Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.

EZRA 1:8KJV
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Ezra 1:8 (KJV)

What does Ezra 1:8 mean?

Ezra 1:8 describes how King Cyrus of Persia had the temple treasures brought out and handed over by Mithredath, his treasurer, to Sheshbazzar, the leader of the returning Jews from Judah. This verse shows the official transfer of valuable items taken from Jerusalem back to the Jewish community as they prepared to rebuild the temple.

The verse takes place as King Cyrus fulfills his decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem after exile. Mithredath, acting as the royal treasurer, is responsible for counting and delivering these items to Sheshbazzar, who is called the "prince of Judah," likely serving as the governor or leader of the returning exiles. This careful, public handover highlights the legitimacy and support of the Persian king for the restoration of Jewish worship.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 1:8

  • כּוֹרֶשׁ (Koresh, "Cyrus"): This word refers to the Persian king who issued the decree. His direct involvement emphasizes the importance and authority behind the return.
  • מִתְרְדָת (Mithredath): The name of the treasurer, showing that a trusted Persian official handled the valuable items, adding a sense of order and accountability.
  • שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּר (Sheshbazzar): Identified as the "prince of Judah," this term points to a recognized leader among the Jewish exiles, giving the transfer both political and religious significance.
  • פֶּחָה (pechah, "prince"): This word often means governor or leader, not just a royal prince, indicating Sheshbazzar's official role in overseeing the return and temple restoration.

Why Ezra 1:8 matters

  • Ezra 1:8 clarifies that the return of the temple treasures was a formal, documented process, not something done in secret or by chance.
  • The verse highlights the cooperation between Persian officials and Jewish leaders, showing that the restoration was sanctioned at the highest levels.
  • By naming both the Persian treasurer and the Jewish leader, the verse underlines the trust and responsibility placed on both sides, setting the stage for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“Mithredath” Hebrew H4990 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 4:7 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.

“Sheshbazzar” Hebrew H8339 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 1:11 All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.

“Cyrus” Hebrew H3566 · used in 13 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 36:22 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
  • Ezra 1:7 Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods;
  • Isaiah 44:28 That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

“Persia” Hebrew H6539 · used in 24 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 36:20 And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:
  • Ezra 4:5 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.
  • Esther 10:2 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?