And they delivered the king’s commissions unto the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.
They delivered the king's official orders to his officers and governors in the region west of the Euphrates River. These officials then supported the people and helped with the work on God's temple.
The writer is describing how Persian government officials, after receiving the king's orders, provided support and assistance to the Jewish people and their temple rebuilding project.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Ezra, which recounts the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem during the Persian Empire, Ezra led a group of returning Israelites with authorization from King Artaxerxes to rebuild the temple and restore worship. The "king's commissions" referred to official decrees that Ezra and his companions delivered to the local governors, ensuring protection and resources for the Jewish community. This event highlights God's providence in using a foreign ruler to fulfill His promises to His people during the post-exilic period.
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