Ezra 7:11

KJV

¶ Now this [is] the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, [even] a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now this is the copy {H6572} of the letter {H5406} that the king {H4428} Artaxerxes {H783} gave {H5414} unto Ezra {H5830} the priest {H3548}, the scribe {H5608}, even a scribe {H5608} of the words {H1697} of the commandments {H4687} of the LORD {H3068}, and of his statutes {H2706} to Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is the letter that King Artach'shashta gave 'Ezra the cohen and Torah-teacher, the student of matters relating to ADONAI's mitzvot and his laws for Isra'el:

Berean Standard Bible

This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel:

American Standard Version

Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of Jehovah, and of his statutes to Israel:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 7:11 introduces the pivotal decree issued by King Artaxerxes I of Persia, formally commissioning Ezra, a priest and a highly esteemed scribe of God's Law, to return to Jerusalem. This verse establishes the legal and spiritual foundation for Ezra's mission, which was to re-establish the Mosaic Law among the Jewish community in Judah, thereby initiating a crucial phase of spiritual and legal restoration in the post-exilic period.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the formal introduction to the royal decree that empowers Ezra's mission, which is detailed in the subsequent verses (Ezra 7:12-26). It follows a genealogical account of Ezra (Ezra 7:1-5) and a brief summary of his journey from Babylon to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:6-10). The preceding verse, [Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra's Dedication to the Law"), highlights Ezra's personal dedication to studying, practicing, and teaching the Law, providing the spiritual backdrop for the king's official recognition of his authority. Thus, [Ezra 7:11](/ezra/7-11 "Ezra 7:11 - King Artaxerxes' Letter to Ezra") transitions from Ezra's personal piety and preparation to the divine and royal authorization for his significant undertaking.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezra 7:11 is set during the reign of Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC), approximately 60 years after the first return under Zerubbabel and the completion of the Second Temple (Ezra 6). While the temple was rebuilt, the spiritual and social fabric of the Jewish community in Judah remained weak, lacking adherence to the Mosaic Law. The Persian Empire, known for its administrative efficiency and often tolerant religious policies, permitted subject peoples to govern themselves according to their ancestral laws, provided they remained loyal to the crown. King Artaxerxes' decree, therefore, is not an anomaly but reflects Persian imperial policy, which God sovereignly used to facilitate the spiritual restoration of His people. This period marks a shift from physical rebuilding to a focus on legal and religious reform.
* **Key Themes:** This verse underscores several significant themes. First, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating how God works through secular authorities, even pagan kings like Artaxerxes, to accomplish His redemptive purposes for His people. The king's decree is a tangible manifestation of God's favor upon Ezra and the returning exiles. Second, it highlights **Ezra's Unique Authority and Calling**. Ezra is presented not merely as a royal appointee but as a "priest" and, more significantly, "a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD," emphasizing his profound expertise and dedication to God's Law. This divine empowerment is essential for his mission, as seen in his prior commitment to the Law in [Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra's Dedication to the Law"). Third, the verse emphasizes **The Centrality of God's Law (Torah)**. The specific mention of "the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel" underscores the supreme importance of the divine Law as the foundation for Israel's identity, worship, and societal order, echoing the foundational role of the Law given at Sinai in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **scribe (Hebrew, _sopher'_):** In the Old Testament, especially in the post-exilic period, a _sopher_ was far more than a mere copyist. This term denotes a highly educated individual, an expert in the Law (Torah), an interpreter, a teacher, and often a legal and administrative authority. Ezra's designation as "a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD" elevates his status beyond a civil administrator to a theological and legal expert entrusted with the sacred texts and their application. This role was crucial for the preservation and re-establishment of Jewish identity.
* **commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes (Hebrew, _mitzvot YHWH uchoqav'_):** This phrase refers to the entire body of divine instruction given to Israel through Moses, often synonymous with the Torah or Mosaic Law. "Commandments" (_mitzvot_) generally refers to specific divine precepts, while "statutes" (_choqim_) often denotes ordinances or decrees that are fixed and binding. The conjunction of these terms emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the divine revelation that Ezra was commissioned to administer and teach, encompassing both moral and ceremonial aspects of the Law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe":** This opening clause formally introduces the royal decree, establishing its authenticity and authority. The phrase "copy of the letter" indicates that the text presented is the official record of the king's communication. The naming of "king Artaxerxes" grounds the event in specific historical reality. Ezra is immediately identified by his dual, highly respected roles: "the priest," signifying his lineage and religious authority, and "the scribe," indicating his intellectual and legal expertise. This dual identity underscores his unique qualifications for the task ahead.
* **"even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel":** This elaborates on Ezra's scribal role, specifying its sacred nature. He is not just any scribe, but one dedicated to the very "words of the commandments of the LORD" and "his statutes." This highlights that Ezra's authority derives not merely from the king, but from his profound knowledge and adherence to God's divine Law. His mission is explicitly defined as bringing this divine instruction to "Israel," emphasizing the national and spiritual scope of his mandate to restore the covenant relationship through obedience to the Torah.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 7:11 employs several literary devices to convey its significance. The most prominent is **Official Document Style**, characterized by its formal and precise language, which lends an air of authority and legitimacy to the decree. The phrase "Now this is the copy of the letter" immediately signals that the reader is about to encounter an official, legally binding document, underscoring the weight of the king's words and Ezra's commission. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** through repetition and specific appellation; Ezra is not just "a scribe" but "a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD," highlighting the unique and sacred nature of his expertise and mission. This detailed designation serves to underscore the divine backing and spiritual importance of the task entrusted to him, setting the stage for the profound impact he would have on the post-exilic community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 7:11 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign hand orchestrating events through human agents, even those outside the covenant community, to achieve His redemptive purposes. The decree from a pagan king, Artaxerxes, empowering Ezra to restore God's Law in Jerusalem, demonstrates that God's plan for His people transcends political boundaries and human limitations. This verse underscores the enduring centrality of God's Word as the foundation for His people's identity, worship, and societal order. Just as Ezra was divinely prepared and royally commissioned to re-establish the Torah, believers today are called to uphold the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. The emphasis on Ezra's dual role as priest and scribe also points to the necessary integration of spiritual leadership with deep biblical knowledge for effective ministry and community restoration.

* [Deuteronomy 17:18-19](/deuteronomy/17-18 "Deuteronomy 17:18-19 - The King's Copy of the Law")
* [Joshua 1:8](/joshua/1-8 "Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the Book of the Law")
* [Nehemiah 8:8](/nehemiah/8-8 "Nehemiah 8:8 - Ezra Reads and Explains the Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 7:11 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all earthly powers, capable of moving the hearts of kings and leaders to accomplish His divine will. This should foster a deep trust in His overarching plan, even when circumstances seem challenging. Ezra's example also challenges us to cultivate a similar dedication to God's Word. He was not merely a casual reader but a "scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD," implying deep study, mastery, and obedience. This calls us to prioritize biblical literacy, seeking to understand, obey, and effectively communicate God's truth to our communities. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of using our unique gifts and callings—whether spiritual or professional—for the advancement of God's kingdom, recognizing that even secular positions can be divinely appointed for sacred purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ezra's dual role as "priest" and "scribe" inform our understanding of effective spiritual leadership today?**
* **In what ways can we, like Ezra, demonstrate a deep commitment to studying, obeying, and teaching God's Word in our daily lives?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God working through King Artaxerxes encourage your faith when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of King Artaxerxes' letter to Ezra?**

Answer: The primary purpose of King Artaxerxes' letter, as introduced in [Ezra 7:11](/ezra/7-11 "Ezra 7:11 - King Artaxerxes' Letter to Ezra") and detailed in the subsequent verses ([Ezra 7:12-26](/ezra/7-12 "Ezra 7:12-26 - The King's Decree")), was to formally commission Ezra to lead a second wave of exiles back to Jerusalem. More specifically, the letter granted Ezra broad authority to establish and enforce the Law of God among the Jewish people in Judah, to appoint judges and magistrates, and to collect resources for the temple service. This was crucial for the spiritual and legal restoration of the Jewish community under Persian rule.

**Why was Ezra's designation as "a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD" so significant?**

Answer: This designation was profoundly significant because it elevated Ezra beyond a mere government official or even a common copyist. In the post-exilic period, a "scribe" (_sopher_) was an expert in the Mosaic Law, an interpreter, a teacher, and a legal authority. By specifying him as "a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD," King Artaxerxes recognized Ezra's unparalleled expertise and dedication to God's divine Law. This title underscored that Ezra's authority to implement the Law in Jerusalem was rooted not just in royal decree, but in his profound knowledge and spiritual authority concerning the very Word of God, as highlighted in [Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra's Dedication to the Law").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 7:11, with its emphasis on the Law and its restoration through a divinely appointed scribe, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Ezra was commissioned to bring the written Law to a specific people for a specific time, Jesus is the living embodiment and perfect fulfiller of the Law. He is the ultimate Scribe, not merely interpreting the "words of the commandments of the LORD" but perfectly embodying them, declaring that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). As the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), Christ perfectly reveals God's will and character in a way no written code could. He is the true Priest, offering the ultimate sacrifice for sin ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), and the ultimate King, establishing a spiritual kingdom founded not on external statutes but on an internal transformation of the heart through the New Covenant ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - The New Covenant")). Ezra's mission to restore the Law foreshadows Christ's greater work of restoring humanity to God through His perfect obedience, atoning death, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, writing God's Law on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")).

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

Mark 7:1

¶ Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

Mark 7:13

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Ezra 7:6

This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he [was] a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

Ezra 4:11

This [is] the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, [even] unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.

Matthew 23:2

Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

Ezra 5:6

The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which [were] on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:

Matthew 23:13

¶ But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.