Ezra 7

Ezra the Priest and Scribe (whose genealogy is here specified) goeth up in the seventh year of king Arthahsasta (otherwise called Artaxerxes) with many of the people, from Babylon to Jerusalem, vers.1, &c. A copy of the gracious and strict commission which the king gave him along with him, 11. For which Ezra giveth God hearty thanks, 27.

1. Now after these transactions, in the reign of Arthahsasta [See above chap.6.on v.14.] king of Perssia, Ezra the son of Seraja, the son of Azarja, the son of Hilkia,

2. The son of Sallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,

3. The son of Amarja, the son of Azarja, the son of Merajoth,

4. The son of Zerachja, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,

5. The son of Abisua, the son of Pinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, [compare 1 Chron.6.4, etc. Where the progenitors of Ezra are specified in a greater number, some being here left out for breviti’s sake] the chief Priest, [See 2 Kings 25.on v.18.]

6. This Ezra went up from Babel; and he was a ready Scribe [Hebr. writer; whereby is meant one that is well versed in the holy scripture, and is a Teacher or master of it, or esteemed so, The same word is also often used in the new Testament. See below vers.11. and 21. Jer.8.8. Compare Psal.45.2.] in the law of Moseh, which the LORD the God of Israel hath given: And the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him [that is, because the LORD was with him, and blessed his design and purpose, ordering and governing things by his divine providence, according to his wish and desire. Compare v.9.]

7. Also (some) of the children of Israel, and of the Priests, and the Levites, [This is said here in general by way of anticipation, but how the Levites met Ezra by the way, and went up along with him, see thereof below chap.15.8, etc.] and the Singers, and the Porters, and the Nethinims; [see above chap.2.on ver.43.] went up to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of King Arthahsasta.

8. And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month: [Called Ab, answering partly to July, and partly to August] that was the seventh year of this king.

9. For upon the first (day) of the first month [Called Abib, or, Nisan] was the beginning [Heb. the laying of the ground-work, or, foundation. Some take it for the consultation or advising] of the going up from Babel: And on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. [compare above ver.6. with the annotate. There, and below v.28.]

10. For Ezra had disposed his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do (it), and to teach in Israel the statutes and the judgements. [Hebr. institution and right.]

11. Now this is the copy of the Letter that king Athasasta gave unto Ezra the Priest, the Scribe: the Scribe of the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of his statutes concerning Israel.

12. Arthahsasta king of kings , unto Ezra the Priest, The Scribe of the law of the God of heaven; perfect (peace), [oth. to the perfect (Scribe)] and at such a time. [see above chap.4.on vers.11.]

13. Command is given by me, that who so ever of the people of Israel, and of his Priests and Levites in my Realm, is willing to go (up) to Jerusalem, that he go with thee.

14. For as much as thou art sent from before the king, and his seven Counsellors, [Compare Esth.1.14.] to make inquiry in Judea and at Jerusalem; according to the law of thy God, [to inform thy self, whether the law of God be well kept, or no, and to set up again, and repair, according to the law, all that is decayed and fallen to ruine] which is in thine hand: [that is, which thou hast perpetually with thee, or takest along with thee, wherewith thou conversest and dealest, and which thou knowest to use readily upon any occasion what so ever. So bel.v.25.]

15. And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his Counsellors have freely given unto the God of Israel, whose dwelling is at Jerusalem:

16. Together with all the silver and gold that thou shalt find [That is, canst attain to, or get] in all the country of Babel, with the free-will-gift of the people, and of the Priests, who give willingly for the house of their God which is at Jerusalem.

17. That thou mayest buy speedily [Or, therefore buy, etc.] for that 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 at Jerusalem.

18. Moreover, what so ever shall seem good unto thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and gold, thou shalt do (that) according to the good pleasure of your God.

19. And the vessels that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, give (them) again before the God of Jerusalem.

20. Now the rest that shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, thou shalt bestow (it) out of the kings Treasure-house.

21. And command is given by me, me king Arthahsasta, unto all (you) treasurers that are on that side of the River, that what so ever Ezra the Priest, the Scribe of the law of the God of heaven shall require of you, it be done speedily.

22. Unto an hundred talents of silver, [Of a talent, see Exod.25.on vers.39.] and to an hundred Cores of wheat, and to an hundred Baths of oil, [of these measures, Cor and Bath, see 1 Kings 4.on vers.22. and 1 kings 7.on vers.26.] and salt without prescript. [that is, without prescribing the measure thereof, or as much as they shall they have need of.

23. What so ever is according to the command of the God of heaven, let it be carefully done for the house of the God of heaven: For why should there be great wrath upon the Realm of the king and his children? [intimating that he should assuredly bring Gods wrath and judgement upon himself, his kingdom and children, if he should do otherwise.]

24. Also we certify you, concerning all Priests, and Levites, Singers, Porters, Nethinims, and Ministers of the house of this God, that it shall not be lawful to lay tribute, old impost, and toll [see above chap.4.on vers.13.] upon them.

25. And thou Ezra, according to the wisdom of thy God that is in thine hand, [That is, which thy God hath given thee, or hath wrought in thee. Or else, understand the law of God, wherein the wisdom of God is revealed, as above verse 14.] set Rulers and Judges [oth. Judges and Examiners of matters] which may judge all the people that are on that side of the River, all those that know the laws of thy God, and unto him that knoweth them not, shall ye make (them) known.

26. And who so ever shall not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgement be done speedily upon him; whether it be unto death, or unto banishment, [Chald. Rooting out; because a mans country or birthplace, is like a field, wherein he is planted and rooted, and the expelling or driving out from thence, is like a rooting out] or unto confiscation of goods, or unto bonds.

27. Praised be the LORD, [These are now Ezra’s words. Hebr. blessed, &c.] the God of our Fathers, that hath put such a thing into the heart of the king, to adorn the house of the LORD, which is at Jerusalem.

28. And hath inclined kindness [Or, goodness, favour] toward me, before the face of this king, and of his Counsellors, and of all the kings mighty Princes: So I strengthened my self, [that is, I took courage] according to the hand of the LORD my God upon me, [compare above on vers.6.] and the heads out of Israel gathered together to go up with me.