This verse (Ezra 7:11) is an introduction to a crucial document within the Book of Ezra: a copy of a letter written by King Artaxerxes to Ezra. Let's break down the meaning:
"Now this is the copy of the letter...": This clearly indicates that the following verses contain a literal transcript or a very accurate summary of the official correspondence from the Persian King Artaxerxes to Ezra. The Book of Ezra preserves important historical documents, and this is one of them.
"...that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe...": Identifies the parties involved:
King Artaxerxes: Refers to a Persian king of the Achaemenid Empire. It's believed to be Artaxerxes I who reigned in the mid-5th century BC. He is the authority figure granting permission and resources to Ezra.
Ezra: A key figure in the restoration of Judaism after the Babylonian exile. He is presented as both a priest and a scribe.
"...even the scribe of the words of Yahweh’s commandments, and of his statutes to Israel:": This is a further description of Ezra's role and expertise. It emphasizes that he is not just any scribe, but one who is deeply learned and skilled in interpreting and teaching the Law of Moses (Yahweh's commandments and statutes) to the people of Israel. This highlights Ezra's religious authority and his competence to carry out the mission that Artaxerxes is about to commission in the letter.
In essence, this verse serves as an introduction and preamble to the following decree. It tells the reader:
1. What's coming: You are about to read a copy of an official document.
2. Who's involved: The King of Persia is addressing Ezra.
3. Why it matters: Ezra is the right person to receive this letter and carry out its instructions because he is a religious expert in the law of God.
This sets the stage for understanding the historical and religious significance of the letter and the mission Ezra is about to undertake in rebuilding and reforming the Jewish community in Jerusalem. The verse emphasizes the divine legitimacy and authority behind Ezra's actions, as he is acting with the blessing of a powerful king to uphold the law of God.
This verse (Ezra 7:11) is an introduction to a crucial document within the Book of Ezra: a copy of a letter written by King Artaxerxes to Ezra. Let's break down the meaning:
"Now this is the copy of the letter...": This clearly indicates that the following verses contain a literal transcript or a very accurate summary of the official correspondence from the Persian King Artaxerxes to Ezra. The Book of Ezra preserves important historical documents, and this is one of them.
"...that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe...": Identifies the parties involved:
King Artaxerxes: Refers to a Persian king of the Achaemenid Empire. It's believed to be Artaxerxes I who reigned in the mid-5th century BC. He is the authority figure granting permission and resources to Ezra.
Ezra: A key figure in the restoration of Judaism after the Babylonian exile. He is presented as both a priest and a scribe.
"...even the scribe of the words of Yahweh’s commandments, and of his statutes to Israel:": This is a further description of Ezra's role and expertise. It emphasizes that he is not just any scribe, but one who is deeply learned and skilled in interpreting and teaching the Law of Moses (Yahweh's commandments and statutes) to the people of Israel. This highlights Ezra's religious authority and his competence to carry out the mission that Artaxerxes is about to commission in the letter.
In essence, this verse serves as an introduction and preamble to the following decree. It tells the reader:
1. What's coming: You are about to read a copy of an official document.
2. Who's involved: The King of Persia is addressing Ezra.
3. Why it matters: Ezra is the right person to receive this letter and carry out its instructions because he is a religious expert in the law of God.
This sets the stage for understanding the historical and religious significance of the letter and the mission Ezra is about to undertake in rebuilding and reforming the Jewish community in Jerusalem. The verse emphasizes the divine legitimacy and authority behind Ezra's actions, as he is acting with the blessing of a powerful king to uphold the law of God.