Artaxerxes' Decree Granting Ezra Authority
Ezra 7:11-28
Ezr.7.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וזה: CONJ+PRON,dem,m,sg,abs
- פרשגן: NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- הנשתון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ארתחשסתא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעזרא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הספר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- מצות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וחקיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3ms
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 7:12 (quotation): Immediate continuation of Artaxerxes’ letter granting Ezra authority, provisions, and royal endorsement for carrying out the law—part of the same official document.
- Ezra 7:6 (verbal): Describes Ezra as a skilled scribe in the law of Moses, paralleling 7:11’s characterization of Ezra as a teacher and guardian of the law.
- Nehemiah 8:1-8 (structural): Narrative portrayal of Ezra publicly reading and explaining the law to the people—fulfillment of Ezra’s mandate to ‘set forth the law… and to teach in Israel.’
- Deuteronomy 31:9-13 (thematic): Moses commands that the Book of the Law be read aloud to all Israel regularly so that the people may learn and obey—parallel to Ezra’s commission to teach statutes and judgments.
- Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (thematic): Requires a king to write out a copy of the law and read it all his days—echoes the idea of an authoritative written law and the need for its preservation and instruction as in Ezra’s commission.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now this is the copy of the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD and of his statutes for Israel.
- This is the copy of the letter that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe— a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD and of his statutes for Israel.
Ezr.7.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ארתחשסתא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מלכיא: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- לעזרא: PREP+NOUN,proper,m,sg,abs
- כהנא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דתא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- שמיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- גמיר: ADV
- וכענת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 7:11 (verbal): The immediate context: the letter begins by naming Artaxerxes 'king of kings' and addressing Ezra the priest/scribe—language and form repeated in v.12 as part of the royal grant to Ezra.
- Nehemiah 2:5-8 (thematic): Artaxerxes again issues letters and material support (timber, authority) to a Judean leader (Nehemiah). Parallel: a Persian king authorizes and equips a restoration mission for Jerusalem/its institutions.
- Ezra 1:1-4 (thematic): Cyrus's decree permitting the exiles to return and rebuild the temple provides an earlier model of a Persian royal authorization enabling worship/temple restoration—parallels Artaxerxes' grant to Ezra regarding the law and cultic provision.
- Ezra 6:6-12 (structural): Darius's confirmation of earlier orders, protection of the temple project, and provisions for priests/offerings mirror the legal-royal measures in Artaxerxes' letter that secure the cult, personnel, and resources for Judah.
Alternative generated candidates
- Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven: peace.
- Artaxerxes king to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, competent and skilled in the matters of the commandments of the LORD and his statutes: peace.
Ezr.7.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מני: PREP+PRON,1,_,sg
- שים: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- טעם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- מתנדב: VERB,qal,ptcp,m,sg
- במלכותי: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- עמה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכהנוהי: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ולויא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- למהך: PREP
- לירושלם: PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
- עמך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2m
- יהך: VERB,qal,perf,3,sg
Parallels
- Ezra 7:12 (verbal): Immediate companion verse: the royal letter from Artaxerxes that authorizes Ezra and places the king's treasuries and authority at his disposal—same document and wording context.
- Ezra 1:1-4 (thematic): Cyrus' earlier decree permitting exiles to return and rebuild the temple—parallel theme of a Persian king granting permission, resources, and protection for restoration in Jerusalem.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (quotation): A parallel (and partial quotation) of Cyrus' decree found in Ezra 1; shows the canonical pattern of Persian royal edicts authorizing return and temple support.
- Ezra 6:7-12 (thematic): Darius' decree ordering support for the temple (provisions from the royal house, protection against interference) parallels Artaxerxes' provision and protection for Ezra’s mission.
- Nehemiah 2:7-9 (structural): Artaxerxes' written permission and letters to provincial officials granting timber, safe-conduct, and support for Nehemiah’s journey and rebuilding—structurally similar to Ezra’s royal authorization and logistical backing.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have granted you all that you ask concerning the service of the house of the LORD, with respect to the silver and gold, the vessels, and the freewill offerings for the house of your God. Therefore set out, and may what you seek be done.
- I make a decree that any of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, who are willing to go up with you to Jerusalem, may go with you.
Ezr.7.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- קבל: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ושבעת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- יעטהי: VERB,pael,perf,3,pl
- שליח: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לבקרא: VERB,qal,inf
- על: PREP
- יהוד: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ולירושלם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg
- בדת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Nehemiah 2:7-8 (verbal): Nehemiah requests and obtains letters from the Persian king to the governors and timber for rebuilding—parallels Ezra’s royal commission and letters authorizing support for Judah and Jerusalem.
- Ezra 1:1-4 (structural): Cyrus’s decree permitting exiles to return and rebuild the temple provides an earlier, structurally parallel royal authorization for restoring the house of God in Jerusalem.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (quotation): Chronicles repeats Cyrus’s proclamation (also found in Ezra 1) with language about the king’s command to rebuild the temple—parallels the motif of royal sanction in Ezra 7.
- Ezra 8:35 (verbal): A later Ezra passage inventories the priests, Levites, and sacred gifts brought to Jerusalem—closely parallels Ezra 7’s provision for priests, offerings, and support for the house of God.
- Deuteronomy 12:5-7 (thematic): The requirement to bring offerings to the place the LORD will choose (centralized worship) underlies the concern in Ezra for supporting the temple in Jerusalem and providing for its priests.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently observed in the law of your God; and you, and those of your brethren who have been minded to go up with you to Jerusalem, may go.
- And whatever is commanded by the king and his seven counselors to be given to the treasurers who are in Judah and Jerusalem concerning the matters of your God, do you faithfully take in hand.
Ezr.7.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולהיבלה: CONJ+VERB,hitp,inf
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודהב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעטוהי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- התנדבו: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,pl
- לאלה: PREP+DEM,pl
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- משכנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 35:29 (verbal): Uses the same concept and Hebrew root of voluntary/freewill giving (נְדָבָה/התנדבו): people willingly brought offerings for the building of God’s dwelling-place.
- 1 Chronicles 29:3-9 (thematic): David’s large, voluntary gifts of silver, gold and other wealth for the house of the LORD parallel the theme of rulers and people freely donating precious metals for God’s sanctuary.
- Ezra 1:5-7 (structural): Early returnees and local leaders ‘freely offered’ and Cyrus commanded/returned temple vessels and supported the restoration—parallel royal authorization and gifts for Jerusalem’s sanctuary.
- Ezra 6:8-10 (structural): Darius’ decree to provide from royal revenues for the daily offerings and materials for the temple mirrors the royal provisioning and support for worship described in Ezra 7:15.
- Nehemiah 7:70-72 (thematic): Community members gave freely and generously to the work of the house of God; echoes the voluntary donations of silver and gold for Jerusalem’s sanctuary.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I freely give to you of the royal treasure silver and gold, with goods and costly gifts; and with these the freely offered contributions of the Jews and of the priests and Levites, those who willingly offered to the house of their God which is in Jerusalem.
- And behold, the king granted to me with the consent of his counselors vessels of silver and gold, and a sum of money and goods—these the king and his counselors freely bestowed for the service of the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem.
Ezr.7.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודהב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תהשכח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מדינת: NOUN,f,sg,construct
- בבל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- התנדבות: NOUN,f,sg,def
- עמא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכהניא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מתנדבין: VERB,qal,ptcp,3,m,pl
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אלההם: PRON,dem,pl
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 35:5 (verbal): Call for silver and gold as voluntary/freewill offerings for God's house—language of willing contributions mirrors Ezra's 'voluntary' gifts for Jerusalem.
- 1 Chronicles 29:3-9 (verbal): David and the leaders give large sums of silver and gold willingly for the temple; the emphasis on voluntary offerings by people and priests parallels Ezra's passage.
- Ezra 1:7-11 (thematic): Cyrus restores the vessels of the house of the LORD and encourages return of sacred items and support for the temple—same theme of transferring wealth for Jerusalem's sanctuary from Babylonian context.
- Ezra 8:25-28 (verbal): Ezra consecrates the silver, gold, and offerings brought for the house of their God—explicit mention of silver/gold offerings dedicated to God's house echoes Ezra 7:16.
- Nehemiah 10:35-37 (thematic): The community's covenant to bring firstfruits, tithes and contributions for the service of the house of God reflects the ongoing practice of supplying Jerusalem's temple through voluntary gifts.
Alternative generated candidates
- And all the silver and gold that you may find in all the province beyond the river, with the freewill offerings of the people and of the priests, have I granted to you.
- And all the silver and gold that was found among the satraps in all the province of Babylon, together with the freewill offerings of the people and of the priests who volunteered, I weighed out to the treasuries of the house of their God in Jerusalem.
Ezr.7.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- קבל: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- דנה: DEM,f,sg
- אספרנא: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- תקנא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בכספא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דנה: DEM,f,sg
- תורין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- דכרין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אמרין: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ומנחתהון: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,cons+3mp
- ונסכיהון: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons+3mp
- ותקרב: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- המו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- מדבחה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2mp
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 6:8-10 (structural): A royal Persian decree providing money, foodstuffs, and provisions for the temple service and priests so that offerings may be regularly presented—parallels Ezra 7:17's provision for sacrifices and maintenance of priestly service.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (quotation): Cyrus's proclamation invoking 'the God of heaven' and commissioning the rebuilding of the house of God; echoes the royal authorization and the phrase 'God of heaven' found in Ezra 7:17.
- 2 Chronicles 31:11-12 (thematic): Hezekiah's organization of provisions and chambers for priests and Levites and the distribution of offerings—themewise similar to ensuring priests have what they need to offer sacrifices in Ezra 7:17.
- Nehemiah 10:37-39 (thematic): Commitment to bring tithes and offerings into the storehouses for the Levites and priests so they can perform their service—parallels Ezra's concern for providing sacrifices, grain offerings, and support for temple personnel.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whatever is appointed for the service of the house of your God, that you shall provide—oxen and rams, and the sacrifices, the grain offerings and the drink offerings, and whatever else is to be offered to the altar of the house of your God in Jerusalem—do according to the ordinances of the temple.
- And whatever is given you to account—whether it be silver, wheat, wine, oil, incense, offerings, or burnt sacrifices—these shall be brought into the treasuries of the house of your God in Jerusalem.
Ezr.7.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומה: CONJ+PRON,int
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלך: PREP,2,m,sg
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- אחך: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2,m
- ייטב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בשאר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כספא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודהבה: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למעבד: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- כרעות: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהכם: NOUN,m,sg,suff-2,mp
- תעבדון: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Ezra 1:7-11 (verbal): Cyrus’ earlier decree supplying silver, gold and returning temple vessels for the house of God—language and purpose (gifts for God’s house) closely parallel Artaxerxes’ provision here.
- Ezra 6:6-10 (verbal): Darius’ order to provide for the temple (exemptions, offerings, and funds for service) uses similar administrative and cultic language about supporting the house of God.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (quotation): Chronicles cites Cyrus’ decree about sending exiles back and providing silver and gold for the temple—this passage functions as a direct parallel/quotation to the Persian royal authorization motif.
- Nehemiah 2:7-8 (thematic): Nehemiah’s request for letters and timber and the royal grant to rebuild Jerusalem echoes the theme of Persian royal support and logistical provision for Judah’s religious/rebuilding projects.
Alternative generated candidates
- And whatever else you and your brothers need for the service of the house of your God, which is in Jerusalem, you shall receive from the royal revenue.
- And whatever more shall be necessary for the house of your God, which shall be given to you and to your brethren and to the servants of your God, do with the remainder of the silver and the gold as is required for the service of the house of your God.
Ezr.7.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומאניא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתיהבין: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- לפלחן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:2,m,sg
- השלם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 7:21 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same royal authorization — Artaxerxes empowers Ezra to take from the royal treasury for the house of God in Jerusalem.
- Ezra 6:8-10 (thematic): Darius’ earlier decree ordering provision of silver, gold and tax exemptions for the temple at Jerusalem; parallels the royal provisioning and support for the house of God.
- Ezra 1:2-4 (quotation): Cyrus’ decree permitting exiles to return and rebuild the temple and to be supported with vessels and resources — an earlier royal mandate for the Jerusalem house of God.
- Nehemiah 2:7-8 (thematic): Artaxerxes’ letter and authorization to provide timber and letters to local governors for Nehemiah’s rebuilding work — parallels royal facilitation and supply for Jerusalem’s restoration.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (quotation): Parallel account of Cyrus’ decree (also cited in Ezra 1) authorizing return and temple rebuilding; reinforces the motif of Persian royal support for the house of God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whatever else shall be necessary for the house of your God, which you shall have occasion to give, give it out of the king’s treasury.
- And whatever the officers of the king give to you for the service of the house of your God, deliver it to the treasurers of the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.
Ezr.7.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושאר: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חשחות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יפל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- למנתן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תנתן: VERB,niphal,impf,3,f,sg
- מן: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גנזי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 7:21 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same royal decree—Artaxerxes authorizes that whatever is needed for the house of God be given from the king's treasury.
- Ezra 6:8-10 (verbal): Darius' order that expenses for the temple be provided from the royal house/treasury—closely parallels the royal provision and administrative language for supporting the house of God.
- Ezra 1:7-11 (thematic): Cyrus' earlier decree returning temple vessels and allowing support for worship—theme of Persian royal authorization and provision for Jerusalem's temple restoration.
- Nehemiah 2:8 (verbal): Artaxerxes issues letters permitting timber and provisions from the king's forest and treasury for the rebuilding—another instance of Persian royal supply for Jerusalem's religious rebuilding.
- 1 Chronicles 29:2-5 (thematic): David's voluntary provision of gold, silver and materials for the temple—a thematic parallel of supplying resources for the house of God, though from an Israelite king rather than a Persian ruler.
Alternative generated candidates
- And whatever else is proper to the service of the house of your God, and that you shall wish to supply, you shall take from the king’s treasuries.
- And whatever else is needed for the house of your God, which shall be given to you, let it be supplied from the royal treasury.
Ezr.7.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומני: PREP+SUFF,1,sg
- אנה: ADV,interrog
- ארתחשסתא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שים: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- טעם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לכל: PREP
- גזבריא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נהרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישאלנכון: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עזרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כהנה: ADV
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דתא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- שמיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אספרנא: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- יתעבד: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Nehemiah 2:7-8 (verbal): Nehemiah records letters from Artaxerxes to officials beyond the River (e.g., to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest) granting authority and supplies—closely parallel wording and administrative form to Ezra’s decrees to treasurers.
- Ezra 7:11-26 (structural): Verses 11–26 contain the fuller royal decree from Artaxerxes authorizing and provisioning Ezra; v.21 is part of this same extended authorization and should be read in that legal/administrative context.
- Ezra 6:8-10 (thematic): Darius’ earlier decree instructs officials to support the temple and its services from royal revenues—a comparable Persian royal order delegating resources and authority for Jerusalem’s cultic restoration.
- Ezra 1:1-4 (thematic): Cyrus’ decree permitting the exiles to return and providing temple resources parallels the same motif of Persian royal support for Judah’s religious restoration and official sanction for temple work.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I further decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River that whatever Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it shall be paid to him without delay.
- And I, King Artaxerxes, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River: whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you—let it be done speedily.
Ezr.7.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עד: PREP
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ככרין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- חנטין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כרין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- חמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בתין: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- בתין: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- משח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- ומלח: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- כתב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezra 8:25-30 (thematic): Ezra himself later apportions gold, silver and provisions for the service of God and for the journey—parallel in purpose and in supplying money and food for worshipers and temple service.
- Ezra 6:8-10 (structural): Darius' decree ordering regional treasurers to provide for the temple and its workers (grain, wine, oil, and salt), paralleling royal provisioning and support for cultic personnel and materials.
- Nehemiah 2:7-8 (thematic): Artaxerxes’ letters to Asaph and to the governors to furnish timber and provisions for the rebuilding—another example of a Persian royal grant of supplies and official support for Judean restoration work.
- Ezra 1:6-11 (thematic): Cyrus’ earlier decree authorizing return of exiles and restoration of temple vessels and resources; like Ezra 7:22 it demonstrates Persian royal support (money, items, exemptions) for Yahweh’s house and worship.
- 1 Chronicles 29:3-7 (thematic): David’s large gifts of gold, silver, and materials for the temple illustrate the Israelite precedent of a ruler providing wealth and supplies for the service of God, parallel in function to Artaxerxes’ provisions to Ezra.
Alternative generated candidates
- Up to one hundred talents of silver, and up to one hundred kors of wheat, up to one hundred baths of wine, up to one hundred baths of oil, and salt without limit.
- Up to one hundred talents of silver, and up to one hundred measures of wheat, and up to one hundred baths of wine, and up to one hundred baths of oil, and salt without limit.
Ezr.7.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כל: DET
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מן: PREP
- טעם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- שמיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יתעבד: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,sg
- אדרזדא: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- לבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cns
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- שמיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למה: ADV
- להוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- קצף: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- מלכות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובנוהי: CONJ+NOUN+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Ezra 6:6-12 (structural): Darius' royal decree orders royal support and protection for the temple work and imposes penalties on those who interfere—parallel in form and function to Artaxerxes' command in Ezra 7:23.
- Ezra 1:1-4; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (structural): Cyrus' decree authorizing the return and rebuilding of the house of God provides the earlier precedent of a royal grant to restore and maintain the temple, similar to the authorization in Ezra 7:23.
- Numbers 18:20-24 (thematic): God's law that priests and Levites are to be supported for their service undergirds the policy of provisioning temple servants—echoing the appeal to divine command in 'whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven.'
- Haggai 1:5-11 (thematic): Haggai warns that neglect of the temple brings divine displeasure on the land (drought, poor harvests), resonating with the concern in Ezra 7:23 about God's wrath falling on the king's realm if the house of God is neglected.
Alternative generated candidates
- Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be carefully done for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king?
- Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be faithfully carried out without delay, so that there be no wrath against the realm of the king and his sons.
Ezr.7.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולכם: PREP,2,m,pl
- מהודעין: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,pl
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- כהניא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולויא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- זמריא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תרעיא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נתיניא: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ופלחי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דנה: DEM,f,sg
- מנדה: PREP+DEM
- בלו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- והלך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- שליט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למרמא: PREP
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Numbers 18:6-7, 23 (verbal): Establishes the Levites' exclusive service to the sanctuary and their assignment to priestly duties — parallels Ezra's instruction that priests/Levites remain in their temple service and not be removed.
- Ezra 6:6-10 (structural): Persian decree providing support and exemptions for temple personnel so they can perform their duties without burden — similar administrative protection and provisioning for temple servants in Ezra 7:24.
- Ezra 6:18 (verbal): States that priests and Levites were set in their divisions for service after the temple's completion, echoing Ezra 7:24's concern to inform and keep temple personnel in their posts.
- Nehemiah 13:10-14 (thematic): Nehemiah restores the Levites to their work and rebukes neglect that had driven them away — parallels the concern in Ezra 7:24 to ensure Levites and other temple servants are kept at their duties and protected from mistreatment.
- 1 Chronicles 26:1-13 (structural): Describes the organization and duties of gatekeepers and other temple servants (singers, gatekeepers, Levites), corresponding to Ezra's listing of priests, Levites, singers and gatekeepers and the arrangement of their service.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, set magistrates and judges who may judge all the people that are beyond the River—who know the laws of your God; and teach those who do not know them.
- And now make known to the Jews that they may freely observe the law of their God, and that the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the ministers of the house of God shall not be hindered in their service nor be subjected to extortion.
Ezr.7.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואנת: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- עזרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כחכמת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cs
- אלהך: NOUN,m,sg+PRON,2,m,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- מני: PREP+PRON,1,_,sg
- שפטין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ודינין: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להון: PREP,3,pl
- דאינין: DEM+VERB,peal,pres,3,pl
- לכל: PREP
- עמה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בעבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נהרה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לכל: PREP
- ידעי: ADJ,ptcp,qal,m,pl,abs
- דתי: NOUN,f,pl,cs
- אלהך: NOUN,m,sg+PRON,2,m,sg
- ודי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תהודעון: VERB,peal,fut,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezra 7:10 (verbal): Earliest statement about Ezra’s commitment to study, observe, and teach the law—closely parallels 7:25’s depiction of Ezra’s wisdom and role in judging and instructing Israel.
- Nehemiah 8:8 (structural): Describes reading the law and 'giving the sense, so that the people understood'—parallels Ezra 7:25’s emphasis on making the statutes and ordinances known to those who do not know them.
- Deuteronomy 17:9-11 (thematic): Prescribes bringing difficult cases to the Levitical priests or appointed judges for decision—parallels Ezra’s authorized judicial role to decide disputes and render judgments for the people.
- Leviticus 10:11 (verbal): Instructs Aaron and his sons to teach Israel the statutes and to distinguish holy from common—connects with Ezra’s task of teaching laws and clarifying religious practice.
- Malachi 2:7 (thematic): Affirms the priest’s role as keeper of knowledge and teacher of the law ('they seek the law at his mouth')—echoes Ezra’s priestly/scribe function to instruct Israel in God’s statutes.
Alternative generated candidates
- And whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king shall be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of goods, or imprisonment.
- And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people beyond the River—any who know the law of your God; and the rest make known to them.
Ezr.7.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- להוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- דתא: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2ms
- ודתא: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- די: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלכא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אספרנא: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- דינה: NOUN,f,sg,abs,prop
- להוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- מתעבד: VERB,hitpael,pres,3,m,sg
- מנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הן: PART
- למות: VERB,qal,inf
- הן: PART
- לשרשי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הן: PART
- לענש: VERB,qal,inf
- נכסין: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ולאסורין: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 17:12-13 (verbal): Both prescribe that disobedience to appointed legal/judicial authority is to be punished—Deut. 17:12–13 requires obedience to the judge’s decision, under penalty of death for refusal, echoing Ezra’s penalties for failing to keep the law.
- Numbers 15:30-31 (thematic): Addresses severe sanctions for willful, open transgression of God’s law (‘cut off’/punished), paralleling Ezra’s listing of capital, exile, confiscation and imprisonment as penalties for lawbreaking.
- Esther 3:12-15 (structural): An example of a Persian royal edict imposing enforcement and death for non‑compliance; structurally parallels Ezra’s use of the king’s authority to authorize legal penalties against transgressors.
- Ezra 7:24 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same decree: Ezra 7:24 grants Ezra authority to appoint magistrates and judges and to enforce the law, providing the administrative basis for the penalties spelled out in 7:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who put such as this in the king’s heart to beautify the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem,
- And whoever will not do the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him—whether by death, or by banishment, or by confiscation of goods, or by imprisonment.
Ezr.7.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ברוך: ADJ,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבותינו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1cp
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כזאת: DEM,f,sg
- בלב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לפאר: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בירושלם: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 1:1-4 (allusion): Cyrus declares that the LORD stirred his spirit to make a proclamation to rebuild the house in Jerusalem — the same motif of God moving a foreign king to support the temple.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (quotation): A parallel/parallel wording to Ezra 1 and Ezra 7:27: Cyrus’s decree is reiterated and explicitly attributed to God’s prompting of the king to restore the house of the LORD.
- 1 Chronicles 28:6-7 (thematic): God’s choice and commissioning of Solomon to build the temple (and the divine determination behind a king’s role) echoes the theme of God putting the design/impulse to honor the house of the LORD into a ruler’s heart.
- Nehemiah 2:8 (thematic): The Persian king grants letters and timber to Nehemiah for Jerusalem’s rebuilding; echoes Ezra 7:27’s emphasis on royal support (initiated by God) for work on the house/city of the LORD.
Alternative generated candidates
- and who extended to me favor before the king and his counselors and before all the king’s mighty men. So I was strengthened by the hand of the LORD my God, and I gathered leading men of Israel to go up with me.
- 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 which is in Jerusalem.
Ezr.7.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועלי: CONJ+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הטה: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לפני: PREP
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויועציו: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ולכל: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגברים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- התחזקתי: VERB,hithpael,perf,1,sg
- כיד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ואקבצה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- מישראל: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ראשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לעלות: VERB,qal,inf
- עמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
Parallels
- Nehemiah 2:8 (verbal): Uses the same idea/phrase of divine favor in a royal context—'the good hand of my God was upon me'—as the reason the king granted the leader's request.
- Ezra 8:31 (verbal): Speaks of 'the hand of our God' being upon the returnees, echoing the language of God's protective/favoring hand accompanying and strengthening those who go up to Jerusalem.
- Ezra 1:5 (thematic): Describes heads of families and leaders assembling to return to Judah after a royal decree, paralleling Ezra's gathering of Israelite leaders to go up with him.
- 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (structural): Relates a royal edict (Cyrus's decree) enabled by God's activity (stirring the king), providing a structural parallel to Artaxerxes' grant to Ezra as the result of God's hand.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the good hand of the LORD my God was upon me; I obtained favor before the king and his counselors and all his mighty princes, and I gathered from Israel heads to go up with me.
Now this is the copy of the decree that King Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD and his statutes over Israel.
Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect and skilled in matters of the law.
I have made a decree that all who are willing in my realm, from among all the people of Israel, and of their priests and Levites, may go up with you to Jerusalem. And whatever is commanded by the king shall be done for you. You are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem according to the law of your God that is in your hand. And now for the silver and gold which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, let it be delivered to you.
All the silver and gold that you may find in all the province of Babylon, with the voluntary offerings of the people and of the priests, gather it and set it before the house of their God in Jerusalem. And whatever else is commanded for the service of the house of your God, let it be supplied—bulls, rams, lambs, with their meal offerings and their drink offerings, to be offered continually on the altar of the house of your God in Jerusalem. And whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do for the service of your God, do with the remainder of the silver and the gold.
Whatever the priests in Jerusalem require for the service of the house of their God, let it be given to them day by day without fail, and keep it for the needs of the house of God.
Whatever else may be needful for the house of your God which is to be performed before Jerusalem, let it be given you from the king's treasuries. And I, Artaxerxes king, have commanded all the treasurers who are in the provinces beyond the river that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it shall be done promptly;
up to a hundred talents of silver, up to one hundred cors of wheat, up to one hundred baths of wine and of oil, and salt without limit.
Whatever is commanded by the law of your God, you shall diligently observe, so that there be no wrath on the realm of the king and his sons. And inform all the people of the provinces beyond the river that the priests and Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and all who perform service in the house of God in Jerusalem shall go at their appointed times and shall not be hindered; and give them no burden or tax. And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people who are beyond the river—whoever knows the law of your God—and teach those who do not know it. And whoever will not do the law of your God and the law of the king shall be punished with death, or with confiscation of goods, or with imprisonment.
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;
and who has granted me favorable mercy before the king and his counselors and all his great men. So I was strengthened as by the hand of the LORD my God upon me, and I gathered heads of Israel to go up with me.