They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

EZRA 3:7KJV
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Ezra 3:7 (KJV)

What does Ezra 3:7 mean?

Ezra 3:7 describes how the returning Israelites paid skilled workers—masons and carpenters—with money, and provided food, drink, and oil to people from Zidon and Tyre, so that they would bring cedar wood from Lebanon to Joppa, as allowed by the Persian king Cyrus. This verse shows the practical steps taken to gather building materials for the temple’s reconstruction.

The verse is set after the Israelites have returned from exile in Babylon. The leaders are organizing the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple, and they arrange for supplies and skilled labor, much like Solomon did centuries earlier. The mention of Zidon, Tyre, and Lebanon highlights the use of famous cedar wood from the north, and the cooperation with neighboring peoples under the permission ("grant") of Cyrus, king of Persia.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 3:7

  • gave (נָתַן, natan): This word means “to give” or “to provide.” It emphasizes the active role of the Israelites in supplying both payment and provisions to workers and traders.
  • cedar (אֶרֶז, erez): Cedar wood from Lebanon was prized for its quality and durability. Its mention underlines the importance and care given to the temple’s construction.
  • grant (רְשָׁיוֹן, r’shayon): This word refers to official permission or authorization. The rebuilding effort is not just a local project but is carried out with the legal approval of Cyrus, king of Persia.

Why Ezra 3:7 matters

  • Ezra 3:7 clarifies that the rebuilding of the temple was a well-organized, international effort, involving not just local workers but also skilled labor and resources from neighboring regions.
  • The verse highlights the continuity with Israel’s past, echoing the way Solomon sourced cedar from Lebanon for the first temple, showing respect for tradition and quality.
  • By mentioning the grant from Cyrus, the verse connects the rebuilding to God’s providence working through foreign rulers, setting the tone for the rest of Ezra’s account.

Where else these words appear

“Joppa” Hebrew H3305 · used in 4 verses

  • Joshua 19:46 And Mejarkon, and Rakkon, with the border before Japho.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:16 And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.
  • Jonah 1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

“Tyre” Hebrew H6876 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:14 He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:4 Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:14 The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

“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.

“Zidon” Hebrew H6722 · used in 15 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:9 ( Which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion; and the Amorites call it Shenir;)
  • Judges 10:12 The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.
  • 1 Kings 11:33 Because that they have forsaken me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and my judgments, as did David his father.