Ezra 7:20

KJV

And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow [it] out of the king's treasure house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And whatsoever more {H7606} shall be needful {H2819} for the house {H1005} of thy God {H426}, which thou shalt have occasion {H5308} to bestow {H5415}, bestow {H5415} it out of {H4481} the king's {H4430} treasure {H1596} house {H1005}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Whatever else may be needed for the house of your God that you have to supply, you may supply from the royal treasury.

Berean Standard Bible

And if anything else is needed for the house of your God that you may have occasion to supply, you may pay for it from the royal treasury.

American Standard Version

And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure-house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 7:20 records King Artaxerxes' extraordinary and open-ended decree, authorizing Ezra to draw "whatsoever more shall be needful" from the royal treasury for the comprehensive restoration and beautification of the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign orchestration, moving the heart of a powerful pagan monarch to lavishly provide for His people and the re-establishment of proper worship, ensuring that divine purposes for the post-exilic community would be fully realized without financial constraint.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 7:20 is situated within the pivotal decree of King Artaxerxes I, detailed in [Ezra 7:12-26](/ezra/7-12-26 "Ezra 7:12-26 - King Artaxerxes' Comprehensive Decree"). This decree marks a significant turning point in the book of Ezra, initiating the second major return of Jewish exiles to Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra, a revered scribe and priest. Prior to this, [Ezra 7:1-10](/ezra/7-1-10 "Ezra 7:1-10 - Ezra's Journey and Dedication") introduces Ezra's spiritual devotion, his commitment to studying and teaching God's Law, and his divinely appointed journey from Babylon. The broader decree meticulously outlines specific provisions of silver, gold, and sacred vessels for the Temple, alongside significant tax exemptions for those ministering there. Verse 20, however, stands out by granting an expansive, open-ended authorization for additional funds, signifying the king's profound trust in Ezra's mission and his unwavering commitment to ensuring the Temple's complete needs were met, thus complementing the earlier specific grants and solidifying comprehensive royal support.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of the book of Ezra unfold during the zenith of the Persian Empire, specifically under the reign of King Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC). This era followed the Babylonian captivity, and the Persian policy, markedly different from that of their predecessors, generally permitted conquered peoples to return to their ancestral lands and practice their indigenous religions. This approach often included royal patronage for local cults, serving as a strategic means to foster stability, loyalty, and goodwill across the empire's vast territories. While the foundation of the Jerusalem Temple had been laid decades earlier under Cyrus's decree ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for Temple Rebuilding")), it remained in need of extensive beautification, equipping, and the full re-establishment of its sacrificial system. For a pagan monarch to extend such generous and open-ended financial backing to the God of Israel's Temple was highly unusual and underscores a remarkable instance of divine providence. The king's treasury, representing the ultimate repository of wealth and power in the ancient Near East, becoming the source for a foreign deity's sanctuary, highlights both a significant political gesture and, from a biblical perspective, undeniable divine influence.

* **Key Themes:** Ezra 7:20 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it vividly illustrates **Divine Provision Through Unexpected Sources**. God's sovereignty is powerfully demonstrated as He supernaturally influences the heart of a powerful pagan king, Artaxerxes, to generously supply the needs of His people and His Temple. This resonates deeply with the theological truth articulated in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord"), which declares, "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." Secondly, the verse underscores the **Central Importance of the Temple** in Jewish spiritual life and worship. The king's willingness to commit indefinite funds for "the house of thy God" reflects the Temple's indispensable role as the locus of God's presence and the epicenter of Israel's covenant relationship with Him. Its complete restoration was paramount for the spiritual and national identity of the returning exiles. Finally, the expansive phrase "whatsoever more shall be needful" emphasizes **God's Open-Ended Generosity and Faithfulness**. It was not a restrictive or limited grant but an ongoing promise of support, ensuring that Ezra's divinely appointed mission would not be hindered by a lack of resources, thereby showcasing God's unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Needful (Aramaic, _chashchûwth'_):** From a root corresponding to חֲשַׁח, this term denotes "necessity" or that which is required. In this context, it refers to anything genuinely indispensable for the proper functioning, ongoing maintenance, and beautification of the Temple. It implies a comprehensive and generous provision that extends beyond mere basic necessities to encompass anything legitimately contributing to the Temple's full restoration and the re-establishment of its sacred services, indicating a holistic rather than minimalist approach to the royal grant.
* **Bestow (Aramaic, _nᵉthan'_):** Corresponding to נָתַן, this verb signifies "to give," "to grant," or "to deliver." When used in the context of a king's action, it denotes an authoritative and often magnanimous act of giving, distinct from a loan or a conditional transfer. It emphasizes the king's sovereign right to dispense his wealth and his willingness to do so for the Temple, highlighting the unmerited nature of this provision from a human perspective and the king's unreserved support.
* **Treasure (Aramaic, _gᵉnaz'_):** Corresponding to גֶּנֶז, this word refers to a "treasure" or "storehouse." In the phrase "king's treasure house," it specifically denotes the royal treasury, the central repository of the monarch's wealth, including vast reserves of gold, silver, and other valuable assets. Drawing from this source signifies an unlimited and readily available supply of funds, demonstrating the immense scale of the king's commitment and the vastness of the resources at his disposal, all directed towards the Temple's needs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God":** This opening clause establishes the expansive scope of the royal provision. It indicates that the grant is not confined to previously specified items but extends to any additional requirements that may arise for the Temple. The phrase "for the house of thy God" precisely defines the purpose of these funds: the Temple in Jerusalem, underscoring the king's recognition of the God of Israel and his willingness to support His worship, even from a pagan perspective.
* **"which thou shalt have occasion to bestow":** This phrase delegates significant authority and discretion to Ezra. It empowers him, as a trusted priest and scribe, to assess and determine what additional resources are genuinely necessary for the Temple's restoration and ongoing operations. The "occasion to bestow" implies that Ezra will identify specific needs as they emerge, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness in the complex and evolving project of rebuilding and re-establishing Temple worship.
* **"bestow [it] out of the king's treasure house":** This concluding clause explicitly names the source of these funds: the royal treasury. This signifies the king's ultimate backing and unwavering commitment, ensuring that the Temple's needs would be met from the vast, seemingly inexhaustible resources of the Persian Empire. This directive highlights the magnitude and reliability of this divine provision, channeled through the authority and wealth of an earthly ruler, demonstrating God's ability to use even secular powers for His sacred purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 7:20 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of divine provision and royal authority. **Hyperbole** is evident in the open-ended nature of "whatsoever more shall be needful," suggesting an almost limitless supply of resources. This emphasizes the king's extraordinary generosity and, by extension, God's boundless capacity to provide. **Metonymy** is present in "the king's treasure house," which stands for the entire wealth, power, and authority of the Persian Empire, indicating that the full might of the empire is being leveraged for the Temple's benefit. The recurring phrase "house of thy God" functions as a powerful **symbol** for the sacred presence of God among His people and the central hub of their worship, underscoring the deep spiritual significance of the material provisions. The entire decree, with this verse as a key component, acts as a **narrative pivot**, shifting the focus from the initial foundational rebuilding to the comprehensive restoration, beautification, and full functioning of the Temple, signaling a new, divinely enabled phase of God's redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 7:20 offers a profound theological insight into God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, demonstrating His remarkable ability to use unexpected channels—even the immense treasury of a pagan king—to accomplish His divine purposes for His people and the advancement of His kingdom. This verse stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness in providing for His work, even when human resources appear insufficient or when His covenant people are in a vulnerable, post-exilic state. It serves as a vivid reminder that God's plans are never thwarted by a lack of funds, influence, or political will; rather, He orchestrates circumstances and moves the hearts of rulers, ensuring His will is done. This extraordinary divine provision for the physical Temple in Jerusalem beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and complete provision for humanity's spiritual needs through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Haggai 2:8](/haggai/2-8 "Haggai 2:8 - The Silver and Gold Are Mine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 7:20 offers profound encouragement and a robust challenge for contemporary believers, reminding us that God is not constrained by human limitations, economic downturns, or prevailing political landscapes. Just as He sovereignly moved the heart of King Artaxerxes to provide lavishly and without limit for His Temple, He continues to orchestrate circumstances, influence leaders, and open unexpected avenues to ensure His work is accomplished today. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep and unwavering trust in God's boundless provision, particularly when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges in ministry, personal endeavors, or global missions. It challenges us to be bold and unwavering in our calling, knowing that if God has called us to a task, He will faithfully provide all the necessary means, whether through conventional or entirely unexpected channels. Furthermore, this passage underscores the enduring importance of supporting God's work in our own generation, recognizing that we are stewards of the resources He entrusts to us. We are called to contribute to the "house of God"—which now encompasses His global Church and its mission—through our financial giving, our time, our talents, and our prayers, all for the advancement of His eternal kingdom and the glory of His name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life or ministry do you need to exercise greater faith in God for unexpected and abundant provision?**
* **How does the historical account of Artaxerxes' generosity deepen your understanding of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and systems?**
* **Considering God's open-ended provision, what practical steps can you take to more faithfully contribute to God's "house" or His redemptive work in the world today?**

### FAQ
**How could a pagan king be so generous towards the Jewish Temple, and what motivated this extraordinary decree?**

Answer: King Artaxerxes' remarkable generosity towards the Jewish Temple, while seemingly counter-intuitive for a pagan monarch, can be understood through a confluence of political pragmatism and divine orchestration. From a political perspective, the Persian Empire often pursued a policy of supporting local religious cults across its vast territories. This strategy aimed to foster stability, secure loyalty, and potentially gain the favor of the deities worshipped by their diverse subject peoples. By funding the Temple, Artaxerxes could cultivate goodwill among the Jewish population, ensuring their allegiance and potentially benefiting from their prayers for the king and his kingdom, as explicitly requested in [Ezra 7:23](/ezra/7-23 "Ezra 7:23 - King's Command for Temple Provisions and Prayers"). However, from a profound biblical perspective, this generosity is ultimately attributed to God's sovereign and supernatural influence. [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - God's Sovereignty Over Kings") powerfully declares, "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." God supernaturally moved the king's heart to provide for His people and His Temple, demonstrating His omnipotence and His power to use any means, even a powerful pagan ruler, to accomplish His divine purposes and fulfill His covenant promises to Israel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 7:20, with its emphasis on an open-ended, royal provision for the "house of thy God," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Artaxerxes' treasury provided material resources for a physical, temporal temple, Christ embodies the inexhaustible spiritual riches and the ultimate, eternal provision for God's dwelling place. The Temple in Jerusalem, for which these funds were designated, was a magnificent shadow of the true Temple, which is Christ Himself, as He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")). By extension, the Church, the body of believers, becomes the spiritual temple in whom God now dwells by His Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). The "whatsoever more shall be needful" from the king's treasury points forward to the boundless grace, immeasurable supply, and complete sufficiency available to us through Christ. As the "Lamb of God," He took away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His finished work on the cross and His glorious resurrection, He has provided everything "pertaining to life and godliness" ([2 Peter 1:3](/2-peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3 - God's Divine Power")) from the infinite "treasures of wisdom and knowledge" hidden in Him ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). Thus, the king's earthly, material provision for a temporary structure serves as a beautiful and compelling foreshadowing of Christ, the King of kings, who provides eternal, spiritual resources for the building of His everlasting kingdom and the eternal sustenance of His people, who are now the true Temple of the living God.

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

Ezra 6:4

[With] three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:

Ezra 6:8

Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, [even] of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

Ezra 6:18

And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which [is] at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.