Ezra 6:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezra 6:10 articulates a pivotal component of King Darius's decree, which not only sanctioned but also financially underwrote the swift reconstruction of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. This verse unveils the strategic rationale behind the Persian monarch's generosity: to enable the priests to resume offering sacrifices deemed pleasing to "the God of heaven," and, crucially, to engage in intercessory prayer for the continued life and prosperity of the king and his royal lineage. It masterfully illustrates the convergence of divine providence, astute political pragmatism, and the enduring significance of worship and supplication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of Ezra 6, forming a crucial part of King Darius I's definitive and comprehensive decree concerning the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. Following a period of significant opposition and a frustrating cessation of construction (as detailed in [Ezra 4:24](/ezra/4-24 "Ezra 4:24 - Cessation of Work")), the Jewish leaders, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, directly appealed to Darius, reminding him of King Cyrus's original, albeit unfulfilled, edict (see [Ezra 5:1-5](/ezra/5-1-5 "Ezra 5:1-5 - Tattenai's Inquiry and the Jewish Leaders' Response")). Darius's subsequent decree, meticulously recorded in [Ezra 6:1-12](/ezra/6-1-12 "Ezra 6:1-12 - Darius's Decree"), not only unequivocally reaffirmed Cyrus's earlier command but also provided substantial royal funding and stipulated severe penalties for anyone attempting to obstruct the work. Verse 10 functions as a key explanatory clause, meticulously detailing the *purpose* for this unprecedented royal support—to facilitate specific religious acts that Darius believed would confer tangible benefits upon his vast empire. It immediately follows the directive for materials and expenses to be provided from the royal treasury ([Ezra 6:9](/ezra/6-9 "Ezra 6:9 - Royal Provision for the Temple")), thus directly linking the imperial provision to the intended spiritual and political outcomes.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Ezra 6:10 is the vast Persian Empire's dominion over the former Babylonian territories, including the province of Judah, during the late 6th century BCE. King Darius I (reigned 522-486 BCE) was renowned as a powerful, highly organized, and pragmatic ruler who tirelessly worked to consolidate and stabilize his immense empire. It was a common and widely accepted practice in the ancient Near East for rulers to demonstrate favor towards the gods of their various subject peoples. This was not typically an act of personal conversion but a calculated belief that appeasing these diverse deities would ensure stability, prosperity, and divine blessing for their own reign and empire. Darius’s decree, therefore, was not an expression of personal devotion to Yahweh but a shrewd political and religious strategy. By actively supporting the temple's reconstruction and its associated rituals, he aimed to secure the favor of the "God of heaven," whom he recognized as a powerful and influential deity, thereby ensuring the well-being and longevity of his kingdom and dynasty. This pragmatic approach allowed for a significant degree of religious freedom within the empire, provided such freedom ultimately served the broader imperial interest.

* **Key Themes:** Ezra 6:10 contributes profoundly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's remarkable ability to work through secular, even pagan, rulers to accomplish His divine purposes, such as the restoration of His people and their proper worship. Darius, though not a worshipper of Yahweh, acknowledged the power of the "God of heaven" and actively sought His favor, demonstrating how God can [use unexpected instruments for His will](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1 - God's Anointing of Cyrus"). Secondly, the explicit mandate for the priests to "pray for the life of the king, and of his sons" underscores the enduring biblical principle of **Intercessory Prayer for Rulers**. This practice is not merely an act of passive submission to governing powers but a proactive means of seeking peace and stability for the nation, which ultimately benefits all citizens and creates an environment conducive to the flourishing of God's people. This theme finds strong echoes in the New Testament, as seen in the apostolic instruction to [pray for kings and all who are in high positions](/1_timothy/2-2 "1 Timothy 2:2 - Prayer for All People, Including Rulers"). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Centrality of Worship and Sacrifice** in the life of the restored community. The primary purpose of the temple's rebuilding was to restore the proper and acceptable worship of God through prescribed sacrifices, signifying devotion, atonement, and communion with the divine.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Aramaic, _ʼĕlâhh'_):** This Aramaic term (H426) is the equivalent of the Hebrew _Elohim_ or _Eloah_, referring to God. In post-exilic books like Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel, its use, often paired with "heaven," emphasizes God's transcendence, His universal dominion, and His supreme authority over all other deities. In the context of the Persian Empire, this designation allowed for a degree of recognition by foreign rulers, acknowledging a supreme divine power without necessarily adopting the full theological implications of Yahweh's unique covenantal name. It presents Him as the ultimate sovereign, distinct from localized or national deities.
* **sweet savours (Aramaic, _nîychôwach'_):** This Aramaic word (H5208) corresponds to the Hebrew _nihoah_, a technical term used frequently in the Pentateuch (e.g., [Genesis 8:21](/genesis/8-21 "Genesis 8:21 - Noah's Acceptable Offering"); [Leviticus 1:9](/leviticus/1-9 "Leviticus 1:9 - The Burnt Offering")) to describe an offering that is pleasing, acceptable, or delightful to God. It signifies God's approval and delight in the worshipper's act, indicating that the sacrifice was offered according to His will and with a right heart. It implies a sense of reconciliation and communion, where the aroma of the offering ascends to God as a pleasing fragrance, signifying His acceptance.
* **pray (Aramaic, _tsᵉlâʼ'_):** This Aramaic verb (H6739) means "to pray" or "to bow." It indicates an act of supplication or intercession, typically involving a posture of reverence or humility before a deity. In this context, it signifies the priests' solemn duty to intercede on behalf of the king and his sons, acknowledging the power of their God to influence earthly affairs and grant life and prosperity. This highlights the perceived efficacy of the prayers offered by the Jewish community to their powerful God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven,"**: This clause articulates the primary religious purpose for the temple's rebuilding from King Darius's perspective. The restoration of the temple was fundamentally about enabling the Jewish priests to resume the prescribed sacrificial system. The phrase "sacrifices of sweet savours" underscores that these offerings were not merely ritualistic acts but were intended to be acceptable and pleasing to the supreme "God of heaven," thereby securing His favor. This demonstrates Darius's belief that the well-being of his empire was intrinsically linked to the proper worship of this powerful deity.
* **"and pray for the life of the king,"**: This reveals the immediate and pragmatic political motivation behind Darius's decree. Beyond merely allowing religious freedom, Darius explicitly mandated that the priests intercede on his behalf. In the ancient world, it was common for rulers to seek divine blessings and protection from the gods of their subjects. Darius sought the prayers of the Jewish community to their powerful God, believing it would ensure his own longevity, health, and success as ruler. This highlights both the perceived power of the Jewish God and the efficacy of His people's prayers in the eyes of a foreign monarch.
* **"and of his sons."**: This final clause extends the scope of the intercessory prayer beyond the king himself to include his royal lineage. This was crucial for dynastic stability and continuity in ancient empires. By praying for the king's sons, the Jewish priests would be invoking divine favor for the succession, ensuring a peaceful and stable transfer of power. Such stability, in turn, would benefit the entire empire and its diverse subjects, including the Jewish community, by fostering a more predictable and secure environment.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 6:10 primarily functions as a **Purpose Clause**, explicitly stating the *reason* for Darius's decree. The grammatical structure "That they may offer... and pray..." clearly outlines the intended outcome of the royal support for the temple. Furthermore, the passage employs **Political Theology**, demonstrating how a secular ruler's political agenda can intersect with and even facilitate divine purposes. Darius's actions are not born of personal faith in Yahweh but from a pragmatic desire to secure imperial stability through the appeasement of a powerful deity. There is also an element of **Irony** present; a pagan king, who likely worshipped his own gods, is here mandating and funding the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This subtly underscores God's **Sovereignty**, revealing His ability to orchestrate events and use even those outside His covenant people to achieve His overarching plans for His chosen nation and the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 6:10 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand at work, even through the decrees of pagan kings. It reminds us that God's purposes are not thwarted by political powers but are often advanced through them, demonstrating His ultimate control over all earthly authorities and circumstances. The verse also highlights the enduring biblical principle of intercessory prayer for those in leadership, recognizing that their well-being directly impacts the peace and stability of society, which in turn can create an environment conducive to the flourishing of God's people and the advancement of His kingdom. Moreover, it underscores the foundational importance of acceptable worship, emphasizing that true devotion involves offerings that are pleasing to God, whether they be the ancient sacrifices mandated here or contemporary acts of spiritual worship and obedience.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the LORD")
* [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Offering the Sacrifice of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 6:10 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today, transcending its ancient historical context. It challenges us to recognize God's sovereign hand at work in all circumstances, even through leaders who may not acknowledge Him or share our faith. Just as Darius, a pagan king, was moved to facilitate the worship of the "God of heaven," so too can God use unexpected means and people to accomplish His purposes in our contemporary world. This verse also provides a clear and compelling mandate for intercessory prayer, urging us to pray diligently and consistently for our governing authorities, regardless of their personal faith, political alignment, or perceived righteousness. Such prayers are not merely a civic duty but a profound spiritual act that contributes to societal peace and stability, thereby creating an environment where the gospel can be freely proclaimed and God's people can live peaceful and godly lives. Ultimately, this passage reminds us that our primary calling is to offer "sweet savours" to God—lives of worship, obedience, and service that are pleasing and acceptable to Him, knowing that true spiritual flourishing begins with a heart wholly devoted to His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ezra 6:10 challenge my perception of God's sovereignty over world leaders and political events?**
* **In what specific ways can I apply the principle of praying for my governing authorities, even those with whom I disagree or who seem opposed to Christian values?**
* **What does it mean for my own life to offer "sacrifices of sweet savours" to God in a New Covenant context, beyond mere ritual?**
* **How can the story of the temple's rebuilding under the mandate of a pagan king encourage me when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles in God's work today?**

### FAQ
**Why would a pagan king like Darius support the rebuilding of the Jewish temple and mandate prayers for himself?**

Answer: King Darius's support was primarily a pragmatic political and religious strategy, not an act of personal conversion to Yahwism. In the ancient Near East, rulers often recognized and sought to appease the powerful deities of their subject peoples. Darius likely saw the "God of heaven" as a formidable deity whose favor was essential for the stability and prosperity of his vast empire and his own dynasty. By facilitating the temple's rebuilding and mandating prayers, he aimed to secure divine blessing and prevent potential unrest among his Jewish subjects. This approach allowed for religious diversity within the empire, provided it served the imperial interest, ensuring peace and loyalty from the Jewish community.

**Does this verse imply that Christians should always pray for their political leaders, even if those leaders are unjust or oppose Christian values?**

Answer: Yes, Ezra 6:10, along with New Testament passages like [1 Timothy 2:1-2](/1_timothy/2-1-2 "1 Timothy 2:1-2 - Prayers for All People, Including Rulers"), strongly encourages believers to pray for all governing authorities. The purpose of such prayer is not necessarily to endorse their policies or character, but to seek God's will to be done, to ask for wisdom for leaders, and to pray for peace and stability in society so that the church can live "peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." God's sovereignty extends over all rulers, and He can use even unrighteous leaders to accomplish His purposes. Our prayers are a means of acknowledging His ultimate authority and seeking His intervention for the good of all, trusting that He works all things for the good of those who love Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 6:10, with its dual emphasis on acceptable sacrifices and intercession for a king, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The "sacrifices of sweet savours" offered in the temple foreshadowed the ultimate, perfect, and once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Unlike the repeated animal offerings that could never fully atone for sin, Christ's death on the cross was the truly fragrant offering that perfectly pleased God, taking away the sin of the world (cf. [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love"); [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the prayers for the life of the king and his sons in Ezra 6:10 point to Jesus as our eternal High Priest and King. He is the one who perpetually intercedes for His people before the Father (cf. [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession"); [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers")), securing not merely a temporary earthly reign but eternal life and a place in His everlasting kingdom. The "God of heaven" to whom these sacrifices and prayers were directed is fully revealed in Christ, who is the visible image of the invisible God and the very radiance of God's glory (cf. [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of the Invisible God"); [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Thus, the temple rituals and intercessory prayers mandated in Ezra 6:10 ultimately find their perfect and complete expression in the person and redemptive work of Jesus, the true Lamb of God and the reigning [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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

¶ 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.