Ezra 7:14

KJV

Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which [is] in thine hand;

KJV (with Strong's)

Forasmuch {H1768}{H6903} as {H3606} thou art sent {H7972} of {H4481}{H6925} the king {H4430}, and of his seven {H7655} counsellors {H3272}, to enquire {H1240} concerning {H5922} Judah {H3061} and Jerusalem {H3390}, according to the law {H1882} of thy God {H426} which is in thine hand {H3028};

Complete Jewish Bible

You are being sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire how the law of your God, of which you have expert knowledge, is being applied in Y'hudah and Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

You are sent by the king and his seven counselors to evaluate Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand.

American Standard Version

Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king and his seven counsellors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thy hand,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 7:14 articulates the dual authority underpinning Ezra's crucial mission to Jerusalem: a clear royal mandate from Artaxerxes I and his esteemed seven counsellors, coupled with the divine imperative to assess and restore the spiritual condition of Judah and Jerusalem. This verse establishes Ezra not merely as a political emissary but as a divinely appointed agent, uniquely equipped with a profound understanding and possession of God's Law, tasked with ensuring its faithful observance among the post-exilic Jewish community. His commission was comprehensive, blending imperial support with a spiritual mandate to bring about covenant faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the official decree issued by King Artaxerxes I, found in [Ezra 7:12-26](/ezra/7-12-26 "Ezra 7:12-26 - Artaxerxes' Decree to Ezra"). The decree itself follows a significant narrative section ([Ezra 7:1-10](/ezra/7-1-10 "Ezra 7:1-10 - Ezra's Lineage and Dedication")) that meticulously details Ezra's priestly lineage, his profound dedication to studying, obeying, and teaching the Law of the Lord, and his preparation for this monumental mission. Verse 11 introduces the letter, and verses 12-13 set the stage for Artaxerxes' direct address to Ezra, culminating in the specific charge outlined in verse 14. The subsequent verses ([Ezra 7:15-19](/ezra/7-15-19 "Ezra 7:15-19 - Provisions for the Temple")) elaborate on the generous provisions granted for the Temple and its services, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of Ezra's commission, which extended beyond mere spiritual inquiry to practical and financial support for the religious life of the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezra's mission unfolds in the mid-5th century BC, during the post-exilic period, roughly 80 years after the initial return of exiles under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, and approximately 60 years following the completion of the Second Temple. The Persian Empire, then under the rule of Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC), was the dominant global power. The Persians were renowned for their pragmatic and relatively tolerant policy towards the religious practices of their subject peoples, provided such practices fostered loyalty and stability within the empire. Artaxerxes' decree to Ezra exemplifies this administrative approach, strategically leveraging Ezra's religious authority to strengthen the Jewish community in Judah, which served as a crucial buffer province. The mention of "his seven counsellors" is historically significant, referring to a highly influential and recognized advisory body within the Persian court, whose involvement signified the highest level of royal endorsement and legal weight for Ezra's undertaking.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 7:14 powerfully articulates several foundational themes within the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Royal Mandate**, illustrating how God sovereignly orchestrates events and uses even pagan rulers and their political structures to accomplish His redemptive purposes for His people, a theme vividly demonstrated earlier through [Cyrus's decree in Ezra 1](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - King Cyrus's Decree"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Centrality and Authority of God's Law (Torah)**. Ezra's mission is fundamentally "according to the law of thy God," emphasizing that divine statutes, not human decrees or traditions, are the ultimate standard for the community's life and reform. This unwavering focus on the Law is a pervasive motif throughout Ezra-Nehemiah, culminating in its public reading and re-establishment in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law"). Lastly, the verse points to the profound theme of **Spiritual Restoration and Renewal**, as Ezra is sent "to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem," implying a critical need for assessment, correction, and a revival of covenant faithfulness among the returned exiles. This spiritual health was paramount for their identity, survival, and flourishing as God's chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forasmuch (Aramaic, _dîy qᵉbêl_):** This compound expression (H1768 + H6903) functions as a conjunction meaning "because," "since," or "inasmuch as." It introduces the reason or justification for Ezra's mission. It indicates that Ezra's sending is not arbitrary but is directly consequent to the king's and counsellors' decision, which itself is presented as being "according to the law of thy God." This emphasizes the logical and authoritative basis of the commission.
* **Enquire (Aramaic, _bᵉqar_):** (H1240) This verb signifies "to inspect," "to examine thoroughly," or "to make search." It implies a careful, systematic investigation, not a superficial review. Ezra's task was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the spiritual, moral, and legal adherence of the Jewish community in Judah and Jerusalem to the divine Law, identifying any deviations and preparing for necessary reforms. This was a deep, probing inquiry into the spiritual health of the people.
* **Law (Aramaic, _dâth_):** (H1882) This term, common in Aramaic portions of Ezra and Daniel, refers to "a royal edict or statute," or more broadly, "a decree" or "law." In this context, "the law of thy God" specifically refers to the divinely revealed Torah, the covenant stipulations given by God to Israel through Moses. The use of this term here highlights that the divine law is viewed with the same authority and binding power as a royal decree, underscoring its supreme importance as the standard for Ezra's mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors,"**: This opening clause establishes the profound and dual authority behind Ezra's mission. The phrase "sent of the king" (Artaxerxes I) indicates a formal, state-sanctioned commission, granting Ezra immense political and logistical support. The addition of "and of his seven counsellors" further elevates the decree, as these were the most powerful and influential noblemen in the Persian Empire, signifying the highest level of royal endorsement and legal legitimacy for Ezra's undertaking.
* **"to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem,"**: This specifies the precise objective and geographical scope of Ezra's mission. His primary task was to conduct a thorough investigation into the conditions of the Jewish community residing in the province of Judah, with a particular focus on its capital, Jerusalem. This "enquiry" implies a need to assess their adherence to the covenant, their religious practices, and their overall faithfulness to God's commands, suggesting that the Persian court, perhaps prompted by Ezra himself, recognized a need for spiritual and social reform among the exiles.
* **"according to the law of thy God which [is] in thine hand;"**: This crucial clause defines the ultimate standard and authority by which Ezra's inquiry and subsequent actions were to be governed. The investigation was not to be based on Persian law, human customs, or local traditions, but solely on "the law of thy God"—the divinely revealed Torah. The concluding phrase "which is in thine hand" (Aramaic: _diy b'yadak_ H3028) emphasizes Ezra's unique qualification as a skilled scribe and priest, possessing not merely the physical scrolls of the Law but also a profound understanding, mastery, and authoritative interpretation of its precepts. This underscores that his mission was fundamentally spiritual, guided by divine revelation and his personal expertise in it.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 7:14 is rich with literary techniques that underscore its message. The verse prominently employs **Legal/Bureaucratic Language**, characteristic of a royal decree, with phrases like "sent of the king," "enquire," and "according to the law." This formal diction lends an undeniable air of official authority and legitimacy to Ezra's mission. There is a clear **Emphasis** on the Law of God, presented not merely as a guideline but as the ultimate standard and the very foundation of Ezra's authority. The phrase "which is in thine hand" functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where the physical possession of the Law scrolls represents Ezra's deep intellectual mastery, spiritual internalization, and authoritative application of God's Word. Furthermore, the verse subtly highlights **Divine Sovereignty** and **Providence**, as the secular authority of the king and his counsellors is shown to align perfectly with the divine will for Ezra to enforce God's Law, demonstrating God's ability to orchestrate human affairs for His redemptive purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 7:14 serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign hand in history, demonstrating His ability to use even pagan rulers and their decrees to advance His divine purposes for His people. It highlights the enduring importance of God's Law as the foundational standard for spiritual life and community order, even in the post-exilic period when the people were under foreign dominion. Ezra's mission underscores that true restoration is not merely physical (rebuilding the Temple or walls) but primarily spiritual—a return to faithful obedience to God's covenant. This verse also emphasizes the necessity of qualified, divinely equipped leaders, like Ezra, who are deeply steeped in God's Word and committed to its application, to guide God's people in righteousness. The dual authority, royal and divine, points to the truth that all earthly authority is ultimately established by God and can be employed by Him for His kingdom's ends.

* [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")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and Profitable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 7:14 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that our callings, whether grand or seemingly small, can be divinely orchestrated, even when they involve secular structures or authorities. Like Ezra, we are called to be deeply committed to knowing and living "according to the law of thy God," recognizing that God's Word is the ultimate standard for our lives, our communities, and our churches. Our mission, whatever its scope, must be rooted in and guided by divine truth, not merely human wisdom or expediency. Ezra's example challenges us to be diligent students of Scripture, allowing it to be truly "in our hand"—not just physically, but intellectually, spiritually, and practically, equipping us to discern, apply, and promote God's will in a world often adrift from divine principles. We are called to be agents of spiritual inquiry and renewal, first in our own hearts, then within our spheres of influence, always seeking to align our lives and our communities with the transforming power of God's Word, trusting in God's sovereignty to work through all circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I recognize God's sovereign hand working through seemingly secular or unexpected channels in my own life or in the world today?**
* **How deeply is "the law of thy God... in my hand" – not just in my possession, but in my understanding, my heart, and my daily practice?**
* **What "enquiry" or spiritual assessment is God calling me to undertake in my own life, family, or community, based on the standard of His Word?**

### FAQ

**Who were the "seven counsellors" mentioned in Ezra 7:14, and what was their significance?**

Answer: The "seven counsellors" were a highly influential and powerful advisory body within the Persian Empire. These were typically the highest-ranking noblemen, often referred to as "the seven princes of Persia and Media" who had direct access to the king, as seen in [Esther 1:14](/esther/1-14 "Esther 1:14 - The Seven Princes of Persia"). Their presence alongside the king in issuing the decree to Ezra signifies the utmost level of royal endorsement and authority. It meant that Ezra's mission was not merely a whim of the king but had the full backing of the Persian state's highest administrative and legal echelons, granting him unparalleled legitimacy and resources for his task in Judah and Jerusalem. This collective endorsement ensured the decree's legal weight and widespread acceptance throughout the empire.

**What does the phrase "the law of thy God which is in thine hand" specifically imply about Ezra?**

Answer: This phrase is profoundly significant, especially given Ezra's background as a "skilled scribe in the Law of Moses" ([Ezra 7:6](/ezra/7-6 "Ezra 7:6 - Ezra the Skilled Scribe")). "The law of thy God" refers to the Torah, the divine revelation given to Israel. "Which is in thine hand" (Aramaic: _dath elahak diy b'yadak_ H3028) implies much more than just physical possession of the scrolls. It speaks to Ezra's profound mastery, deep understanding, and authoritative interpretation of God's Law. As a scribe, Ezra had dedicated himself to studying, practicing, and teaching this Law ([Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Dedication")). Therefore, "in thine hand" signifies that the Law was not just an external document to him, but an internalized guide, the very foundation of his identity, authority, and the basis for his entire mission to assess and restore the spiritual life of the Jewish community. It highlights his unique qualification to execute this divinely mandated task.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 7:14, with its emphasis on a divinely commissioned leader sent to establish and enforce God's Law, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Ezra was sent by an earthly king and his counsellors, yet ultimately by God, to inquire and restore according to the Law. Christ, however, is not merely an interpreter or enforcer of the Law; He is the very embodiment of the "Law of God," the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), perfectly fulfilling every jot and tittle of the Law through His life, death, and resurrection ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). While Ezra carried the Law "in his hand," Christ carries it in His very being, perfectly living out its demands and providing the righteousness that humanity could not achieve. He is the ultimate "enquirer" and restorer, not merely assessing sin but atoning for it on the cross, thereby bringing true spiritual renewal and establishing a new covenant written not on stone tablets, but on the hearts of His people by the Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")). As the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus possesses all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and it is by His ultimate commission that His followers are sent to proclaim His perfect Law of love and grace to all nations, making disciples and teaching them to obey all that He has commanded ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")).

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

Esther 1:14

And the next unto him [was] Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, [and] Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, [and] which sat the first in the kingdom;)

Ezra 6:12

And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter [and] to destroy this house of God which [is] at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.

Ezra 7:15

And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation [is] in Jerusalem,

Daniel 6:26

I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he [is] the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion [shall be even] unto the end.

Ezra 5:8

Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.

Deuteronomy 17:18

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of [that which is] before the priests the Levites:

Deuteronomy 17:19

And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them: