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.