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Ezra 8:36

Ezra 8:36 in Multiple Translations

They also delivered the king’s edicts to the royal satraps and governors of the region west of the Euphrates, who proceeded to assist the people and the house of God.

¶ 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.

And they delivered the king’s commissions unto the king’s satraps, and to the governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God.

And they gave the king's orders to the king's captains and the rulers across the river, and they gave the people and the house of God the help which was needed.

They also delivered the king's decrees to the chief officers of the king and the governors of the province west of the Euphrates, who then provided assistance to the people and to God's Temple.

And they deliuered the Kings commission vnto the Kings officers, and to the captaines beyond the Riuer: and they promoted the people, and the house of God.

and they give the laws of the king to the lieutenants of the king and the governors beyond the river, and they have lifted up the people and the house of God.

They delivered the king’s commissions to the king’s local governors and to the governors beyond the River. So they supported the people and God’s house.

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

And they gave the king’s edicts to the lords that were from the king’s court, and the governors beyond the river, and they furthered the people and the house of God.

Some of us who returned from Babylonia took to the governors and other officials of the province west of the Euphrates River the letter that the king had given to us. After they read the letter, they did all that they were able to do for us Israeli people and for the temple of God.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 8:36

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Ezra 8:36 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַֽ/יִּתְּנ֣וּ אֶת דָּתֵ֣י הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ לַ/אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנֵי֙ הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ וּ/פַחֲו֖וֹת עֵ֣בֶר הַ/נָּהָ֑ר וְ/נִשְּׂא֥וּ אֶת הָ/עָ֖ם וְ/אֶת בֵּֽית הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים
וַֽ/יִּתְּנ֣וּ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
דָּתֵ֣י dâth H1881 law N-fp
הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
לַ/אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנֵי֙ ʼăchashdarpan H323 satrap Prep | N-mp
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
וּ/פַחֲו֖וֹת pechâh H6346 governor Conj | N-mp
עֵ֣בֶר ʻêber H5676 side N-ms
הַ/נָּהָ֑ר nâhâr H5104 river Art | N-ms
וְ/נִשְּׂא֥וּ nâsâʼ H5375 to lift Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3cp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
בֵּֽית bayith H1004 place N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 8:36

וַֽ/יִּתְּנ֣וּ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דָּתֵ֣י dâth H1881 "law" N-fp
This word means a law or decree, like a royal command, as seen in Esther and Daniel. It can also refer to a custom or tradition, like the laws given to Moses. The word is used to describe the rules and regulations of a kingdom or society.
Definition: 1) decree, law, edict, regulation, usage 1a) decree, edict, commission 1b) law, rule Aramaic equivalent: dat (דָּת "law" H1882)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: commandment, commission, decree, law, manner. See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Esther 3:15; Esther 9:14.
הַ/מֶּ֗לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לַ/אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנֵי֙ ʼăchashdarpan H323 "satrap" Prep | N-mp
A satrap was a high-ranking governor of a Persian province, equivalent to a modern-day governor. This term is used in the Bible to describe officials in the Persian Empire.
Definition: satrap, a governor of a Persian province Aramaic equivalent: a.chash.dar.pan (אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִין "satrap" H0324)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: lieutenant. See also: Ezra 8:36; Esther 8:9; Esther 9:3.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וּ/פַחֲו֖וֹת pechâh H6346 "governor" Conj | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a governor or leader of a city or region. In the Bible, it describes officials in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, such as those appointed by King Solomon or King David.
Definition: governor Aramaic equivalent: pe.chah (פֶּחָה "governor" H6347)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: captain, deputy, governor. See also: 1 Kings 10:15; Esther 8:9; Isaiah 36:9.
עֵ֣בֶר ʻêber H5676 "side" N-ms
This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.
Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.
הַ/נָּהָ֑ר nâhâr H5104 "river" Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
וְ/נִשְּׂא֥וּ nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בֵּֽית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הָ/אֱלֹהִֽים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

Study Notes — Ezra 8:36

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ezra 7:21–24 I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit. Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons? And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.
2 Ezra 4:7–23 And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. It was written in Aramaic and then translated. Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote the letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows: From Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates—the judges and officials over Tripolis, Persia, Erech and Babylon, the Elamites of Susa, and the rest of the peoples whom the great and honorable Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the cities of Samaria and elsewhere west of the Euphrates. (This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem. And they are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city, restoring its walls, and repairing its foundations. Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates. Then the king sent this reply: To Rehum the commander, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of your associates living in Samaria and elsewhere in the region west of the Euphrates: Greetings. The letter you sent us has been translated and read in my presence. I issued a decree, and a search was conducted. It was discovered that this city has revolted against kings from ancient times, engaging in rebellion and sedition. And mighty kings have ruled over Jerusalem and exercised authority over the whole region west of the Euphrates; and tribute, duty, and toll were paid to them. Now, therefore, issue an order for these men to stop, so that this city will not be rebuilt until I so order. See that you do not neglect this matter. Why allow this threat to increase and the royal interests to suffer? When the text of the letter from King Artaxerxes was read to Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their associates, they went immediately to the Jews in Jerusalem and forcibly stopped them.
3 Ezra 6:13 In response, Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates diligently carried out what King Darius had decreed.
4 Ezra 5:6–17 This is the text of the letter that Tattenai the governor of the region west of the Euphrates, Shethar-bozenai, and their associates, the officials in the region, sent to King Darius. The report they sent him read as follows: To King Darius: All peace. Let it be known to the king that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God. The people are rebuilding it with large stones, and placing timbers in the walls. This work is being carried out diligently and is prospering in their hands. So we questioned the elders and asked, “Who authorized you to rebuild this temple and restore this structure?” We also asked for their names, so that we could write down the names of their leaders for your information. And this is the answer they returned: “We are servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the temple that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and completed. But since our fathers angered the God of heaven, He delivered them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean who destroyed this temple and carried away the people to Babylon. In his first year, however, Cyrus king of Babylon issued a decree to rebuild this house of God. He also removed from the temple of Babylon the gold and silver articles belonging to the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken and carried there from the temple in Jerusalem. King Cyrus gave these articles to a man named Sheshbazzar, whom he appointed governor and instructed, ‘Take these articles, put them in the temple in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt on its original site.’ So this Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God in Jerusalem, and from that time until now it has been under construction, but it has not yet been completed.” Now, therefore, if it pleases the king, let a search be made of the royal archives in Babylon to see if King Cyrus did indeed issue a decree to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. Then let the king send us his decision in this matter.
5 Revelation 12:16 But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth to swallow up the river that had poured from the dragon’s mouth.
6 Acts 18:27 When Apollos resolved to cross over to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On his arrival, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.
7 Isaiah 56:6–7 And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants— all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”
8 Esther 9:3 And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them.

Ezra 8:36 Summary

In Ezra 8:36, we see the king's edicts being delivered to the royal satraps and governors, who then assisted the people and the house of God. This shows how God can use even non-believers to help His people and accomplish His will, as seen in Ezra 7:27-28 and Isaiah 44:28. Just like the Israelites, we can trust in God's provision and protection as we seek to fulfill His will for our lives (Psalm 23:1-4, Jeremiah 29:11). By prioritizing God's house and worship, we can demonstrate our gratitude to Him and experience His blessings, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:10-11 and 1 Chronicles 28:2-3.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the king's edicts delivered in Ezra 8:36?

The king's edicts were likely the decrees allowing the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, as seen in Ezra 7:11-26, which were delivered to the royal satraps and governors to ensure their assistance and support for the people and the house of God.

Who were the royal satraps and governors in Ezra 8:36?

The royal satraps and governors were high-ranking officials in the Persian Empire, responsible for administering the region west of the Euphrates, as mentioned in Ezra 8:36, and their assistance was crucial for the Israelites' safe return and rebuilding efforts, as seen in Ezra 5:6-7 and Nehemiah 2:7-9.

How did the royal satraps and governors assist the people and the house of God?

The royal satraps and governors assisted the people and the house of God by providing them with the necessary resources, protection, and support, as seen in Ezra 8:36, allowing them to focus on rebuilding the temple and restoring their worship, as commanded in Deuteronomy 12:10-11 and 1 Chronicles 28:2-3.

What is the significance of the region west of the Euphrates in Ezra 8:36?

The region west of the Euphrates was the area where the Israelites were returning to rebuild the temple, as seen in Ezra 8:1-36, and the royal satraps and governors' assistance in this region was essential for the success of their mission, as mentioned in Ezra 5:3-5 and Nehemiah 2:7-9.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can I, like the Israelites, trust in God's provision and protection as I seek to fulfill His will for my life?
  2. In what ways can I, like the royal satraps and governors, use my resources and influence to support and assist God's people?
  3. What are some ways I can, like the Israelites, demonstrate my gratitude to God for His blessings and provision in my life, as seen in Ezra 8:35?
  4. How can I, like Ezra, prioritize the rebuilding of God's house and the restoration of His worship in my own life and community, as seen in Ezra 8:1-36 and 1 Chronicles 28:2-3?

Gill's Exposition on Ezra 8:36

And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river,.... The governors of the provinces of Syria, Palestine, and Judea, which were on

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 8:36

In the adorning and furnishing of it with these vessels and other conveniences; and in promoting God’ s worship and service therein.

Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 8:36

Ezra 8:36 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.Ver. 36. And they furthered the people] Heb. They gave them a lift, lent them a helping hand; not out of love to the work, but for fear of the king, and in pursuance of his commands and commissions. Thus the devil and his imps sometimes do God’ s will, though with an ill will, Psalms 109:31. They continue this day according to thine ordinances; for all are thy servants. How much better were it to work from a right principle, not by constraint, but willingly; not for fear of wrath, but of a ready mind, 1 Peter 5:2; to love to be God’ s servants, taking hold of his covenant, Isaiah 56:6, and saying to him, as the people did to Joshua, Joshua 1:16, or as the rulers and elders to Jehu, 2 Kings 10:5, "We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us."

Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 8:36

(36) And they delivered the king’s commissions.—First came sacrifices of burnt offering to God (Ezra 8:35); then, having rendered to God the things which were God’s, they render to Cæsar the things of Cæsar. They delivered the king’s commission, or firman, to the lieutenants or satraps in military authority, and to the governors, or pechahs, or pashas, in civil authority under them. The firman was of course accepted and acted upon: “they furthered the people.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezra 8:36

Verse 36. The king's lieutenants] אחשדרפני achashdarpeney: this is generally understood to mean lieutenant or deputy, and is probably of Persian origin, though here greatly corrupted. The Vulgate renders it regis satrapis, to the satraps of the king, which is the Persian [Persian] satrab. A viceroy in Persian is [Persian] soubah-dar; viceroys, [Persian] soubahdaran. [Persian] darafreen signifies a person in whom one has confidence; and [Persian] achi is an epithet of a vizir. These two words conjoined will make nearly that of the text. But I do not give any of these etymologies with confidence. Other words might be proposed as candidates, but where there is so little certainty, conjecture is useless. Were it necessary a dissertation might be written on the Persian words, and Persian forms of speech, in this and the two following books; but probably after my toil few of my readers would thank me for my pains.

Cambridge Bible on Ezra 8:36

36. the king’s commissions] i.e. especially those mentioned in Ezra 7:21-22; Ezra 7:24 which would concern the provincial administration, by requisitioning for supplies and by exemption from taxation. The word rendered “commissions” occurs elsewhere in the O.T. only in the Aramaic sections, e.g. = ‘law’ Ezra 7:12; Ezra 7:14; Ezra 7:21; Ezra 7:25-26; Daniel 2:9; Daniel 6:5; Daniel 6:8; Daniel 6:12; “decree” Daniel 2:13; Daniel 2:15. the king’s lieutenants] R.V. the king’s satraps. A Persian word found in Esther 3:12; Esther 8:9; Esther 9:3, and in Daniel 3:2-3; Daniel 3:27; Daniel 6:2-4; Daniel 6:7-8. In Hebrew it is transliterated as “akhashdarpan”. In the Persian inscriptions ‘khshatrapava’ occurs frequently as “governor of a district”. It is probably the same as our satrap, which is derived from the Greek (σατράπης). The LXX. rendering (διοικηταῖς) reminds us of the original extensive area implied by the word ‘diocese’. and to the governors] The ‘governor’ or ‘pekhah’, cf. Tatnai Ezra 5:3-4 and Zerubbabel Ezra 6:7; Haggai 1:1 &c. (LXX. ἐπάρχοις). The ‘satrap’ was governor of a province; the ‘pekhah’ administered the affairs of a petty kingdom or a small district. on this side the river] R.V. beyond the river. See note on Ezra 4:10. and they furthered the people &c.] The word “furthered” is the same in Hebr. as that rendered “help” in Ezra 1:4; it conveniently reproduces the ‘zeugma’ of the Hebrew construction, by which the same verb is used of assistance to the people and of decoration for the Temple. The LXX. ἐδόξασαν, Vulg. elevaverunt, give common but here in appropriate renderings. The royal decree turned the scale in favour of the Jews. Officials now aided them. Foreign countries ceased to be neutral.

Barnes' Notes on Ezra 8:36

The kings commissions - i. e., the orders issued to all governors of provinces near Judaea by Artaxerxes, given in Ezra 7:21-24.

Whedon's Commentary on Ezra 8:36

36. Lieutenants — Hebrew, achash-darpenim; satraps. “The genuine form of this name, which has lately been found in the inscriptions of ancient India, is ksatrapa, that is, warrior of the host.” — Gesenius.

Sermons on Ezra 8:36

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Ezra by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker talks about a man who had been bragging to the king about the power and greatness of God. As a result, the king gave him a lot of gold and silver, but n
C.H. Spurgeon God's Hornets by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God sends His own forces, likened to 'hornets', to prepare the way for His people, ensuring their victory over adversaries without direct confrontatio
Larry R. Sinclair Re-Examining Revival in the Church by Larry R. Sinclair The preacher discusses the Greek word 'katapino,' which means to swallow up completely or cause sudden destruction. He emphasizes how our enemy seeks to bring spiritual ruin, weake
Leonard Ravenhill Judgement Seat 1-31-91 - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the impact of one person's obedience to God. He uses examples of individuals who, despite their limitations, made a significant impact throug
G. Campbell Morgan The Golden Age by G. Campbell Morgan G. Campbell Morgan preaches about 'The Golden Age,' a future time when Christ will reign personally over the earth, bringing peace, justice, and restoration. He emphasizes the fulf

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