Ezra 6:9

KJV

And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which [are] at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

KJV (with Strong's)

And that which {H4101} they have need of {H2818}, both young {H1123} bullocks {H8450}, and rams {H1798}, and lambs {H563}, for the burnt offerings {H5928} of the God {H426} of heaven {H8065}, wheat {H2591}, salt {H4416}, wine {H2562}, and oil {H4887}, according to the appointment {H3983} of the priests {H3549} which are at Jerusalem {H3390}, let it be {H1934} given {H3052} them day {H3118} by day {H3118} without {H3809} fail {H7960}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Whatever they need - young bulls, rams and lambs - for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine and olive oil, according to what the cohanim in Yerushalayim say, is to be given them daily without fail;

Berean Standard Bible

Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, as well as wheat, salt, wine, and oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given to them daily without fail.

American Standard Version

And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for burnt-offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests that are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 6:9 records the pivotal decree of King Darius I, meticulously detailing the daily provision of animals and essential supplies from the royal treasury to sustain the burnt offerings and ongoing worship at the newly rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. This verse powerfully underscores the Persian Empire's unprecedented financial and administrative backing for the restoration of Israel's sacred rituals, ensuring the continuity and purity of worship for the God of heaven, thereby serving as a profound testament to divine providence working through unexpected, even pagan, channels to fulfill God's redemptive purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 6:9 is strategically positioned within the Aramaic section of Ezra (Ezra 4:8-6:18), which comprises official correspondence and decrees. This verse follows Darius's confirmation of King Cyrus's original edict (Ezra 6:1-5) that permitted the Jews to return and rebuild the Temple, a project that had been halted for years due to opposition. After the prophets Haggai and Zechariah spurred the people to resume construction (Ezra 5:1-2), local adversaries again challenged the work. The Jewish leaders, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, appealed to Darius, prompting his search of the royal archives. Darius's subsequent decree, beginning in Ezra 6:6, not only affirmed the right to rebuild but commanded the adversaries to cease interference and, remarkably, mandated royal financial support for the Temple's completion (Ezra 6:8). Verse 9 then specifies the precise provisions for the Temple's *ongoing* services, highlighting the king's comprehensive commitment to ensuring uninterrupted worship, thus reinforcing the legitimacy and divine backing of the Temple's restoration. This meticulous detail underscores the legal and binding nature of the decree.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Persian Empire, under the Achaemenid dynasty, was renowned for its sophisticated administrative structure and a general policy of religious toleration, often supporting local cults as a means of maintaining stability and loyalty across its vast dominion. While Darius was not a worshipper of Yahweh, his decree aligns perfectly with this imperial strategy, viewing the Temple and its services as beneficial for the well-being of the province and, implicitly, for the empire itself. The title "God of heaven" (Aramaic: _Elah Shemaya_), frequently employed in Ezra and Nehemiah, was a common designation for a supreme deity in the ancient Near East, making it understandable and acceptable to a Persian king who might acknowledge a universal high god. The provision of resources "day by day without fail" from the royal treasury (_bêt ginzayyā'_) was an extraordinary commitment, demonstrating the king's absolute authority and the empire's immense wealth. This act of royal patronage was critically important for the post-exilic Jewish community, which was still struggling to re-establish itself economically and socially after decades of exile and the arduous task of rebuilding.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes within Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it showcases **Divine Providence and Royal Support**, demonstrating God's sovereign hand at work through unexpected instruments—even a pagan king like Darius—to fulfill His purposes for His people and the restoration of His worship. This echoes the truth found throughout Scripture that God can direct the hearts of kings, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord"). Secondly, the detailed enumeration of "young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings... wheat, salt, wine, and oil" underscores the **Importance of Worship and Sacrifice**. These provisions were essential for maintaining the prescribed Levitical rituals, emphasizing the centrality of regular, proper worship in the life of the restored community, as meticulously outlined in books like [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Offerings"). Finally, the command "let it be given them day by day without fail" highlights God's **Faithfulness in Provision** and the human responsibility for consistent, reliable support for unceasing worship. This reflects God's own unwavering faithfulness in providing for His people's daily needs, whether in the wilderness with manna or in the rebuilt land, a principle reiterated in [Matthew 6:11](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11 - Daily Bread").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **need of (Aramaic, _chăshach'_):** This Aramaic word (H2818) signifies "to be necessary" or "to need," stemming from the idea of convenience or requirement. In Ezra 6:9, it emphasizes that the provisions listed are not optional but are absolutely essential for the proper functioning and continuation of the Temple services. Darius's decree acknowledges and commits to meeting these fundamental requirements.
* **burnt offerings (Aramaic, _ʻălâh'_):** This term (H5928) refers to the _'olah_ sacrifice, a "holocaust" where the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar. It symbolized complete dedication, devotion, and atonement, being a central element of Old Testament worship, including the prescribed daily morning and evening sacrifices. The provision of animals specifically for these offerings underscores the re-establishment of foundational covenant worship and its central role in the restored community's relationship with God.
* **fail (Aramaic, _shâlûw'_):** This Aramaic word (H7960), often translated as "fault," "error," or "thing amiss," is used here in the emphatic phrase "without fail" (lâ' shâlû). It conveys the king's absolute command for consistency, reliability, and precision in the provision. For the Temple, it meant that the daily sacrifices, vital for maintaining the covenant relationship and national purity, would never cease due to any lack of resources, highlighting the meticulousness of both the royal decree and the divine provision behind it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven,"**: This initial clause specifies the primary purpose of the provisions: for the "burnt offerings," the most comprehensive form of sacrifice, offered to "the God of heaven." The listing of specific animals—young bullocks, rams, and lambs—indicates a precise adherence to the Levitical requirements for various types of offerings, ensuring the purity and legitimacy of the sacrifices. It demonstrates Darius's understanding and respect for the detailed ritual needs of the Jewish faith, acknowledging the supreme deity they worship.
* **"wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which [are] at Jerusalem,"**: This clause expands the list of provisions to include essential elements for grain offerings (wheat), covenant ratification and preservation (salt), drink offerings (wine), and anointing/fuel (oil). These items were integral to various aspects of Temple service beyond just the burnt offerings, accompanying them or being offered independently. The crucial phrase "according to the appointment of the priests" underscores that the provisions were not arbitrary but were to be supplied precisely as determined by the religious authorities in Jerusalem, affirming their divinely ordained role in maintaining the integrity and order of worship.
* **"let it be given them day by day without fail:"**: This final, emphatic command dictates the frequency and reliability of the supply. "Day by day" emphasizes the continuous, unceasing nature of the Temple's worship, which required daily sacrifices and offerings. "Without fail" (or "without negligence, without omission") highlights the king's absolute insistence that these provisions must never be withheld, delayed, or provided inadequately, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of worship and demonstrating the king's unwavering commitment to his decree and, ultimately, God's sovereign care.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 6:9 employs several effective literary devices that underscore its significance. **Enumeration** is prominently featured, with the precise listing of animals ("young bullocks, and rams, and lambs") and other provisions ("wheat, salt, wine, and oil"). This detailed catalog not only conveys specific information but also lends an air of official authority and meticulousness to the royal decree, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the mandated royal support. The phrase "day by day without fail" functions as a powerful form of **Emphasis**, underscoring the critical importance of consistent and uninterrupted provision for the Temple services. This repetition and specific phrasing highlight the king's unwavering commitment and, implicitly, the divine assurance of sustenance. The entire verse, as part of a royal edict, exemplifies the **Legal/Administrative Style** characteristic of official documents, reinforcing the binding nature of Darius's decree and its profound, lasting impact on the Jewish community's ability to worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 6:9 is a profound testament to God's meticulous care for His people and His unwavering commitment to the restoration of proper worship. It illustrates that God's providence is not limited to working exclusively through His covenant people but extends to orchestrating events through unexpected, even pagan, channels to achieve His divine purposes. The provision of daily sustenance for the Temple sacrifices underscores the enduring importance of regular, prescribed worship as central to Israel's identity and relationship with God. This divine enablement, facilitated by a powerful earthly king, signals God's faithfulness to His promises despite the people's past failures and exile, ensuring that the means for atonement and communion remained available. This act of royal generosity, divinely orchestrated, foreshadows God's ultimate and perfect provision for worship and reconciliation through His Son.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5-7 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - Centralized Worship and Provision")
* [Nehemiah 10:32-39](/nehemiah/10-32-39 "Nehemiah 10:32-39 - Commitment to Temple Support")
* [Haggai 1:4-11](/haggai/1-4-11 "Haggai 1:4-11 - Consequences of Neglecting the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 6:9 offers timeless insights for believers today, reminding us of God's profound faithfulness and His commitment to sustaining His people and His work. Just as God moved the heart of King Darius to provide for the physical needs of the Temple, He continues to provide for the spiritual and physical needs of His church and His people in often unexpected ways, demonstrating His sovereignty over all earthly powers. This verse encourages us to trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem bleak or resources scarce, knowing that His purposes will ultimately prevail. Furthermore, the command for provisions "day by day without fail" serves as a powerful call to consistency and diligence in our own spiritual disciplines and devotion. Our "spiritual sacrifices" of praise, prayer, diligent study of God's Word, sacrificial service, and generous giving should be offered continually and without interruption, reflecting a life wholly dedicated to God. Recognizing God's hand at work in various spheres, even through secular authorities or surprising sources, encourages us to maintain an attitude of profound gratitude and to participate actively in His kingdom work, whether through direct ministry or by faithfully stewarding the resources He provides.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ezra 6:9 challenge our understanding of God's provision, especially when it comes through unexpected or secular channels, and what does this imply about His sovereignty?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as believers, contribute to the ongoing work of God's kingdom and the support of His ministries today, reflecting the spirit of provision seen in this verse?**
* **What "daily sacrifices" (of praise, time, resources, or service) are we called to offer "without fail" in our lives as disciples of Christ, and how do these reflect our devotion?**

### FAQ

**Why did a pagan king like Darius provide for the Jewish Temple?**

Answer: Darius's provision for the Jewish Temple can be understood through several lenses. Firstly, it aligns with the pragmatic policy of religious toleration and support for local cults characteristic of the Persian Empire. By supporting the religious practices of conquered peoples, the Persians fostered loyalty and stability within their vast dominion. Secondly, Darius was confirming and extending the earlier decree of King Cyrus, who had a favorable disposition towards the Jews and their God, as recorded in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree"). From a theological perspective, the Bible attributes this to God's sovereign hand, working through earthly rulers to accomplish His divine will, even when those rulers do not explicitly acknowledge Him. This divine orchestration is a recurring theme, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The Lord Directs the King's Heart") and God's calling of Cyrus as His "anointed" in [Isaiah 45:1-6](/isaiah/45-1-6 "Isaiah 45:1-6 - God's Anointed Cyrus"). Darius's decree was a fulfillment of prophecy and a powerful testament to God's control over all nations and their leaders.

**What was the significance of the specific items listed (bullocks, wheat, salt, wine, and oil)?**

Answer: The items listed in Ezra 6:9—young bullocks, rams, lambs, wheat, salt, wine, and oil—were all standard and essential components of the Levitical sacrificial and offering system prescribed in the Torah (e.g., [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1-7 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Offerings")). The animals were designated for burnt offerings, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement. Wheat was used for grain offerings, representing the fruits of labor and sustenance. Salt was a crucial element, symbolizing the enduring nature of the covenant and preservation, often referred to as the "salt of the covenant" ([Leviticus 2:13](/leviticus/2-13 "Leviticus 2:13 - Salt of the Covenant")). Wine was used for drink offerings, often accompanying burnt offerings, and oil for anointing, lamps, and grain offerings. The meticulous provision of these items ensured that the Temple's daily worship could be conducted precisely "according to the appointment of the priests," maintaining the purity, integrity, and continuity of the rituals and the covenant relationship with God.

**How does "day by day without fail" apply to us today?**

Answer: The command "day by day without fail" emphasizes consistency and reliability in the provision for worship, and by extension, in our own spiritual lives. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of daily spiritual disciplines. Just as the Temple required continuous offerings, our relationship with God thrives on consistent engagement—daily prayer, reading God's Word ([Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")), worship, and living out our faith. It also speaks to God's own unwavering faithfulness in providing for our daily needs, a truth Jesus taught us to pray for in [Matthew 6:11](/matthew/6-11 "Matthew 6:11 - Give Us Our Daily Bread"). Furthermore, it challenges us to offer our "spiritual sacrifices"—our bodies as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")), our praise ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")), and our service—consistently and without fail, as a continuous act of devotion to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 6:9, with its meticulous provision for the daily Temple sacrifices, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "young bullocks, and rams, and lambs" offered for "burnt offerings" were types and shadows, foreshadowing the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The Old Testament sacrificial system, though divinely ordained, was inherently incomplete, requiring continuous, daily repetition because the blood of animals could not fully atone for sin ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")). Jesus's death on the cross, however, was the supreme and sufficient offering, rendering all subsequent animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He is the ultimate provision from the "God of heaven," whose divine will was to provide a perfect High Priest and a spotless sacrifice for humanity's redemption ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Through His blood, believers now have direct access to God, not through daily animal offerings, but through the eternal efficacy of His completed work ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). Our worship, sustained not by royal treasuries but by the inexhaustible grace of Christ, is now a spiritual offering of our lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices")) and a continual "sacrifice of praise" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")), offered "day by day without fail" in response to His perfect and complete provision.

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

Leviticus 1:10

¶ And if his offering [be] of the flocks, [namely], of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish.

Psalms 50:9

I will take no bullock out of thy house, [nor] he goats out of thy folds.

Psalms 50:13

Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

Exodus 29:38

¶ Now this [is that] which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually.

Exodus 29:42

[This shall be] a continual burnt offering throughout your generations [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

Numbers 15:4

Then shall he that offereth his offering unto the LORD bring a meat offering of a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth [part] of an hin of oil.

Numbers 15:31

Because he hath despised the word of the LORD, and hath broken his commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; his iniquity [shall be] upon him.