I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.

EZRA 7:13KJV
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Ezra 7:13 (KJV)

What does Ezra 7:13 mean?

Ezra 7:13 records the Persian king’s official decree allowing any Israelite, priest, or Levite in his empire who freely wishes to return to Jerusalem to do so, accompanying Ezra. The verse highlights that this return is voluntary, not forced, and applies to all groups among the Jewish exiles.

The speaker in Ezra 7:13 is King Artaxerxes of Persia, addressing his officials and the Jewish community. The context is Ezra being given royal permission to lead a group back to Jerusalem to strengthen Jewish religious life. The king’s decree is broad, covering all Israelites, priests, and Levites, and emphasizes that only those who choose to go of their own free will may join Ezra.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 7:13

  • "decree" (טְעֵם, te‘em): This word means an official order or command from the king, stressing the legal authority behind the permission.
  • "freewill" (נְדָבָה, nedavah): This term refers to a voluntary or willing action, making clear that no one is being compelled; the return is entirely up to each person’s desire.
  • "go up" (סְלֵק, seleq): Often used for ascending or traveling to Jerusalem, which sits on higher ground; this word carries religious and cultural weight, as “going up” to Jerusalem was a significant act for Jews.

Why Ezra 7:13 matters

  • Ezra 7:13 clarifies that the return from exile was not mandatory; it was an open invitation for those who felt personally moved to restore their homeland and worship.
  • The verse shows the Persian king’s respect for Jewish religious practices by allowing priests and Levites, not just laypeople, to return and serve in the temple.
  • This decree sets the stage for Ezra’s mission and the renewal of Jewish life in Jerusalem, showing cooperation between the Persian government and the Jewish community.

Where else these words appear

“freewill” Hebrew H5069 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 7:15 And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,
  • Ezra 7:16 And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:

“up” Hebrew H1946 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 5:5 But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
  • Ezra 6:5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.

“Levites” Hebrew H3879 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 6:16 And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,
  • Ezra 6:18 And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.
  • Ezra 7:24 Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.

“Israel” Hebrew H3479 · used in 7 verses

  • Ezra 5:1 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.
  • Ezra 6:14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.
  • Ezra 6:17 And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.