishment of his mission. It reveals God's faithfulness in two primary ways: first, by providing His protective hand over a journey undertaken purely on faith (Ezra 8:21-23, 31); and second, by moving the heart of the Persian king to issue decrees that mandated support from his extensive imperial bureaucracy. The very existence and execution of these "king's commissions" and their reception by "lieutenants and governors" demonstrate that God's sovereign plan extended beyond miraculous intervention to encompass human administrative structures. The "furthering" (active assistance) provided by these officials highlights that divine providence can work through various channels, even through those not serving God explicitly, to benefit His people and advance His kingdom work, specifically the rebuilding and sustenance of His dwelling place among His people.