The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.

EZRA 7:19KJV
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Ezra 7:19 (KJV)

What does Ezra 7:19 mean?

Ezra 7:19 instructs Ezra to present the vessels that have been given to him for the service of God’s house before God in Jerusalem. The verse emphasizes that these items, meant for temple worship, are to be formally delivered and dedicated at the temple.

Ezra 7:19 is part of a letter from King Artaxerxes of Persia to Ezra, a Jewish priest and scribe. The king is sending Ezra to Jerusalem with authority and resources to support the temple. Here, Artaxerxes specifically tells Ezra to ensure the sacred vessels—objects used in worship—are brought and set before God in Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of proper worship and respect for temple service.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 7:19

  • "vessels" (מָאנָא, ma'na): This word refers to physical objects or utensils, often used for religious purposes in the temple. The focus is on items set apart for sacred use, not just any containers.
  • "service" (פֻּלְחָן, pulchan): This term means service or worship, especially in a religious context. It underlines that these vessels are not ordinary but are meant for the rituals and duties of the temple.
  • "deliver" (הַשְׁקֵל, hashkel): This word means to present or hand over. The instruction is not just to transport the vessels, but to formally give them over as an act of dedication before God.

Why Ezra 7:19 matters

  • Ezra 7:19 clarifies that the vessels are not for Ezra’s personal use but are dedicated to God’s service, ensuring accountability and reverence for temple worship.
  • The verse connects the Persian king’s support with the Jewish religious mission, showing cooperation between a foreign ruler and the Jewish community for the restoration of worship in Jerusalem.
  • This instruction highlights the careful attention to proper worship practices and the importance of returning sacred objects to their rightful place in the temple.

Where else these words appear

“deliver” Hebrew H8000 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 5:16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.
  • Daniel 5:26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it.

“vessels” Hebrew H3984 · used in 7 verses

  • Ezra 5:14 And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
  • 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.
  • Daniel 5:3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.

“Jerusalem” Hebrew H3390 · used in 25 verses

  • Ezra 4:8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
  • Ezra 5:15 And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.
  • Ezra 7:13 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.

“given” Hebrew H3052 · used in 28 verses

  • Ezra 4:20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.
  • Daniel 2:37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
  • Daniel 6:2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.