And if anything else is needed for the house of your God that you may have occasion to supply, you may pay for it from the royal treasury. And if anything else is neededThis phrase indicates a provision for unforeseen needs, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and readiness in service to God. The Hebrew root for "needed" (צָרַךְ, tsarakh) implies necessity or requirement, suggesting that the work of God’s house is of utmost importance and should not be hindered by lack of resources. Historically, this reflects the Persian king's understanding of the importance of the temple in Jerusalem, showing a respect for the Jewish faith and its practices. for the house of your God
The "house of your God" refers to the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and sacrifice for the Jewish people. The phrase underscores the personal relationship between the Israelites and God, as well as the communal aspect of worship. The temple was not just a building but a symbol of God's presence among His people. In the broader scriptural context, the temple represents a place where heaven meets earth, a foreshadowing of Christ as the ultimate temple. that you may have occasion to supply
This phrase suggests a proactive approach to meeting the needs of the temple. The Hebrew concept here involves opportunity and responsibility, indicating that those who serve God should be prepared to act when the need arises. It reflects a principle of stewardship, where God’s people are entrusted with resources to be used for His glory. you may pay for it from the royal treasury
The mention of the "royal treasury" highlights the support of the Persian king, Artaxerxes, for the rebuilding and maintenance of the temple. This is significant historically, as it shows the favor and provision of God through a foreign ruler. The royal treasury, a symbol of earthly power and wealth, being used for God’s purposes, illustrates the biblical truth that God can use any means to accomplish His will. It also serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over all nations and rulers, aligning with the scriptural theme that "the earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1). Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest, Ezra was a leader of the Jewish people returning from Babylonian exile. He was tasked with teaching the laws of God to the people and ensuring the proper worship in the temple. 2. ArtaxerxesThe Persian king who issued the decree allowing Ezra and other Jews to return to Jerusalem. He provided resources for the temple and supported the re-establishment of Jewish religious practices. 3. The House of God (Temple in Jerusalem)The central place of worship for the Jewish people, the temple was being restored after the Babylonian exile. It was a symbol of God's presence and covenant with Israel. 4. Royal TreasuryThe financial resources of the Persian Empire, which King Artaxerxes authorized to be used for the needs of the temple, demonstrating the king's support for the Jewish faith and worship. 5. The Return from ExileThis event marks a significant period in Jewish history where the exiles returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and restore their religious practices. Teaching Points God's Provision through Unlikely SourcesGod can use even non-believers, like King Artaxerxes, to fulfill His purposes and provide for His people. We should remain open to God's provision from unexpected places. The Importance of Worship and the TempleThe temple was central to Jewish worship, symbolizing God's presence. Today, we are called to prioritize worship and maintain our spiritual "temples" (our bodies and lives) as places where God dwells. Faithfulness in LeadershipEzra's role as a leader and teacher of the law emphasizes the importance of faithful leadership in guiding others towards God. We should seek to be leaders who uphold God's truth. Stewardship of ResourcesThe use of the royal treasury for God's work highlights the importance of using resources wisely for God's kingdom. We should be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the support from King Artaxerxes for the temple's needs demonstrate God's sovereignty and provision in your life today? 2. In what ways can you prioritize worship in your daily life, considering the central role of the temple in Jewish worship? 3. How can you be a faithful leader like Ezra in your community or family, guiding others towards God's truth? 4. Reflect on a time when God provided for you through an unexpected source. How did that experience strengthen your faith? 5. Considering the use of the royal treasury for the temple, how can you be a better steward of the resources God has given you for His kingdom work? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 2Nehemiah also received support from King Artaxerxes for rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, showing the king's continued support for the Jewish people. 1 Kings 8Solomon's dedication of the first temple highlights the importance of the temple as a place of worship and God's dwelling among His people. Philippians 4:19This verse speaks of God's provision, similar to how God provided for the temple's needs through the Persian king. 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 Bestow, Falleth, King's, Needed, Needful, Needs, Occasion, Provide, Required, Rest, Royal, Store-house, Supply, Temple, Treasure, Treasure-house, Treasury, Whatever, WhatsoeverDictionary 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 7:20 NIVEzra 7:20 NLTEzra 7:20 ESVEzra 7:20 NASBEzra 7:20 KJV
Ezra 7:20 Commentaries
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