Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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? New Living Translation 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? English Standard Version 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. Berean Standard Bible Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons? King James Bible 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? New King James Version 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? New American Standard Bible Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, it shall be done with zeal for the house of the God of heaven, so that there will not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons. NASB 1995 “Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done with zeal for the house of the God of heaven, so that there will not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons. NASB 1977 “Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done with zeal for the house of the God of heaven, lest there be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons. Legacy Standard Bible Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done with zeal for the house of the God of heaven, so that there will not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons. Amplified Bible Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done diligently and with enthusiasm for the house of the God of heaven, so that there will not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons. Christian Standard Bible Whatever is commanded by the God of the heavens must be done diligently for the house of the God of the heavens, so that wrath will not fall on the realm of the king and his sons. Holman Christian Standard Bible Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for the house of the God of heaven, so that wrath will not fall on the realm of the king and his sons. American Standard Version Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? Contemporary English Version They must provide whatever the God of heaven demands for his temple, so that he won't be angry with me and with the kings who rule after me. English Revised Version Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? GOD'S WORD® Translation Whatever the God of heaven has commanded must be carried out in detail for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should God become angry with the king's empire and his sons? Good News Translation You must be careful to provide everything which the God of Heaven requires for his Temple, and so make sure that he is never angry with me or with those who reign after me. International Standard Version Whatever is commanded by the God of Heaven is to be done with all due diligence for the Temple of the God of Heaven, or wrath will come against the king's realm and his sons. Majority Standard Bible Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons? NET Bible Everything that the God of heaven has required should be precisely done for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should there be wrath against the empire of the king and his sons? New Heart English Bible Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? Webster's Bible Translation Whatever 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? World English Bible Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionall that [is] by the decree of the God of the heavens, let be done diligently for the house of the God of the heavens; for why is there wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons? Young's Literal Translation all that is by the decree of the God of heaven, let be done diligently for the house of the God of heaven; for why is there wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons? Smith's Literal Translation All that from the decree of the God of the heavens shall be done diligently for the house of the God of the heavens: for why to be wrath upon the kingdom of the king and his sons? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAll that belongeth to the rites of the God of heaven, let it be given diligently in the house of the God of heaven: lest his wrath should be enkindled against the realm of the king, and of his sons. Catholic Public Domain Version All that pertains to the rite of the God of heaven, let it be distributed scrupulously to the house of the God of heaven, lest perhaps he may become angry against the kingdom of the king and his sons. New American Bible Let everything that is decreed by the God of heaven be carried out exactly for the house of the God of heaven, that wrath may not come upon the realm of the king and his sons. New Revised Standard Version Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done with zeal for the house of the God of heaven, or wrath will come upon the realm of the king and his heirs. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd everything which is in the decree shall be given, and you shall give it according to the law of the God of heaven; let it be taken and done, that there may not be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And everything in the written bond will be given, and give it according to the Law of his God, the Law of the God of Heaven! He shall take and he shall do and there shall not be wrath on the kingdom of the King and his children. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? Brenton Septuagint Translation Let whatever is in the decree of the God of heaven, be done: take heed lest any one make an attack on the house of the God of heaven, lest at any time there shall be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Artaxerxes' Letter for Ezra…22up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit. 23Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons? 24And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.… Cross References Daniel 6:26-27 I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end. / He delivers and rescues; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” Nehemiah 2:8 And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. Romans 13:1-4 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ... 1 Timothy 2:1-2 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. 1 Peter 2:13-14 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. Esther 4:14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Isaiah 45:1-4 This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: / “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. / I will give you the treasures of darkness and the riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name. ... 1 Chronicles 29:12 Both riches and honor come from You, and You are the ruler over all. In Your hands are power and might to exalt and give strength to all. Matthew 22:21 “Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. 1 Kings 8:43 then may You hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You. Then all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, and they will know that this house I have built is called by Your Name. Jeremiah 29:7 Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 2 Chronicles 20:6 and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. Treasury of Scripture Whatever 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? Whatsoever is commanded. Ezra 7:13,18 I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee… let it be Psalm 119:4 Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. Ezra 6:10-12 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons… Zechariah 12:3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it. Jump to Previous Bed Carefully Commanded Completely Diligence Diligently Exactly Full Heaven Heavens House Kingdom Ordered Prescribed Realm Temple Whatever Whatsoever Wrath ZealJump to Next Bed Carefully Commanded Completely Diligence Diligently Exactly Full Heaven Heavens House Kingdom Ordered Prescribed Realm Temple Whatever Whatsoever Wrath ZealEzra 7 1. Ezra goes up to Jerusalem11. The gracious commission of Artaxerxes to Ezra 27. Ezra blesses God for this favor Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven This phrase acknowledges the sovereignty and supreme authority of the God of Israel, who is recognized as the "God of heaven." This title emphasizes His dominion over all creation, a common theme in the post-exilic period when the Jews were under foreign rule. The acknowledgment of God's commands reflects the Jewish understanding of divine law as paramount, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:1-9, where adherence to God's commandments is central to Jewish life and identity. must be done diligently for His house For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons? Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest, Ezra was a leader among the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was tasked with teaching the laws of God to the people and ensuring proper worship in the temple. 2. Artaxerxes The Persian king who issued a decree allowing Ezra and other Jews to return to Jerusalem. He supported the rebuilding of the temple and the reestablishment of Jewish law. 3. The God of Heaven A title used to emphasize God's sovereignty and authority over all creation, often used in the context of His dealings with foreign kings and nations. 4. The House of God Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was central to Jewish worship and the presence of God among His people. 5. The Realm of the King Refers to the Persian Empire, over which Artaxerxes ruled. The king's concern for God's wrath indicates a recognition of God's power and influence. Teaching Points Obedience to God's CommandsThe verse emphasizes the importance of diligently following God's commands. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word with the same diligence, recognizing His authority in our lives. God's Sovereignty The acknowledgment of God as the "God of heaven" by a foreign king underscores His sovereignty over all nations and rulers. We can trust that God is in control, even in political and global affairs. Fear of the Lord The concern for God's wrath reflects a healthy fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom. We should cultivate a reverent fear of God, understanding the consequences of disobedience. Role of Leaders Ezra's role as a leader and teacher of God's law highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding others toward obedience and worship. We should pray for and support leaders who uphold biblical principles. God's Provision and Protection The king's decree and support for the temple show God's provision for His people. We can trust God to provide for our needs as we seek to honor Him in our lives.(23) Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven.--The last is the strongest ground for such an ample authorisation. In the solemn and devout firman the phrase "the God of heaven" occurs twice, and the Persian prince deprecates His wrath. In this seventh year of Artaxerxes, B.C. 458, the tide of success turned for Persia against the Athenians in Egypt. And his sons.--Though Artaxerxes Longimanus was young at this time, he is said to have left eighteen sons. Verse 23. - Why should there be wrath against the realm? In the seventh year of Artaxerxes Longimanns there was "wrath against the realm" of Persia in a very dangerous quarter, viz., Egypt. Egypt had revolted from the Persians in B.C. 460, and in the following year, with the assistance of the Athenians, had driven the last Persian out of the country. A vain attempt was made by an embassy to Sparta, towards the close of B.C. 459, to force Athens to recall her troops. In B.C. 458, Artaxerxes' seventh year, it was resolved that a Persian force should attempt the recovery of the revolted country. Artaxerxes gives his firman to Ezra when this expedition is preparing to start, and partly alludes to the past "wrath," shown in the success of the rebels, partly deprecates any further visitation. Without pretending to penetrate the Divine counsels, it may be noticed that from the year B.C. 458 things went well for the Persians in Egypt. Memphis was recovered in that year or the next; and in B.C. 455 the Athenians were finally defeated, and the province recovered. The king and his sons. This mention of the "sons" of Artaxerxes has been regarded as a proof that the Artaxerxes of Esther was Mnemon, and not Longimanus (Patrick). But it is quite a gratuitous supposition that Longimanus, who had attained to manhood before he ascended the throne, had no sons in the seventh year of his reign. Ultimately he left behind him eighteen sons (Ctesias, 'Exc. Pers.,' § 44).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Whateverכָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3606: The whole, all, any, every is commanded טַ֙עַם֙ (ṭa·‘am) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2941: Account, to be commanded, commandment, matter by מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4481: From, out of, by, by reason of, at, more than the God אֱלָ֣הּ (’ĕ·lāh) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 426: God of heaven שְׁמַיָּ֔א (šə·may·yā) Noun - masculine plural determinate Strong's 8065: The sky must be done יִתְעֲבֵד֙ (yiṯ·‘ă·ḇêḏ) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5648: To do, make, prepare, keep diligently אַדְרַזְדָּ֔א (’aḏ·raz·dā) Adverb Strong's 149: Quickly, carefully for the [His] house. לְבֵ֖ית (lə·ḇêṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1005: A house For דִּֽי־ (dî-) Pronoun - relative Strong's 1768: Who, which, that, because why לְמָ֤ה (lə·māh) Interrogative Strong's 4101: Interrogative what?, what!, indefinitely what should wrath קְצַ֔ף (qə·ṣap̄) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7109: Wrath fall לֶֽהֱוֵא֙ (le·hĕ·wê) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1934: To become, come to pass, be on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5922: Above, over, upon, against the realm מַלְכ֥וּת (mal·ḵūṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 4437: Royalty, reign, kingdom of the king מַלְכָּ֖א (mal·kā) Noun - masculine singular determinate Strong's 4430: A king and his sons? וּבְנֽוֹהִי׃ (ū·ḇə·nō·w·hî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 1123: A son Links Ezra 7:23 NIVEzra 7:23 NLT Ezra 7:23 ESV Ezra 7:23 NASB Ezra 7:23 KJV Ezra 7:23 BibleApps.com Ezra 7:23 Biblia Paralela Ezra 7:23 Chinese Bible Ezra 7:23 French Bible Ezra 7:23 Catholic Bible OT History: Ezra 7:23 Whatever is commanded by the God (Ezr. 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