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? Whatever is commanded by the God of heavenThis 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
The call for diligence underscores the importance of careful and faithful execution of God's commands. This reflects the biblical principle found in Ecclesiastes 9:10, which encourages doing one's work with all one's might. The historical context here is significant, as the Jews were returning from exile and rebuilding the temple, requiring meticulous adherence to God's instructions to ensure His favor and presence. for His house
"His house" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Jewish people. The temple was not only a physical structure but also a symbol of God's presence among His people. The rebuilding of the temple was a fulfillment of prophecy, as seen in Isaiah 44:28, where God declares that Cyrus will decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. The temple's significance is further highlighted in the New Testament, where Jesus refers to His body as the temple (John 2:19-21), drawing a typological connection between the physical temple and Christ Himself. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons?
This phrase reflects the ancient Near Eastern belief in the divine right of kings and the idea that the favor or wrath of a deity could impact a ruler's reign and dynasty. In the context of Ezra, King Artaxerxes of Persia is concerned about maintaining peace and prosperity in his realm, recognizing that neglecting the God of Israel's commands could bring divine retribution. This mirrors the biblical theme of divine judgment and blessing based on obedience, as seen in the covenantal blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28. The concern for the king's sons also highlights the dynastic implications of divine favor, a concept seen throughout the Old Testament in the narratives of Israel's kings. 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. ArtaxerxesThe 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 HeavenA 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 GodRefers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was central to Jewish worship and the presence of God among His people. 5. The Realm of the KingRefers 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 SovereigntyThe 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 LordThe 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 LeadersEzra'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 ProtectionThe 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. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezra's role as a scribe and priest inform our understanding of the importance of teaching and upholding God's Word today? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the political and global events of our time, similar to His influence over the Persian kings? 3. How can we cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to ensure we are diligently following His commands? 4. What lessons can we learn from the support of foreign kings for the rebuilding of the temple that apply to how we view God's provision in unexpected ways? 5. How can we support and pray for our leaders, both in the church and in government, to ensure they are guided by biblical principles and wisdom? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 2Nehemiah, like Ezra, was granted permission by a Persian king to return to Jerusalem and rebuild. This shows a pattern of God using foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes for His people. Daniel 6Daniel's experience in the lion's den under King Darius also highlights the recognition of the God of heaven by a foreign king, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all nations. Proverbs 21:1This verse speaks to the idea that the heart of a king is in the hand of the Lord, reinforcing the theme of God's control over earthly rulers. People Aaron, Abishua, Ahitub, Amariah, Artaxerxes, Azariah, Bukki, Eleazar, Ezra, Hilkiah, Israelites, Levites, Meraioth, Phinehas, Seraiah, Shallum, Uzzi, Zadok, ZerahiahPlaces Babylonia, Beyond the River, Jerusalem, PersiaTopics Carefully, Commanded, Completely, Decree, Diligence, Diligently, Exactly, Full, Heaven, Heavens, Kingdom, Lest, Ordered, Prescribed, Realm, Sons, Temple, Whatever, Whatsoever, Wrath, ZealDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 7:23 5833 diligence Ezra 7:21-23 4357 salt
4492 olive Library Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
1. The Greek word Apocrypha, hidden, that is, hidden or secret books, was early applied by the fathers of the Christian church to anonymous or spurious books that falsely laid claim to be a part of the inspired word. By some, as Jerome, the term was extended to all the books incorporated by the Alexandrine Jews, in their Greek version, into the proper canon of the Old Testament, a few of which books, though not inspired, are undoubtedly genuine. Another designation of the books in question …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the BibleReading the Law with Tears and Joy
'And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel. 2. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. 3. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate, from the morning until midday, before …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Rome and Ephesus
Corinth as portrayed in the Epistles of Paul gives us our simplest and least contaminated picture of the Hellenic Christianity which regarded itself as the cult of the Lord Jesus, who offered salvation--immortality--to those initiated in his mysteries. It had obvious weaknesses in the eyes of Jewish Christians, even when they were as Hellenised as Paul, since it offered little reason for a higher standard of conduct than heathenism, and its personal eschatology left no real place for the resurrection …
Kirsopp Lake—Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture General Account of Jesus' Teaching.
^A Matt. IV. 17; ^B Mark I. 14, 15; ^C Luke IV. 14, 15. ^a 17 From that time Jesus began to preach [The time here indicated is that of John the Baptist's imprisonment and Jesus' return to Galilee. This time marked a new period in the public ministry of Jesus. Hitherto he had taught, but he now began to preach. When the voice of his messenger, John, was silenced, the King became his own herald. Paul quoted the Greeks as saying that preaching was "foolishness," but following the example here set by …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezra 7:23 NIVEzra 7:23 NLTEzra 7:23 ESVEzra 7:23 NASBEzra 7:23 KJV
Ezra 7:23 Commentaries
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