And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,
I, King Artaxerxes, am making an official order to all the treasurers in the region beyond the river: whatever Ezra the priest and teacher of God's law asks from you, do it quickly.
King Artaxerxes is commanding his officials to give Ezra whatever resources he needs without delay to carry out God's work.
📚 Historical Context
This decree was issued around 458 BC by the Persian King Artaxerxes I, who ruled over the vast Persian Empire including the Jewish territories. Ezra was leading a second wave of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem to rebuild their religious life and teach God's law. The Persian kings often supported local religious practices as a way to maintain stability in their diverse empire.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.