What does Ezra 7:14 mean?
"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;" - Ezra 7:14
Ezra 7:14 (KJV) says, "Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand."
This verse is part of a letter from King Artaxerxes to Ezra, a scribe and priest of the Israelites. The letter was a decree giving Ezra authority to lead a group of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem from Babylon. The context of this verse is the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem and the restoration of Jewish religious practices.
In this verse, we can see several themes and concepts at play. The first theme is the idea of divine authority and favor. The letter from King Artaxerxes grants Ezra authority not only from the king but also from God, as it says, "according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand." This emphasizes the idea that Ezra's mission is not just a political or administrative matter but has a spiritual and religious significance as well. It shows a recognition of God's sovereignty and the importance of following His laws in the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem.
Another theme in this verse is the concept of divine guidance and protection. The fact that Ezra is sent by the king and his counsellors, as well as being empowered by the law of God, suggests that he is under the divine protection and guidance. This underscores the idea that the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem is not just a human endeavor but is ultimately guided by the will and purpose of God. It reflects the biblical principle that God works through human agents to accomplish His plans and purposes.
The verse also highlights the importance of obedience to God's law. The phrase "according to the law of thy God" indicates that Ezra's mission is to be carried out in strict accordance with the laws and commandments of God. This reflects the central role of God's law in the life of the Jewish people and the significance of obeying His commands in their religious and communal life. It also speaks to the idea that the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem is not just a matter of physical reconstruction but also a spiritual recommitment to God's law and covenant.
Symbolically, this verse represents the divine commissioning of Ezra and the restoration of the Jewish people. It symbolizes the authority and favor that God grants to His chosen leaders and the role of divine guidance and protection in carrying out His purposes. It also symbolizes the importance of obedience to God's law and the central role of His commandments in the life of the Jewish community.
In conclusion, Ezra 7:14 (KJV) is a verse that emphasizes the divine authority, favor, and guidance in the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem. It underscores the importance of following God's law and the role of His divine protection and guidance in fulfilling His purposes. It symbolizes the divine commissioning of Ezra and the restoration of the Jewish people, both spiritually and physically. This verse remains a powerful reminder of the central place of God's law and divine guidance in the life and mission of the Jewish people.
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Ezra 7:14 - "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;"
"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;" - Ezra 7:14
Ezra 7:12 - "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."
Ezra 7:10 - "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."
Ezra 7:1 - "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,"
Ezra 2:14 - "The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six."
Ezra 7:11 - "¶ 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."
Ezra 7:2 - "The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,"
Ezra 7:4 - "The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,"
Ezra 8:14 - "Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males."
Ezra 7:3 - "The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,"
Ezra 2:7 - "The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four."
Ezra 8:7 - "And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males."
Ezra 7:8 - "And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king."
Ezra 7:21 - "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,"
Ezra 7:7 - "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."
Ezra 7:5 - "The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:"
Ezra 7:6 - "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."
Ezra 7:25 - "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."
"The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six." - Ezra 2:14
"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." - Ezra 7:12
"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." - Ezra 7:10
Ezra 5:7 - "They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace."
"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," - Ezra 7:1
"The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki," - Ezra 7:4
Ezra 7:19 - "The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem."
Ezra 7:18 - "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."
"The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth," - Ezra 7:3
"The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub," - Ezra 7:2
Ezra 10:7 - "And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem;"