Ezra 7:14 - Because you are sent by the king and his seven counselors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your hand,

Generated Verse: Ezra 7:14

What does "Ezra 7:14" mean?


Ezra 7:14 provides the reason for Ezra's mission to Judah and Jerusalem. Let's break it down:

"Because you are sent by the king...": This refers to Artaxerxes I, the Persian king. Ezra's authority and mission originate from the king.
"...and his seven counselors...": The king's counselors were his advisors, a group of influential officials in the Persian court. Their endorsement of Ezra's mission added weight and legitimacy to his efforts.
"...to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem...": Ezra's main purpose was to investigate the conditions of the Jewish people and the state of Jerusalem. He was sent to assess their well-being and religious practices.
"...according to the law of your God which is in your hand...": This is a crucial point. Ezra's inquiry and actions were to be guided by Jewish law (the Torah). The phrase "which is in your hand" suggests Ezra possessed knowledge of and was skilled in interpreting the Law. He was expected to ensure that the Jewish community was adhering to their religious laws.

In essence, this verse means:

King Artaxerxes I, along with his top advisors, commissioned Ezra to go to Judah and Jerusalem to gather information and ensure that the Jewish people were living according to their own religious laws as outlined in the Torah, which Ezra possessed and understood.

Significance:

It highlights the Persian king's interest in the affairs of Judah and Jerusalem.
It shows the king's willingness to allow the Jewish people to govern themselves according to their own religious laws.
It establishes Ezra as a key figure, authorized and equipped to restore religious observance in Judah.
It emphasizes the importance of the Torah (Jewish law) in the lives of the Jewish people during this period of restoration.

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