Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
Artaxerxes, the king of kings, writes to Ezra the priest, who is a teacher of the law of the God of heaven: I wish you perfect peace, and so forth.
This verse shows King Artaxerxes writing an official letter to Ezra, addressing him with respect and acknowledging his role as a priest and teacher of God's law.
📚 Historical Context
This is the opening of an official royal decree from Persian King Artaxerxes I (around 458 BC) to Ezra, authorizing his mission to Jerusalem. The phrase 'king of kings' was a standard Persian royal title, and the respectful tone shows how the Persian empire often honored local religious leaders and customs. This letter would give Ezra the authority and resources needed to teach God's law and establish proper worship in Jerusalem.
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