Ezra 6:9 describes a decree from King Darius of Persia ordering the provision of daily supplies for the rebuilding and operation of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven..." - This refers to the sacrificial animals required for the daily burnt offerings in the Temple. These offerings were a central part of Jewish worship. The specification of young bulls, rams, and lambs highlights the specific types of animals considered acceptable for these sacrifices.
"...also wheat, salt, wine, and oil..." - These are essential supplies required for various aspects of the Temple rituals and the sustenance of the priests.
Wheat: Used for making grain offerings (flour or bread)
Salt: Used in nearly all offerings, both for seasoning and as a symbol of the covenant between God and Israel.
Wine: Used as a drink offering, poured out as a libation to God.
Oil: Used for anointing, mixing with grain offerings, and as fuel for the Temple menorah (lampstand).
"...according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem..." - The specific quantities of each item were to be determined by the priests in Jerusalem. This emphasizes that the priests were the authority on the proper requirements for the Temple rituals. It also suggests that the priests would request these items based on the Temple's needs and requirements.
"...let it be given them day by day without fail;" - The decree emphasizes the consistency and reliability of the supplies. The provision was to be made daily and without any interruption. This ensured that the Temple could function properly and that the daily sacrifices could be offered without hindrance.
In essence, the verse shows King Darius's commitment to facilitating the proper worship of the God of Israel in the rebuilt Temple. By ordering the daily provision of the necessary sacrificial animals, grain, salt, wine, and oil, he ensured that the Temple's rituals could be performed according to the dictates of the Jewish priests. This decree highlights the Persian Empire's policy of religious tolerance and support for local religious practices within its vast empire.
Ezra 6:9 describes a decree from King Darius of Persia ordering the provision of daily supplies for the rebuilding and operation of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven..." - This refers to the sacrificial animals required for the daily burnt offerings in the Temple. These offerings were a central part of Jewish worship. The specification of young bulls, rams, and lambs highlights the specific types of animals considered acceptable for these sacrifices.
"...also wheat, salt, wine, and oil..." - These are essential supplies required for various aspects of the Temple rituals and the sustenance of the priests.
Wheat: Used for making grain offerings (flour or bread)
Salt: Used in nearly all offerings, both for seasoning and as a symbol of the covenant between God and Israel.
Wine: Used as a drink offering, poured out as a libation to God.
Oil: Used for anointing, mixing with grain offerings, and as fuel for the Temple menorah (lampstand).
"...according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem..." - The specific quantities of each item were to be determined by the priests in Jerusalem. This emphasizes that the priests were the authority on the proper requirements for the Temple rituals. It also suggests that the priests would request these items based on the Temple's needs and requirements.
"...let it be given them day by day without fail;" - The decree emphasizes the consistency and reliability of the supplies. The provision was to be made daily and without any interruption. This ensured that the Temple could function properly and that the daily sacrifices could be offered without hindrance.
In essence, the verse shows King Darius's commitment to facilitating the proper worship of the God of Israel in the rebuilt Temple. By ordering the daily provision of the necessary sacrificial animals, grain, salt, wine, and oil, he ensured that the Temple's rituals could be performed according to the dictates of the Jewish priests. This decree highlights the Persian Empire's policy of religious tolerance and support for local religious practices within its vast empire.