And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.
And God has shown me mercy in front of the king, his advisors, and all the king's powerful officials. I was strengthened because the LORD my God was with me, and I gathered together leading men from Israel to come with me.
The writer is celebrating how God gave him favor with powerful people and strength to accomplish his mission of gathering leaders for the journey back to Jerusalem.
📚 Historical Context
This verse comes from Ezra's personal account of receiving King Artaxerxes' permission and support to return to Jerusalem around 458 BC. Ezra, a priest and scribe, had been living in exile in Babylon and needed royal approval to lead a group back to rebuild Jerusalem's religious life. The Persian king not only granted permission but also provided resources and authority for the journey.
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