Ezra 7:18 - Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that according to the will of your God.
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What does "Ezra 7:18" mean?
Ezra 7:18 is part of a letter from King Artaxerxes of Persia to Ezra, a Jewish priest and scribe, granting him extensive authority to return to Jerusalem and re-establish Jewish religious life. Let's break down what this verse likely means:
"Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers..." This refers to Ezra and the Jewish community members who were returning with him from exile in Babylon. King Artaxerxes is giving them a degree of autonomy in how they use the remaining silver and gold. He trusts their judgment, but not completely (see next point).
"...to do with the rest of the silver and the gold..." This refers to the silver and gold that was not specifically allocated in the letter. Artaxerxes has already designated a portion of the royal treasury for specific purposes (e.g., buying offerings for the temple, paying for temple services). This verse addresses what to do with any leftover funds.
"...do that according to the will of your God." This is the crucial point. Even though Artaxerxes gives them freedom of choice, he emphasizes that their decisions should be guided by their religious principles and beliefs. They are to discern what is pleasing to God and act accordingly. This could involve using the money for:
Further temple repairs or embellishments
Supporting the Levites and other temple personnel
Helping the poor and needy in Jerusalem
Acquiring necessary supplies for religious observances
In essence, the verse conveys:
Royal Permission and Resources: Artaxerxes acknowledges Ezra's authority and provides resources for restoring Jewish religious life.
Local Autonomy: Ezra and the Jewish community have the freedom to make decisions about how to spend the remaining funds.
Religious Accountability: Their decisions are to be guided by their understanding of God's will and what would honor Him.
Context is important:
Remember that Artaxerxes, while a foreign king, seems to have had a positive view of the Jewish God. He likely believed that a thriving Jewish community, dedicated to their God, would contribute to the stability and well-being of his empire. This verse shows his desire to support their religious practices in a way that aligned with their own beliefs. It also reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of rulers supporting the gods of the people they governed, hoping for divine favor and stability in return.
Ezra 7:18 - Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that according to the will of your God.
What does "Ezra 7:18" mean?
Ezra 7:18 is part of a letter from King Artaxerxes of Persia to Ezra, a Jewish priest and scribe, granting him extensive authority to return to Jerusalem and re-establish Jewish religious life. Let's break down what this verse likely means:
"Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers..." This refers to Ezra and the Jewish community members who were returning with him from exile in Babylon. King Artaxerxes is giving them a degree of autonomy in how they use the remaining silver and gold. He trusts their judgment, but not completely (see next point).
"...to do with the rest of the silver and the gold..." This refers to the silver and gold that was not specifically allocated in the letter. Artaxerxes has already designated a portion of the royal treasury for specific purposes (e.g., buying offerings for the temple, paying for temple services). This verse addresses what to do with any leftover funds.
"...do that according to the will of your God." This is the crucial point. Even though Artaxerxes gives them freedom of choice, he emphasizes that their decisions should be guided by their religious principles and beliefs. They are to discern what is pleasing to God and act accordingly. This could involve using the money for:
Further temple repairs or embellishments
Supporting the Levites and other temple personnel
Helping the poor and needy in Jerusalem
Acquiring necessary supplies for religious observances
In essence, the verse conveys:
Royal Permission and Resources: Artaxerxes acknowledges Ezra's authority and provides resources for restoring Jewish religious life.
Local Autonomy: Ezra and the Jewish community have the freedom to make decisions about how to spend the remaining funds.
Religious Accountability: Their decisions are to be guided by their understanding of God's will and what would honor Him.
Context is important:
Remember that Artaxerxes, while a foreign king, seems to have had a positive view of the Jewish God. He likely believed that a thriving Jewish community, dedicated to their God, would contribute to the stability and well-being of his empire. This verse shows his desire to support their religious practices in a way that aligned with their own beliefs. It also reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of rulers supporting the gods of the people they governed, hoping for divine favor and stability in return.