Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

EZRA 7:23KJV
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Ezra 7:23 (KJV)

What does Ezra 7:23 mean?

Ezra 7:23 records a command that whatever the God of heaven requires for His temple should be carried out carefully, so that there will be no anger against the kingdom or the king’s family. The verse shows a concern for honoring God’s instructions to avoid any negative consequences for the Persian rulers.

Ezra 7:23 is part of a letter from King Artaxerxes of Persia to Ezra, a Jewish scribe and priest. The king is instructing his officials to provide whatever is needed for the temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing that it should be done thoroughly and respectfully. The king’s reasoning is practical: he wants to avoid any possible wrath from the God of heaven that could affect his reign or his sons.

The Aramaic behind Ezra 7:23

  • "diligently" (בְּעָלוּטָא, bᵉʿālûtā): This word means with care, speed, or thoroughness. The king is not just asking for obedience, but for careful and prompt action, showing respect for the seriousness of the temple’s needs.
  • "wrath" (קְצַף, qᵉṣaf): This word refers to anger or indignation, often used for divine anger. The king’s concern is not just political but also spiritual—he wants to avoid provoking the God of heaven.
  • "realm" (מַלְכוּ, malkû): This word means kingdom or dominion. The king is thinking about the well-being of his entire empire, not just his own personal safety.

Why Ezra 7:23 matters

  • Ezra 7:23 clarifies that the Persian king recognized the authority of the God of Israel and took seriously the potential consequences of neglecting His commands.
  • The verse highlights the cooperation between a foreign ruler and the Jewish community, showing how God’s purposes were respected even by those outside Israel.
  • This command sets the tone for the rest of Ezra’s mission, emphasizing the importance of reverence and carefulness in matters related to worship and the temple.

Where else these words appear

“by” Hebrew H2941 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 4:21 Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.
  • 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 6:14 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.

“sons” Hebrew H1123 · used in 10 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:
  • Daniel 2:25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.
  • Daniel 5:21 And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will.

“why” Hebrew H4101 · used in 11 verses

  • Ezra 4:22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
  • Daniel 2:15 He answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel.
  • Daniel 2:29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.

“for” Hebrew H1768 · used in 19 verses

  • Ezra 4:10 And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time.
  • Ezra 6:8 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.
  • Daniel 2:14 Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king's guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon: