You must deliver to the God of Jerusalem all the articles given to you for the service of the house of your God. Deliver to the God of JerusalemThis phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and specific identity of the God worshiped in Jerusalem. The Hebrew root for "deliver" is "נָתַן" (natan), meaning to give or bestow. This act of delivering is not merely a physical transfer but a sacred duty, acknowledging God's supreme authority. Historically, Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship, and the temple there was seen as the dwelling place of God. This phrase underscores the importance of returning sacred items to their rightful place, reinforcing the idea of divine ownership and stewardship. all the articles
The "articles" refer to the sacred vessels and items used in temple worship. In Hebrew, the word "כְּלִי" (kli) is used, which can mean tools, instruments, or vessels. These articles were not ordinary objects; they were consecrated for holy use. The historical context here is significant, as these items had been taken to Babylon during the exile and were now being returned. This return symbolizes restoration and renewal of worship practices, highlighting God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant with Israel. given to you
The phrase "given to you" indicates a transfer of responsibility and trust. The Hebrew root "נָתַן" (natan) again appears, emphasizing the act of giving as a divine mandate. This suggests that Ezra, as a leader and priest, was entrusted with a sacred mission. Theologically, this reflects the idea that God equips and empowers His servants to fulfill His purposes, providing them with the necessary resources and authority. for the service of the house of your God
This phrase highlights the purpose of the articles: they are for "the service" of the temple, which in Hebrew is "עֲבוֹדָה" (avodah), meaning work or worship. The temple, referred to as "the house of your God," is central to Jewish identity and worship. The phrase underscores the concept of dedicated service to God, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. It reminds believers of the importance of worship and the sacredness of serving in God's house. Historically, this service was a communal and covenantal act, binding the people to their God and His laws. 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 re-establishing the Law of Moses and the worship practices in the temple. 2. ArtaxerxesThe Persian king who issued a decree allowing Ezra and other exiles to return to Jerusalem. He provided resources and support for the temple's restoration. 3. JerusalemThe city where the temple of God was located, and the central place of worship for the Jewish people. 4. The Temple ArticlesSacred items used in the worship and service of God in the temple. These articles were essential for the proper conduct of religious ceremonies. 5. The ExilesThe Jewish people who had been taken captive to Babylon and were now returning to their homeland to rebuild their lives and religious practices. Teaching Points The Importance of Sacred ObjectsThe articles for the temple service were not just physical items but were consecrated for the worship of God. This reminds us of the importance of treating sacred things with reverence and respect. God's Provision through Secular AuthoritiesArtaxerxes' support for the temple's restoration shows how God can use even non-believers to accomplish His purposes. We should be open to seeing God's hand in unexpected places. Restoration and RenewalEzra's mission was not just about physical rebuilding but spiritual renewal. We should seek to restore and renew our own spiritual lives, focusing on worship and obedience to God. Faithfulness in ServiceEzra's dedication to his task is a model of faithfulness. We are called to be diligent and faithful in whatever God has entrusted to us. Community and WorshipThe return of the exiles and the restoration of the temple highlight the importance of community in worship. We should value and participate in our faith communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of Ezra as a leader and scribe inspire you in your own spiritual leadership or service? 2. In what ways can you see God working through secular authorities or institutions in your life today? 3. Reflect on the sacred objects or practices in your own faith tradition. How do they help you connect with God? 4. What steps can you take to renew and restore your spiritual life, similar to the restoration efforts in Jerusalem? 5. How can you contribute to the spiritual and communal life of your faith community, following the example of Ezra and the returning exiles? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 25-31These chapters describe the original instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and the articles used in worship, highlighting the continuity of worship practices from the time of Moses to Ezra. 2 Chronicles 36:22-23This passage records the decree of Cyrus, which allowed the first group of exiles to return to Jerusalem, setting the stage for Ezra's mission. Nehemiah 8Ezra's role in teaching the Law to the people is further elaborated, showing his dedication to restoring the spiritual life of the community. 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 Articles, Deliver, Entrusted, Full, Jerusalem, Perfect, Service, Temple, Uses, Utensils, Vessels, WorshipDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 7:1-21 7464 teachers of the law Ezra 7:12-20 7505 Jews, the 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 7:19 NIVEzra 7:19 NLTEzra 7:19 ESVEzra 7:19 NASBEzra 7:19 KJV
Ezra 7:19 Commentaries
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