Ezra 6:10

That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

That they may offer {H1934}{H7127} sacrifices of sweet savours {H5208} unto the God {H426} of heaven {H8065}, and pray {H6739} for the life {H2417} of the king {H4430}, and of his sons {H1123}.

so that they can offer sacrifices with a fragrant aroma to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons.

Then they will be able to offer sacrifices of a sweet aroma to the God of heaven and to pray for the lives of the king and his sons.

that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savor unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

Commentary

Ezra 6:10 stands as a pivotal verse within King Darius's decree, outlining the purpose for the expedited rebuilding of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem: to enable the priests to offer sacrifices and prayers for the well-being of the Persian monarchy.

Context

This verse is part of a significant decree issued by King Darius I of Persia, found in Ezra chapter 6. After a period of opposition and a halt in construction, Jewish leaders appealed to Darius, reminding him of King Cyrus's original edict (see Ezra 1:1-4) allowing the Jews to return from Babylonian exile and rebuild their temple. Darius's decree not only confirmed Cyrus's earlier command but also provided substantial financial backing from the royal treasury and mandated severe penalties for anyone hindering the work. The specific instruction in verse 10 highlights a pragmatic reason for royal support: the king sought divine favor and protection through the prayers and offerings of the restored Jewish community to their God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: This verse beautifully illustrates God's ability to work through secular, even pagan, rulers to accomplish His divine purposes. King Darius, though not a worshipper of Yahweh, acknowledged the power of the "God of heaven" and sought His favor, demonstrating how God can use unexpected instruments for His will.
  • Intercessory Prayer for Rulers: The mandate for the priests to "pray for the life of the king, and of his sons" underscores the biblical principle of praying for those in authority. This practice is not only an act of submission to governing powers but also a means of seeking peace and stability for the nation, which benefits all citizens. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:2.
  • The Centrality of Worship and Sacrifice: The primary purpose of the temple's rebuilding was to restore the proper worship of God through sacrifices. The phrase "sacrifices of sweet savours" refers to offerings that were pleasing and acceptable to God, signifying devotion and atonement.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "God of heaven" (Hebrew: สผฤ”lฤh ลกemayฤสผ) is a common designation for God in post-exilic books like Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel. It emphasizes God's transcendence and universal authority, contrasting Him with the localized deities of pagan nations. Itโ€™s a title that even foreign kings could recognize, acknowledging a supreme divine power.

"Sweet savours" (Hebrew: reyach nichoach) is a technical term used frequently in the Pentateuch to describe an offering that is pleasing or acceptable to God, signifying His approval and delight in the worshipper's act. For example, after the flood, Noah offered a sacrifice that was a "sweet savour" to the LORD.

Practical Application

Ezra 6:10 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of prayer, not just for personal needs but also for our leaders and governing authorities, irrespective of their faith or political alignment. Such prayers contribute to societal peace and allow for the continued spread of God's work. Furthermore, it highlights that genuine worship and seeking God's favor are foundational to a thriving spiritual life, just as sacrifices were central to ancient Israelite worship. We are called to offer spiritual "sacrifices of sweet savours" through lives of obedience, praise, and service.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 29:7

    And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.

  • 1 Timothy 2:1

    ยถ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men;

  • 1 Timothy 2:2

    For kings, and [for] all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

  • Ezra 7:23

    Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

  • Leviticus 1:13

    But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring [it] all, and burn [it] upon the altar: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 1:9

    But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, [to be] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

  • Ephesians 5:2

    And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
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