You are sent by the king and his seven counselors to evaluate Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand. You are sent by the kingThis phrase highlights the authority and commission given to Ezra by the Persian king, Artaxerxes. The sending by a king signifies a mission of great importance and official backing. In the historical context, Persian kings often appointed trusted individuals to oversee regions within their empire. Ezra's mission is not just a personal journey but a royal mandate, underscoring the providential hand of God in using secular authorities to fulfill His purposes for His people. and his seven counselors
The mention of "seven counselors" reflects the Persian administrative structure, where the king was advised by a group of wise men or nobles. This detail emphasizes the legitimacy and weight of Ezra's mission, as it is supported by the highest levels of government. Biblically, the number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection, suggesting that Ezra's mission is fully endorsed and divinely orchestrated. to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem
Ezra's task is to investigate the state of affairs in Judah and Jerusalem. The Hebrew root for "inquire" suggests a thorough examination or investigation. This mission is not merely administrative but spiritual, as it involves assessing the people's adherence to God's Law. Historically, this reflects the Persian policy of allowing subject peoples to maintain their religious practices, as long as they did not conflict with imperial interests. in accordance with the Law of your God
This phrase underscores the centrality of God's Law in Ezra's mission. The Law, or Torah, is the divine instruction given to Israel, and Ezra, a scribe skilled in the Law, is tasked with ensuring its observance. The phrase indicates that the king recognizes the authority of the Jewish God and His Law, which is remarkable given the polytheistic context of the Persian Empire. It highlights the respect and freedom granted to the Jewish people to live according to their religious convictions. which is in your hand
The phrase "in your hand" signifies possession and responsibility. Ezra is not only knowledgeable about the Law but is entrusted with its implementation. The imagery of the Law being in Ezra's hand suggests readiness and authority to teach and enforce it. This reflects the biblical theme of stewardship, where God's people are entrusted with His Word to guide and govern their lives. Historically, it also points to the role of scribes in preserving and transmitting the sacred texts, ensuring that God's commandments are upheld among His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest, Ezra is a central figure in the restoration of Jerusalem and the Jewish community after the Babylonian exile. He is known for his dedication to the Law of God. 2. The KingRefers to Artaxerxes I of Persia, who authorized Ezra's mission to Jerusalem. His decree shows the influence and favor Ezra had in the Persian court. 3. Seven CounselorsThese were high-ranking officials or advisors to King Artaxerxes, indicating the importance of Ezra's mission. 4. Judah and JerusalemThe geographical and spiritual center of the Jewish people, representing their homeland and the location of the Temple. 5. The Law of Your GodRefers to the Torah, the foundational legal and ethical code of the Jewish people, which Ezra was tasked to teach and enforce. Teaching Points Divine CommissioningEzra's mission was not just a political assignment but a divine calling to restore spiritual order according to God's Law. Reflect on how God might be calling you to serve in your community or church. The Role of ScriptureThe Law of God was central to Ezra's mission. Consider how the Bible serves as a guide in your life and how you can prioritize its teachings. Influence and FavorEzra's favor with the king and his counselors shows how God can use secular authorities to accomplish His purposes. Trust in God's sovereignty over all circumstances. Community RestorationEzra's task was to inquire and restore the community according to God's standards. Think about ways you can contribute to spiritual renewal in your community. Leadership and AccountabilityEzra was accountable to both God and the king. Reflect on the importance of integrity and accountability in your leadership roles. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezra's mission reflect the importance of aligning civil and spiritual leadership with God's Law? 2. In what ways can you seek to gain favor and influence in your community to further God's purposes, as Ezra did with the king and his counselors? 3. How can the example of Ezra's dedication to the Law inspire you to deepen your study and application of Scripture in your daily life? 4. What are some practical steps you can take to contribute to the spiritual restoration of your community, similar to Ezra's mission in Jerusalem? 5. How does the concept of accountability to both God and earthly authorities apply to your current roles and responsibilities? Connections to Other Scriptures Ezra 7:10This verse highlights Ezra's dedication to studying, practicing, and teaching the Law of God, which is central to his mission in verse 14. Nehemiah 8:1-8Describes Ezra's public reading and explanation of the Law to the people, emphasizing his role as a teacher and reformer. Deuteronomy 17:18-20Provides a background on the importance of the Law for leaders, which aligns with Ezra's mission to ensure adherence to God's commandments. 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 Advisers, Counsellors, Counselors, Enquire, Forasmuch, Inquire, Inquiries, Jerusalem, Judah, Law, Ordered, Regard, Seven, WiseDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 7:14 7540 Judaism Ezra 7:1-21 7464 teachers of the law Ezra 7:11-17 7468 temple, rebuilding Ezra 7:12-18 4333 gold Ezra 7:12-20 7505 Jews, the Ezra 7:13-16 4363 silver 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 7:14 NIVEzra 7:14 NLTEzra 7:14 ESVEzra 7:14 NASBEzra 7:14 KJV
Ezra 7:14 Commentaries
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