Whatever is needed--young bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, as well as wheat, salt, wine, and oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem--must be given to them daily without fail. Whatever is neededThis phrase underscores the comprehensive provision required for the temple services. The Hebrew root here implies a sense of completeness and sufficiency, indicating that nothing should be lacking for the worship of God. Historically, this reflects the Persian king's decree to ensure that the Jewish people had all necessary resources to maintain their religious practices, highlighting the importance of worship in the life of the community. young bulls, rams, and lambs
These animals were integral to the sacrificial system in ancient Israel, each representing different aspects of atonement and worship. The young bull, often used for sin offerings, symbolizes strength and atonement for the community. Rams, associated with consecration and dedication, and lambs, representing innocence and purity, were essential for daily sacrifices. This provision reflects the continuity of worship practices as prescribed in the Torah, emphasizing the importance of sacrificial offerings in maintaining a covenant relationship with God. for burnt offerings to the God of heaven
The term "burnt offerings" refers to sacrifices that were completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total devotion and surrender to God. The phrase "God of heaven" is significant, as it acknowledges God's sovereignty and supreme authority over all creation. This title was particularly meaningful during the post-exilic period, as it affirmed God's dominion even in foreign lands and under foreign rule, providing hope and assurance to the Jewish exiles. wheat, salt, wine, and oil
These elements were essential for the grain offerings and other ritual practices. Wheat, as a staple food, represents sustenance and provision. Salt, used for seasoning and preservation, symbolizes purity and the enduring nature of God's covenant. Wine, often associated with joy and celebration, signifies the blessings of God, while oil, used for anointing, represents the presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Together, these provisions ensure the continuity of worship and the community's reliance on God's provision. as requested by the priests in Jerusalem
This phrase highlights the role of the priests as mediators between God and the people, responsible for maintaining the temple services. Their requests reflect the needs of the temple and the community's commitment to worship. The mention of Jerusalem underscores the city's centrality in Jewish worship and identity, serving as a reminder of God's promises and the restoration of the temple as a focal point of faith. must be given to them day by day without fail
The daily provision emphasizes the regularity and consistency required in worship. The phrase "without fail" underscores the importance of faithfulness and reliability in fulfilling God's commands. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people and the expectation of reciprocal faithfulness in worship and obedience. Historically, this ensured the uninterrupted practice of temple rituals, reinforcing the community's spiritual resilience and dedication. Persons / Places / Events 1. Darius the KingThe Persian king who issued the decree to support the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. 2. Priests in JerusalemThe religious leaders responsible for conducting sacrifices and maintaining the temple worship. 3. The Temple in JerusalemThe central place of worship for the Jewish people, which was being rebuilt after the Babylonian exile. 4. Burnt OfferingsSacrifices made to God, symbolizing atonement and dedication. 5. Supplies (Wheat, Salt, Wine, Oil)Essential items for the offerings and daily temple rituals. Teaching Points God's Provision for WorshipGod ensures that His people have what they need to worship Him properly. This reflects His care and provision for our spiritual needs. The Importance of ObedienceThe decree by King Darius shows the importance of following God's commands and supporting His work. We are called to obey and support God's mission today. Daily Commitment to GodThe daily provision for offerings reminds us of the need for a consistent, daily commitment to God in our lives. Community Support in WorshipThe community's role in providing for the temple worship highlights the importance of supporting one another in our faith journeys. Symbolism of SacrificesThe sacrifices point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, encouraging us to live lives of gratitude and dedication. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the provision of supplies for the temple worship in Ezra 6:9 reflect God's care for His people? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our daily lives reflect a commitment to God similar to the daily offerings in the temple? 3. How can the community of believers today support one another in worship and spiritual growth, as seen in the support for the temple? 4. What does the symbolism of the sacrifices in Ezra 6:9 teach us about the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ? 5. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in our personal and communal lives today? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 2:13Discusses the use of salt in offerings, highlighting its covenantal significance. Exodus 29:38-42Details the daily offerings, connecting to the provision of animals for sacrifices. Philippians 4:19Relates to God's provision for needs, as seen in the support for temple worship. 1 Kings 8:62-64Solomon's dedication of the temple, emphasizing the importance of offerings. Hebrews 10:1-10Discusses the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Christ, providing a New Testament perspective. People Apharesachites, Apharsachites, Artaxerxes, Cyrus, Darius, Haggai, Iddo, Levites, Nebuchadnezzar, Shethar, Shetharboznai, Tatnai, ZechariahPlaces Assyria, Babylon, Babylonia, Beyond the River, Ecbatana, Jerusalem, Media, PersiaTopics Anointing, Appointment, Bullocks, Bulls, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offerings, Daily, Fail, Grain, Heaven, Heavens, Jerusalem, Lambs, Male, Necessary, Needed, Needing, Offering, Offerings, Oil, Oxen, Priests, Rams, Regularly, Request, Requested, Require, Salt, Saying, Sheep, Whatever, Wheat, WineDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 6:9 4488 oil
4542 wheat
8262 generosity, human Ezra 6:6-10 4357 salt Ezra 6:8-10 4544 wine Ezra 6:9-10 4615 bull Library God the Joy-Bringer
'They kept the feast ... seven days with joy; for the Lord had made them joyful.'--EZRA vi. 22. Twenty years of hard work and many disappointments and dangers had at last, for the Israelites returning from the captivity, been crowned by the completion of the Temple. It was a poor affair as compared with the magnificent house that had stood upon Zion; and so some of them 'despised the day of small things.' They were ringed about by enemies; they were feeble in themselves; there was a great deal to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe New Temple and Its Worship
'And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo: and they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15. And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 16. And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
To realise the state of religious society at the time of our Lord, the fact that the Pharisees were a regular "order," and that there were many such "fraternities," in great measure the outcome of the original Pharisees, must always be kept in view. For the New Testament simply transports us among contemporary scenes and actors, taking the then existent state of things, so to speak, for granted. But the fact referred to explains many seemingly strange circumstances, and casts fresh light upon all. …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life The Johannine Writings
BY the Johannine writings are meant the Apocalypse and the fourth gospel, as well as the three catholic epistles to which the name of John is traditionally attached. It is not possible to enter here into a review of the critical questions connected with them, and especially into the question of their authorship. The most recent criticism, while it seems to bring the traditional authorship into greater uncertainty, approaches more nearly than was once common to the position of tradition in another …
James Denney—The Death of Christ 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 A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox.
[In the Prospectus of our Publication it was stated, that one discourse, at least, would be given in each number. A strict adherence to this arrangement, however, it is found, would exclude from our pages some of the most talented discourses of our early Divines; and it is therefore deemed expedient to depart from it as occasion may require. The following Sermon will occupy two numbers, and we hope, that from its intrinsic value, its historical interest, and the illustrious name of its author, it …
John Knox—The Pulpit Of The Reformation, Nos. 1, 2 and 3. 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 6:9 NIVEzra 6:9 NLTEzra 6:9 ESVEzra 6:9 NASBEzra 6:9 KJV
Ezra 6:9 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
