Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.

EZRA 7:22KJV
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Ezra 7:22 (KJV)

What does Ezra 7:22 mean?

Ezra 7:22 sets a specific limit on the amount of resources—silver, wheat, wine, oil, and salt—that could be given to Ezra from the royal treasury for the work at the temple, with salt being provided in unlimited quantity. The verse lists these amounts as a royal decree, showing official support for Ezra’s mission to Jerusalem.

This verse is part of a letter from King Artaxerxes of Persia to his officials, instructing them to supply Ezra, a Jewish scribe and priest, with what he needs for temple worship. The detailed list of materials and their generous limits show the king’s respect for the Jewish religion and his desire to help Ezra restore proper worship in Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind Ezra 7:22

  • The word מְאָה (me’ah, "hundred") is used repeatedly to set clear, generous limits on each item, emphasizing the king’s willingness to provide substantial support.
  • כִּכָּר (kikkar, "talent") refers to a large unit of weight for silver, showing the significant value of the resources being offered.
  • בַּת (bat, "bath") is a measure for liquids like wine and oil, roughly equivalent to about 6 gallons or 22 liters, highlighting the practical details of the king’s provision.
  • מֶלַח (melach, "salt") is mentioned with the phrase "without prescribing how much," showing that salt, essential for sacrifices and daily life, was to be given without limit.

Why Ezra 7:22 matters

  • Ezra 7:22 clarifies that the Persian king was not only permitting but actively supporting the restoration of Jewish worship, providing resources at royal expense.
  • The specific mention of limits for some items but not for salt draws attention to the practical needs of temple service and the king’s understanding of those needs.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing the favor Ezra had with the Persian authorities, which helped him carry out religious reforms and strengthen the Jewish community in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“wheat” Hebrew H2591 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 6:9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

“oil” Hebrew H4887 · used in 2 verses

  • Ezra 6:9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

“hundred” Hebrew H3969 · used in 3 verses

  • 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.
  • Daniel 6:1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom;

“salt” Hebrew H4416 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezra 4:14 Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;
  • Ezra 6:9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail: