Ezra 7:1-5
II. — THE SECOND RETURN UNDER EZRA. VII. (1-10) A. general summary of Ezra’s expedition under Divine guidance.... [ Continue Reading ]
II. — THE SECOND RETURN UNDER EZRA. VII. (1-10) A. general summary of Ezra’s expedition under Divine guidance.... [ Continue Reading ]
AFTER THESE THINGS. — Fifty-seven years after: this special phrase is here alone used. During the interval we must place the events of the Book of Esther. EZRA THE SON OF SERAIAH. — His lineage is given, as frequently in Scripture, compendiously, and according to the genealogical law which makes ev... [ Continue Reading ]
A READY SCRIBE. — The “ready writer” of Psalms 45:1. Ezra was a priest, and this title is rightly placed before that of scribe in what follows; but here at the outset, when he first appears in history, the title is used which expressed his pre-eminent function, that of guarding and interpreting the... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE SEVENTH YEAR. — The repeated notes of time must be marked. The journey itself comes afterwards: it is here indicated as having occupied four months. Ezra’s company also is summarised beforehand, according to the manner of this book.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR EZRA HAD PREPARED HIS HEART. — It must be remembered that the providence of God over him immediately precedes — not as the reward of his preparing his heart, but as the reason of it. First, he gave himself to study the law, then to practise it himself, and lastly to teach its positive statutes o... [ Continue Reading ]
EVEN A SCRIBE. — In the case of Ezra _the_ function of scribe was more important than that of priest. The word scribe originally meant the writer or copier of the law; but now it meant the expositor of its general moral commandments and of its special ceremonial statutes. It is with the latter more... [ Continue Reading ]
(11-26) Credentials and commission of Ezra. After the general statement the particulars are given, beginning with the letter of authorisation, in which we discern throughout the hand of Ezra.... [ Continue Reading ]
ARTAXERXES, KING OF KINGS. — Artachshatra in Persian, Artachshasta in Hebrew. The Persian monarchs inherited the title here given from the Babylonians (Daniel 2:37). It is not used by the historian, only by the king himself. PERFECT PEACE, AND AT SUCH A TIME. — Literally, _perfect, and so forth._ T... [ Continue Reading ]
SEVEN COUNSELLORS. — These are mentioned in Esther 1:14, and were probably the heads of those families who aided Darius Hystaspis against the pseudo-Smerdis, as mentioned by Herodotus. ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF THY GOD. — Ezra’s commission was first to enquire into the condition of the city and provi... [ Continue Reading ]
WHICH IS IN JERUSALEM. — The repetition of this and similar phrases is after the manner of the literature of this period; but here, as in some other places, it implies deep reverence.... [ Continue Reading ]
BUY SPEEDILY. — Provide _first of all_ for the sacrificial ceremonial. Every sacrifice had its own meat-offerings and drink-offerings (Numbers 15). These phrases in the commission of course Ezra dictated.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE REST ... — This clause of large latitude would be of great importance for the general beautify. ing of the Temple (Ezra 7:27).... [ Continue Reading ]
THE VESSELS. — Offered (see Ezra 8:25) to be added to those sent up by Zerubbabel.... [ Continue Reading ]
OUT OF THE KING’S TREASURE HOUSE. — Every satrap had his local treasury. The decree gives Ezra very large powers, but the following verses add a measure of qualification.... [ Continue Reading ]
UNTO AN HUNDRED TALENTS OF SILVER ... — A certain restriction is laid upon the amount, although the very restriction seems almost indefinite. The silver might reach £24,000 sterling. As to the rest, Palestine abounded in these productions, which were regularly remitted to the king’s service. Salt es... [ Continue Reading ]
WHATSOEVER IS COMMANDED BY THE GOD OF HEAVEN. — The last is the strongest ground for such an ample authorisation. In the solemn and devout firman the phrase “the God of heaven” occurs twice, and the Persian prince deprecates His wrath. In this seventh year of Artaxerxes, B.C. 458, the tide of succes... [ Continue Reading ]
WE CERTIFY YOU. — The exemption of so large a number as the entire ministry of the Temple from all kinds of taxation is emphatically introduced.... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL SUCH AS KNOW. — The firman, or king’s commission, returning directly to Ezra, makes him supreme in the province over _the_ Jewish population. AND TEACH YE THEM THAT KNOW THEM NOT. — That is, those Jews who had comparatively forsaken the law. Here he has absolute authority in religion.... [ Continue Reading ]
LET JUDGMENT BE EXECUTED SPEEDILY UPON HIM. — Hence civil authority is added to religious. All these powers were usually entrusted to the provincial administrators, with more or less of reservation, by the Persians. But it is obvious that their combination in the one person of this servant of Tehova... [ Continue Reading ]
BLESSED BE THE LORD GOD. — This is the solitary expression of Ezra’s private devotion; and it is incorporated with his record in so artless a manner as to confirm the impression that the whole narrative is from his hand. This sudden ejaculatory thanksgiving, in the midst of his narrative, reminds u... [ Continue Reading ]
AND HATH EXTENDED MERCY UNTO ME. — The honour done to himself before the council of Persia he ascribes to the mercy of God. Once more we have an anticipation of the journey, with a parenthesis intervening.... [ Continue Reading ]