I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.
I am making an official order that anyone from the people of Israel, including the priests and Levites in my kingdom, who willingly wants to go to Jerusalem, may go with you.
King Artaxerxes is giving permission for any Israelite in his kingdom who wants to return to Jerusalem to go with Ezra.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of Ezra, the Jewish people were in exile in the Persian Empire following the Babylonian captivity, and King Artaxerxes issued this decree as part of his support for rebuilding Jerusalem and restoring Jewish worship. This verse reflects the historical period of the post-exilic return, where Persian rulers like Artaxerxes played a role in allowing voluntary repatriation to fulfill God's promises to Israel. It highlights how God used pagan kings to advance His purposes for His people.
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