Genealogy of Those Who Returned with Ezra

Genealogy of Those Who Returned with Ezra

These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king. Ezr. 8:1-14

and the genealogy... In all these chapters we see that only those who could prove descent from some family in Israel were allowed to go up to Jerusalem.

them that went... up with me from Babylon Males in Ezra’s Company:

1. Sons of Phinehas, Ithamar, David, Schechaniah, Pharosh (Ezr. 8:2-3)	150
2. Sons of Pahath-moab (Ezr. 8:4)	200
3. Of Schechaniah (Ezr. 8:5)	300
4. Of Adin (Ezr. 8:6)	50
5. Of Elam (Ezr. 8:7)	70
6. Of Shephatiah (Ezr. 8:8)	80
7. Of Joab (Ezr. 8:9)	218
8. Of Shelomith (Ezr. 8:10)	160
9. Of Behai (Ezr. 8:11)	28
10. Of Azgad (Ezr. 8:12)	110
11. Of Adonikam (Ezr. 8:13)	60
12. Of Bigvai (Ezr. 8:14)	70
13. Ministers (Ezr. 8:15-18)	18
14. Sons of Merari (Ezr. 8:19)	20
15. Nethinims (Ezr. 8:20)	220
	_______
Total males	1,754

Ezra Sends for Levites

And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi. Ezr. 8:15

found there none... The Levites were slack in returning to Israel. Only a few accompanied Zerubbabel (Ezr. 2:36). This was not so with the priests (Ezr. 2:36-39).

Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding. Ezr. 8:16

Then sent I... These were all in the camp, in some part of it, to whom Ezra sent messengers to come unto him; three of them are of the same name. The first nine were men of chief note, rank, and dignity in their family, and the other two were noted for men of good sense. And that could speak to a case well, and so fit to be sent on such an affair as they were.

and for Elnathan... Elnathan occurs three times in this one verse; it must have been a popular name. The meaning is: God has given. Besides the three men mentioned here there was another one so-named (2Ki. 24:8; Jer. 26:22; 36:12, 36:25).

And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God. Ezr. 8:17

ministers for the... These were the Levites whom Ezra wanted to go back with him to Jerusalem. He finally persuaded eighteen Levites to return with him (Ezr. 8:15, 8:17-18).

And I sent... Not a place by the Caspian Sea, and near the Caspian mountains, as Munster, which was too far off to go and return in the time they must (see Ezra 7:9). But, as Jarchi, a place in Babylon so called, a village near it, or a parish or street in it, where Ezra knew lived many of the Levites and Nethinim, and where Iddo was the chief of the Levites, and over them both.

and I told... What they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinim, at the place Casiphia. But Iddo was not one of the Nethinim; for he was chief of the Levites, and by his authority many of them were sent as well as of the Nethinim. But none of the latter were over the Levites, for they were servants to them (Ezr. 8:20). But, according to Jarchi, the Nethinim are not at all intended in this clause, who reads the words:
at the place... To Iddo and Achim, (the name of a man with him; perhaps it may be better rendered, "to Iddo and his brother"), who were appointed, or settled, in the place Casiphia. And with him De Dieu agrees, and so the Syriac version: Who dwelt in Casiphia:
that they should... Both Levites to be singers and porters there, and the Nethinim to wait on them.
The chief men mentioned (in verse 16), were men who had enough authority that they would be accepted by Iddo as messengers from Ezra. They were men who would be respected enough that Iddo would listen carefully to what they had to say. Iddo was the chief of the Nethinim. He was, also the head of the Jews at Casiphia.

And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen; Ezr. 8:18

And by the... Favoring their designs and orders, protecting those that were sent, and inclining those they were sent to use their interest and authority with those that were under them. And making them willing also to agree to what was proposed to them.

they brought us... The son of Levi, the son of Israel; an Israelite, of the tribe of Levi, in the line of Mahli a son of Merari, the third son of Levi.
and Sherebiah... Or rather "even Sherebiah". So Aben Ezra; For he is the understanding man that is meant, and described by his pedigree.
with his sons... All together made this number.
Ezra was thanking God for the good fortune of the Levites that came back to Ezra. Ezra knew this was a blessing from God. Sherebiah and Mahli may be the same person. There were eighteen that came.

And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty; Ezr. 8:19

These were of the same division of Levites as Sherebiah.

These were of... These thirty eight, with those they came with, were all Levites; the Nethinim follow.
These were also Levites from the division of Merari.

Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name. Ezr. 8:20

of the Nethinims... The Nethinims were the temple servants who helped the priests and Levites in all their work.

For the service... To wait upon them, and minister to them, as they did to the priests. Some think those were the same with the Gibeonites, whom Joshua gave to the service of the sanctuary, and David confirmed. But others are of opinion these were different from them, and an addition to them.

two hundred and twenty... all of them were expressed by name": In the history that Iddo sent of them to Ezra. And so the names of the Levites, though not here expressed, only the names of those they came with.
We remember, the Nethinim were in the service of Joshua and on through to the realm of David and Solomon.

Fasting and Prayer for Protection

Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. Ezr. 8:21

Then I proclaimed... Then—when all the exiles were gathered together and were ready to depart, Ezra proclaimed a fast to seek God’s protection on the journey, which would be dangerous in view of so many enemies and bands of robbers between Babylon and Israel (Ezr. 8:21-22).

that we might... Humble themselves before him for their sins, confess them, and declare their repentance of them, and ask forgiveness for them.

to seek of... To take from thence towards Jerusalem, to be directed by him in it. Either by a prophet, or by a vision in a dream, as Aben Ezra; or rather by the guidance of his providence. This they sought in prayer by the river side, where it had been usual with them, and since has been, to perform religious exercises (see Eze. 1:1). Hence Tertullian calls the prayers of the Jews "orationes littorales"; they sought not so much which was the shortest and easiest way for them to travel in, as which was the safest.
and for our... For the safe conveyance of them. This shows, that though males only are numbered, as before, yet they had their wives and children with them. For little ones cannot be supposed without women to take care of them.
Ezra called the fast to prepare for the rest of the journey. He wanted the assistance of the LORD as he carried these people on this several month journey to Jerusalem. The fast was to receive instructions from God on exactly how they should proceed. They wanted no harm coming to the women and children, or to the precious cargo. Ezra knew his help was in the LORD.

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. Ezr. 8:22

For I was.... Which he might have had, only by asking for them; so great was the interest he had in the king's favor.

to help us... The Arabs, Samaritans, and others, that might lie in wait for them, to rob them of their substance.
because we had... Of the special favor of God to them, his singular providence in the protection of them.
saying, the hand... That pray unto him, serve and worship him; his hand is open to them to bestow all needful good upon them, temporal and spiritual. And his power and providence are over them, to protect and defend them from all evil.
but his power... His word, his ways and worship; his powerful wrath, or the strength and force of it, is exerted against them and they are sure to feel the weight and dreadful effects of it. And now all this being said to the king, after this, to desire a guard to protect them. It would look as if they had not that favor in the sight of God, and did not believe what they had said, but distrusted his power and providence towards them. Therefore, rather than reflect any dishonor on God, they chose to expose themselves to danger, seeking his face and favor, and relying on his goodness and power.
Ezra knew there were robbers along the way in the land they must pass through. He had not asked for help from the Persians, because if they were really of God, as they had told the Persian king they were, the LORD would take care of them. This expresses Ezra’s faith in God, and shows why he didn’t ask for soldiers for protection. He may have said many wonderful things about Jehovah to the king and his counselors; now it was time to live according to his own preaching. God honored him and he was protected on the journey (Ezr. 8:23-32).

So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us. Ezr. 8:23

Sought the Lord by fasting and prayer for a good journey, and preservation in it.

Sought the Lord... And he was entreated of us, Accepted their prayer, as Jarchi, so that they came safe to Jerusalem.
This is saying when they fasted and prayed, the LORD heard their prayer, and put into their hearts exactly what they were to do.

Priests to Guard Offerings

Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them, Ezr. 8:24

Then I separated... Then—just before the departure for Israel, Ezra thought it would be best to divide the gold, silver, and other valuables for the temple, so they could be more easily protected on the journey. He divided them by weight and gave a portion to each of twelve men he had selected to be responsible for these valuables until they reached Jerusalem (Ezr. 8:24-30).

twelve of the... The twelve men represented the twelve tribes, indicating that the returning exiles recognized that Israelites from all twelve tribes were being restored as a nation, not Judah and Benjamin only.

And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered: Ezr. 8:25

And weighted unto... Value of money divided into 12 parts:

650 talents of silver at $7,500 each	$4,875,000
Silver vessels totaling 100 talents	750,000
100 talents of gold at $600,000 each	60,000,000
20 basins of gold totaling 1,000 drams at $50	50,000
2 vessels of fine copper as precious as gold $2,500 each (per above)	5,000
	______________
Total value	$65,680,000

I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred talents; Ezr. 8:26

I even weighted... The custody of the contributions and of the sacred vessels was, during the journey, committed to twelve of the chief priests, who, with the assistance of ten of their brethren, were to watch closely over them by the way, and deliver them into the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.

and fifty talents... If a talent weighs 75 pounds, this is speaking of 48,750 pounds of silver. The silver vessels weighed 7,500 pounds in silver.

an hundred talents... The gold, also, weighed 7,500 pounds. The gold, alone weighed 120,000 ounces. You can see why Ezra was concerned.

Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold. Ezr. 8:27

a thousand drams... A dram is an eighth of an ounce. Valued at $400 per ounce, gold would be worth $50 per dram (Ezr. 8:27; 2:69; 1Ch. 29:7).

and two vessels... If the 2 vessels of copper were as precious as gold and weighed as many drams as the basins of gold (50 drams each, since 20 weighed 1,000 drams), then these vessels were worth $2,500 each. Having a total weight of 100 drams, the 2 would be worth $5,000.

And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto the LORD God of your fathers. Ezr. 8:28

Ye are holy... As they were dedicated and set apart to holy service, so the vessels were sacred to holy uses, and therefore not to be converted to any other.

and the silver... And therefore not to be made use of but in his service. The gold and silver entrusted to each of the twelve men were to weigh as much at the end of the journey as at the beginning, to be sure none had been stolen.
Ezra was stressing to them the necessity of getting all of these precious items for the temple through. The value in dollars and cents were important, but the idea these treasures belonged to God made this much more important. They were to guard this with their lives.

Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the LORD. Ezr. 8:29

and keep them... The vessels, the gold, and the silver, that they be not hurt and diminished.

until ye weigh...That is, until they had delivered them in full weight, as they had received them, in the presence of those persons as witnesses, and into their hands, in order to be laid up in the chambers and treasuries of the temple.

Ezra weighed and made a record of exactly what he had entrusted to each priest. They would weigh them in when they arrived at the temple in Jerusalem. This was good record keeping. They would not be careless with the things of the LORD. Those in authority in the temple in Jerusalem would receive them and weigh them in. There would be a record kept of that as well.

So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem unto the house of our God. Ezr. 8:30

So took the... The twelve priests and twelve Levites, mentioned in (Ezr. 8:24).

the weight of...This they undertook to do, and did.

They did as Ezra had asked them. Each priest and Levite would be responsible for the portion of the treasure that had been entrusted to him.

Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way. Ezr. 8:31

Then we departed... Then—when all preparations had been made, the exiles departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month (April) and they came to Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month (August), after a journey of about four and a half month from this point (Ezr. 8:21-32; 7:8-9).

the first month... Nisan, answering to part of March and part of April. This was two days before the Passover began.

and the hand... Guiding, directing, and protecting them by his providence.
and he delivered... Either by intimidating them, that they dared not attack them, or by directing them to take a different road, whereby they escaped them (see Ezr. 8:22).
God had protected them from all harm, as they journeyed back to their home in Judah. Ezra's fears never happened. They did not even encounter the thieves. Ezra's faith in God brought them through safely.

And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days. Ezr. 8:32

And we came... Before they went about any business, delivered what was committed to them for the use of the temple, and the commissions to the king's officers. As it was but proper they should have some rest after such a fatiguing journey.

This was speaking of a rest they took from their long journey. They were safe to rest now.

Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites; Ezr. 8:33

Now on the... After their arrival at Jerusalem.

was the silver... The temple, that it might be seen and known that the exact weight which had been deposited with them was now faithfully delivered.

by the hand... Of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas, These were priests.

and with them... Was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites, Two priests and two Levites. For since there were of both that were charged with the above things, it was proper there should be some of both, when weighed, that they might be witnesses of their fidelity.

Each one of the 12, that the treasures had been entrusted to weighed them to the son of the high priest in Jerusalem. The men mentioned in the verse above, were priests and Levites. They would put the treasures in safe keeping in the temple.

By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time. Ezr. 8:34

By number and... They were delivered in by tale and weight, which exactly agreed to the number and weight in which they received them.

and all the... An account was taken in writing, and laid up, that it might not only be known hereafter what freewill offerings had been made in Babylon. But that it might be a voucher for the fidelity and integrity of those that brought them, should it ever be called in question.

Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the LORD. Ezr. 8:35

offered burnt offerings... Cost of the Burnt Offerings:

12 bullocks	9,600.0
18 gal. flour	36.0
36 qts. wine	180.0
36 qts. oil	288.0
96 rams	12,000.0
96 gals. flour	192.0
192 qts. wine	960.0
192 qts. oil	1,560.0
77 lambs	6,160.0
38 1/2 gals. flour	77.0
115 1/2 qts. wine	577.5
115 1/2 qts. oil	924.0
12 goats	600.0
6 gal. flour	12.0
18 qts. wine	90.0
18 qts. oil	144.0
	__________
Total est. cost	33,400.5

twelve bullocks for... Twelve bullocks were offered—one for each tribe besides Levi.

And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God. Ezr. 8:36

And they delivered... The royal decrees.

the kings lieutenants... Satraps. A Persian title.

To the governors... Of the provinces of Syria, Israel, and Judea, which were on that side of Euphrates the land of Israel was.

and they furthered... Or "lifted them up". Eased them of all burdens, and freed them from all impediments, and assisted them and furnished them with everything, as the decree of Artaxerxes enjoined them. And provided everything as they required for ornamenting the temple, and for the sacrifices of it. All which is to be understood of the king's lieutenants and governors, who obeyed his commands.
This was speaking of the documents that Ezra brought from the king giving him authority to draw from the treasury. The lieutenants under the governors, were in charge of it. It appears, that they did just as the documents had requested them to do immediately.

My Sheep Hear My Voice

My Sheep Hear My Voice

Before Jesus was crucified He told the disciples to watch and pray, something so simple, but they let their physical bodies take over and they fell back asleep. In these last hours of time you need to hear His voice. When He tells you something, it is very important, but most ignore my voice or just discuss it and go on with what they were doing. You will see many things start to happen shortly and if you do not hear and obey His voice,... it will mean death for some of you....Jesus has only your best interest in mind. Christ knows you heart, and if you are truly His you will hear His voice. He awakes many of you at 3am on the dot, but most will roll over and go back to sleep. There are a few who will get up and pray. Your day is filled with so many things and Jesus is the last thing many of you give your time to. But Christ needs to talk to you,... to fellowship with you and only when you are still and quite (3am) can you hear Him,... the rest of your day is so busy you do not have time for Him,... but you need to make time, for time is short and the Lord has instructions for you.

Revelation Chapter 11

The Temple of God and the Two Witnesses

(Parenthetical Rev. 11:1-13)

This parenthetical passage includes from (Rev. 10:1-11:13) continues with the measuring of the temple of God and the revelation of the two witnesses, who will be on earth the last three and one-half years of Daniel's Seventieth Week.

And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. Rev. 11:12

great voice from... It is when the trumpet of redemption blows. Jesus has always been inviting us to come. The outcome of the church is following Jesus in his resurrection. Living forever in the presence of God is the outcome of all true believers after they have run the race and been victorious. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up to heaven in a cloud.

Come up hither... The same words spoken to John (John 4:1). The translation of the two witnesses completes the first resurrection—the resurrection of all the righteous dead before the Millennium. It is the 5th translation or rapture (see 1Co. 15:23).

ascended up to... Some may wonder why God will not allow them to preach, assuming their message would have more force following their resurrection. But that ignores Christ’s clear statement to the contrary: A cloud will receive them out of sight in the face of their enemies. The Witnesses Resurrected. After the three and a half days, a breath of life from God entered them and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. 

Luke 16:31 "And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead."

and their enemies... As our Lord was crucified, buried, and in three days rose from the dead, these men, after being slain and exposed to the eyes of the world, will hear the voice of God resurrecting them. It is no wonder that "terror struck those who saw them." The resurrection of these men will be the final confirmation that they were men of God, another illustration that God does not forget His own. Those who hated and dishonored the two witnesses will watch their vindication.

After three and one-half days in the street, however, suddenly the two witnesses were resurrected and stood on their feet. They responded to the invitation, Come up here, and went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on with great fear.

Ezra Sent to Teach the People

Ezra Sent to Teach the People

Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, Ezr. 7:1

Seventeen Generations—Ezra to Aaron

1. Ezra (Ezr. 7:1)

2. Seraiah

3. Azariah

4. Hilkiah

5. Shallum (Ezr. 7:2)

6. Zadok

7. Ahitub

8. Amariah (Ezr. 7:3)

9. Azariah

10. Meraioth

11. Zerahiah

12. Uzzi

13. Bukki

14. Abishua (Ezr. 7:5)

15. Phinehas

16. Eleazar

17. Aaron, the first high priest

This genealogy is incomplete, because 17 generations could not possibly cover the entire period of about 1,130 years from Aaron to Ezra’s journey from Babylon. One gap may be filled from 1Ch. 6:1-15 where there are several names which should be added.

after these things... After these things—after the return of 42,360 exiles (Ezr. 1:1-2:70), after setting up the altar and restoring worship (Ezr. 3:1-7), and after the rebuilding of the temple (Ezr. 3:8-6:22)—Ezra led a second expedition of exiles from Babylon to Judah (Ezr. 7:1-8:36) This doesn’t mean that only two groups returned from captivity, but these are the only ones mentioned in Ezra. The first one was led by Zerubbabel (see Ezr. 1:1-2:70). The phrase "after these things" proves that Ezra had not been in Jerusalem during the events of Ezr. 1-6, and that he came for the first time to Judah immediately after the rebuilding of the temple in Ezr. 6:1-22. To place Nehemiah before Ezra is entirely unscriptural.

reign of Artaxerxes... This Artaxerxes was Darius Hystaspis, or Darius I—the Darius of Ezr. 4:24; Ezr. 5:1-6:22—not the Artaxerxes of Ezr. 4:7-23. The history in Ezra 5-6 is continued with the same king. Thus the term Artaxerxes, meaning Great King, is applied to these last two kings of Medo-Persia. Three other Persian kings who followed Darius I also used this title. This Artaxerxes reigned for thirty-five years. One year after the completion of the temple, in his sixth year, Ezra left Babylon with the captives of Ezra 7-8 (Ezr. 7:7).

Ezra the son... Ezra, help. Three Ezra’s:

1. A Judahite (1Ch. 4:17)

2. Head of one of the twenty-four courses of priests after the exile (Neh. 10:2-8; 12:1, 12:13)

3. A famous scribe and priest (Ezr. 7:1-25; 10:1-16; Neh. 8:1-12; 12:26, 12:36). He was a man of great moral strength, learning, humility, self-denial, zeal, prayer, and faithfulness to God and his people. Tradition says he was president of the great synagogue which settled the question of the Jewish Canon of Scripture, and began building synagogues in Jewish communities.

The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub, The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth, The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest: Ezr. 7:2, 3, 4, 5

The son of... He was a man of great moral strength, learning, humility, self-denial, zeal, prayer, and faithfulness to God and his people. Tradition says he was the president of the great synagogue which settled the question of the Jewish Canon of Scripture, and began building synagogues in Jewish communities.

This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him. Ezr. 7:6

and he was... Ready—skillful scribe in the law of Moses. God had given him such ability. From this time on the scribes in Israel became numerous and important, being students, teachers, and interpreters, as well as copyists of the law. They retained the knowledge of the old dialect which was being rapidly superseded by a new one.

and the king... Ezra was evidently high in the respect of Darius I, or Artaxerxes.

according to the... In both testaments this expression means that God’s power and blessing were upon them (Ezr. 7:6, 7:9, 7:28; 8:18, 8:22, 8:31; Neh. 2:8). Cp. Act. 4:30; 11:21.

And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king. Ezr. 7:7

there went up... A term used many times of the return to Judah from captivity (Ezr. 2:1, 2:59; 4:23; 7:6-7; 8:1; Neh. 7:6, 7:61; 12:1).

some of the... That is, Jews from all the tribes. The term is used here of the common people who weren’t of any special class—in contrast to the priests, Levites, singers, porters, and Nethinims.

in the seventh... This was about a year after the rebuilding of the temple (Ezr. 7-9; Ezr. 6:15).

And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. Ezr. 7:8

and he came... The trip back to the land took exactly four months, from the first to the fifth months, from Nisan 1 (March-April) to Ab 1 (July-August).

For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. Ezr. 7:9

for upon the... From the first day of the first month (April) to the first day of the fifth month (August), the journey was made from Babylon to Judah.

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Ezr. 7:10

For Ezra had... The good hand of… God was on Ezra because he devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching it. “Devoted himself” is literally, “set his heart firmly” (cf. 2Ch. 19:3; 30:19), which gives the idea that Ezra was inwardly determined. His determination was directed toward doing three things: studying God’s Law, obeying it, and teaching it to others — an inviolable order for a successful ministry!

Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel. Ezr. 7:11

Now this is... Artaxerxes wrote a letter (cf. This is a copy of the letter; Ezr. 4:11, 4:23; 5:6) to Ezra that allowed Ezra and others to return to Israel. No reason for the decree was given. It can be surmised that Ezra had asked for permission to take a group back and that this decree was the official granting of his request.

copy of the letter... The original was usually kept for a record. The letter was addressed to Ezra because the decree recorded therein was the critical administrative document. Decrees were commonly embedded in letters. The letter in essence authorized the document into Ezra’s hands so that he could carry it and read it to its intended audience.

King Artaxerxes gave... We know that without permission from the Persian king, they could not have gone back to their homeland. This decree from the king, first gave them permission to leave Babylon and go back to Judah. The letter that the king sent to Ezra, gave him special privileges by authority of the king. It was a letter of authority, wherever he went. Ezra was a man who had gained respect from the king as a man who kept the law and commandments of God.

Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time. Ezr. 7:12

king of kings... Though it was true that Artaxerxes ruled over other kings, Jesus Christ is the ultimate King of Kings (compare Rev. 19:16), who alone can genuinely make that claim since He will rule over all kings in His coming kingdom (compare Rev. 11-15).

The king of Persia referred to himself as the “king of kings” because he was the most powerful man in the world. One day, the whole world will recognize the true King of kings, Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:10-11; Rev. 17:14; 19:16).

unto Ezra the... This is the beginning of the words of the decree. The king of Persia was called king of kings, because at this time the Persians were very powerful in the known world. It is interesting to me, that these Persian rulers recognized God. In essence, the decree is saying that the king has no argument with Ezra. He will allow Ezra to do what he desires to do.

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. Ezr. 7:13

I make a... Which, according to the laws of the Medes and Persians, when signed, might not be changed (Dan. 6:8).

that all they... Of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, Who remained there, and took not the benefit of the edict of Cyrus, which gave them leave to go; but neglecting the opportunity, it seems as if they could not now go out of the realm without a fresh grant, which is hereby given.
which are minded... of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee, This decree did not oblige them to go whether they would or not. For they might, notwithstanding this, continue if they pleased. It only gave them leave to make use of the present opportunity of going along with Ezra, if they chose.
We see from this, that all who had been captives were now free to go. Ezra must not force them to go, but if they desired to go they could. This would stop any of the people they had been working for, to keep them from going. They had permission of the king, which overrules anything individuals might do to stop them. Only to these did the Messiah come (Mat. 10:6; John 1:11 ; Rom. 1:16).

Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand; Ezr. 7:14

thou art sent... Ten Reasons Ezra Was Sent Back.

1. To inquire about Judah and Jerusalem regarding their obedience to the law (Ezr. 7:14)

2. To carry gold and silver back as offerings to God from the king and his counselors (Ezr. 7:15)

3. To carry gold and silver offerings back from the people for the temple (Ezr. 7:16)

4. To buy sacrifice offerings for the temple services (Ezr. 7:17)

5. To see that the money being sent back was spent properly (Ezr. 7:18)

6. To take certain vessels for the services to the temple (Ezr. 7:19)

7. To find out what else was needed for the temple services (Ezr. 7:20)

8. To deliver instructions to the governors west of the Euphrates regarding help in the work of God in Judah (Ezr. 7:21-26)

9. To set magistrates and judges in all the provinces west of the Euphrates (Ezr. 7:25)

10. To teach the laws of God to all men

and of his... Seven counselors, This number was according to the Persian tradition (compare Esther 1:14).

These seven counselors are probably the seven princes of Persia and Media.
to enquire concerning... Ezra's purpose, as far as the king was concerned, was to check on what was happening in Judah and Jerusalem. The king had made everything available for Ezra to carry the mission out. Ezra wanted to check on the people, and make sure they had not fallen back into idolatry.

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, Ezr. 7:15

And to carry... He gave them silver and gold to take with them and he allowed them to get more in Babylon (Ezr. 7:15-16, 7:20).

have freely offered... In the temple built there. For the service of which, either for purchasing and procuring vessels that were wanting in it, or for sacrifices to be offered in it. The king and his nobles had made a voluntary contribution, and entrusted and sent Ezra with it.

This would be a large sum of money in the silver and gold. The large number of Hebrews, who would be with Ezra, would be protection against highway robbery. Ezra was in charge of the silver and gold, as he was over all the people. The king of Persia had given considerably large amounts to the Hebrews for carrying on the services in their temple.

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: Ezr. 7:16

thou canst find... Not that he might take it wherever he found it, whether the owners of it were willing he should have it or not. But whatever was freely offered by them, as Jarchi, that he was allowed to take, whatever he could get in that way.

With the freewill... Of the people of the Jews, who thought fit to continue in the province.

and of the... Priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem, Those freewill offerings, whether of the natives of Babylon, or of any of the Jewish nation, for the service of the temple at Jerusalem, he had leave and a commission to carry with him.

Now we see that even the Hebrews, who remained in Babylon, would give silver and gold to be carried back into the homeland for use in the services in the temple. Ezra would be the guardian of that as well.

That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem. Ezr. 7:17

mayest buy speedily..Thus freely contributed by one and another. The money was to be used to purchase the animals for sacrifice. These were to be sacrificed immediately. This would maintain the daily sacrifices, and the sacrifices for the various feasts and new moon celebrations. Bullocks, rams, lambs, Which were for burnt offerings.
with their meat... Which always went along with the burnt offerings, according to the Law of Moses. And which the king seemed to have a right knowledge of, being, no doubt, instructed by Ezra, or some other Jew in his court.
and offer them... Upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem": The altar of burnt offering in the temple there.

And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God. Ezr. 7:18

and whatsoever shall... The priests that he should think fit to take in to his assistance in this work.

to do with... Which should be left after the sacrifices were offered up.
that do after... As they should be directed by Him, or was prescribed by Him in the law.
The king completely trusted Ezra. He knew that Ezra would do exactly what the LORD wanted him to do. The extra silver and gold could be used to beautify the temple, or to employ people to do repairs, or whatever the LORD led Ezra to do with it.

The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem. Ezr. 7:19

The vessels also... May have been some left behind perhaps overlooked when restored by Cyrus (in 1:7-11); or they may have been a goodwill gift, newly presented.

It appears they were still finding vessels that belonged in the temple in Jerusalem. They were not to be used for anything else. They were to be carried directly to the temple and presented before God.

And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house. Ezr. 7:20

shall be needful... For the beautifying and ornamenting the temple (Ezra 7:27).

bestow it out... Where the money collected by tribute, tax, and custom, was deposited; his exchequer (a royal or national treasury), as it may be called (see Ezra 6:8).
This is speaking of the local treasure house. This was funds that had been gathered in Judah. Ezra was such an honorable man, the king knew he would not use more of the treasury than was necessary. He certainly would not use from the treasury for anything but for the temple. The wide authority given Ezra was, because the king trusted him.

And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily, Ezr. 7:21

a decree to... Ezra had access to all the treasuries of the various provinces west of the Euphrates, and could demand from them all that he needed for the house of God, within limits:

100 silver talents at $7,500 each	$750,000
100 baths (about 62.5 bushels) of wheat at $6 a bushel	375
100 baths (3,600 quarts) of wine at $5	18,000
100 baths of oil at $8 a qt.	28,800
	___________
Total	$797,175

This was a good account for the temple services, and it was evidently drawn upon, according to Ezr. 8:36.

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. Ezr. 7:22

These, according to Jarchi, were to buy the offerings or sacrifices with.

unto an hundred... Or corn, the same measure with the homer, each of which held ten ephahs, or seventy five wine gallons, five pints, and upwards; these, according to the same writer, were for meat offerings, made of fine flour, or rather bread offerings, as they may be called.
and to an... The same measure as before; these were to mix in the meat offerings. Which was the same measure in liquids as the ephah in things dry, a tenth part of the cor (denotes a round vessel used as a measure both for liquids and solids), or homer, and held seven wine gallons, five pints, and upwards. These were for the drink offerings.
and salt without... Because it was used in all offerings, and was cheap, and therefore no measure is fixed, but as much as was wanting was to be given (see Lev. 2:1).
We see from these two verses, that those in charge of the treasuries were not to argue with Ezra about this. They were to do exactly as Ezra requested them to do. There was a limitation, however to the top amount he could receive. Anything up to that amount they were to do quickly.

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? Ezr. 7:23

for why should... Question 6. Next, Ezr. 9:10.

wrath against the... This indicates that the kings of Persia in general feared Jehovah—at least most of them from the time of Ahasuerus, the husband of Esther and father of Cyrus, to the time of this Artaxerxes, or Darius I, who sought to escape God’s wrath by granting these things for the temple worship.

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. Ezr. 7:24

Also we certify... Artaxerxes not only provided for the temple worship, but by this decree he freed from taxes all the priests, Levites, singers, porters (gate keepers), Nethinims (temple servants), and others who ministered in the temple.

The king had a right and perfect knowledge of the distinct offices and services of those persons (see Ezra 7:7).

it shall not be... That they might be the less encumbered with the affairs of life, and be more at leisure to attend divine service, and do it the more readily and freely. It was usual with the Heathens to except ecclesiastics from taxes, tributes, and imposts.
All who are in the service of the LORD, live of the offerings of the altar. They do not have private incomes, and should not be compelled to pay taxes. This is still true today. Many do pay taxes, but the pastors of churches are not required to pay taxes on the money they receive from the church.

And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not. Ezr. 7:25

And thou, Ezra... The letter in which the decree was embedded was written to Ezra. The king turned to him in a demonstration of administrative trust and granted him permission to appoint magistrates and judges for the region. The effect of this decision would be to offer a measure of local autonomy to the Jews. This was Ezra’s commission of authority to establish courts of justice west of the Euphrates, and to teach all men the law of Moses. The punishment for breaking the laws of Moses and the king of Persia was death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment (Ezr. 7:26).

Ezra is not just priest and scribe here. The king wanted him to appoint Godly men to run the government, as well. It is interesting to me, to note that those who were familiar with the law of God and keep it were to be the rulers in civil affairs. and teach ye... Ezra was even instructed to teach the ways of the LORD to those who did not know it.

And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment. Ezr. 7:26

And whosoever will... Either the judge who delays judgment, or does not execute it according to the law of God, and of the king. Or the people, that do not obey the law of God in matters of religion, and the law of the king in civil things, Judea being now a province of the Persian empire. Though some think the law of the king only refers to this law or decree of the king, which gave the Jews power to execute their own laws.

let judgment be... Immediately, without delay, according to the nature of his crime.
whether it be... If guilty of a capital crime, deserving death, let him be put to death.
or to banishment... From his native country to a foreign distant land. Or to rooting out, as the word signifies; an utter removal of him and his family, by destroying him root and branch; or, as Jarchi expresses it, a rooting him out of the world, his seed and family.
or to confiscation... To payment of taxation and fines.
or to imprisonment... For such a term of time; all according to the breach of what law he may be guilty of; thus far the king's decree.
It appears that the punishment that was inflicted on those who did not conform to the decree the king had sent, would be decided by Ezra. He would be the last word on about everything. It would be up to him to decide whether they deserved to die for their sin, or whether there would be a lesser punishment. I am sure the king feels that Ezra would be guided by the LORD in even these decisions. This was the end of the decree.

Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem: Ezr. 7:27

Blessed be the... This is Ezra's thanksgiving to God for the above decree.
which hath put... Which he rightly took to be of God, who wrought in him to will and to do.
to beautify the... To provide for the ornamenting of it, for vessels in it, as well as for sacrifices. For as for the building of it, that was finished.

which is in... All statements in this chapter indicate that the temple at Jerusalem had been finished and proper worship was now to be carried on in it.

This had jumped back to the words of Ezra. He was totally aware that it was God that placed these things in the heart of the Persian king. We see from this, that Ezra would use the gold and silver that was extra over the purchase of the sacrificial animals, to beautify the temple.

And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me. Ezr. 7:28

And hath extended... Before Artaxerxes, his seven counsellors (Ezra 7:14), and the nobles of his realm, in being appointed by them to carry their freewill offerings to Jerusalem. And the king's commands to his treasurers, with leave to take as many of the Jews with him as were willing to go.
And I was... Animated to undertake this work, and execute this commission, being under the influence of divine favor and protection.
and I gathered... He went about in the several parts where Israelites dwelt, and persuaded some of the principal men among them to go along with him to Jerusalem, showing them the king's decree, which gave them leave. And their names and numbers are described in the next chapter.

out of Israel... Again, it was "out of Israel," not out of Judah only that chief men were gathered to return to the new nation.

Ezra thanked God for making the heart of the king of Persia tender toward him. Ezra was very well aware that his strength and his ability was a gift from God to him. It was a miracle that the king would allow him to go to Jerusalem. It was an even greater miracle that he would allow more of the captive Hebrews to go with him. The greatest miracle in this is the fact that the king trusted Ezra with his money. I believe this Persian king believed in God.