Ezra 7:21

KJV

And I, [even] I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which [are] beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,

KJV (with Strong's)

And I {H4481}, even I {H576} Artaxerxes {H783} the king {H4430}, do make {H7761} a decree {H2942} to all {H3606} the treasurers {H1490} which are beyond {H5675} the river {H5103}, that whatsoever Ezra {H5831} the priest {H3549}, the scribe {H5613} of the law {H1882} of the God {H426} of heaven {H8065}, shall require {H7593} of you, it be done {H5648} speedily {H629},

Complete Jewish Bible

"I, Artach'shashta the king, herewith order all the treasurers in the territory beyond the [Euphrates] River to do carefully anything 'Ezra the cohen, scribe of the law of the God of heaven, requires of you,

Berean Standard Bible

I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly,

American Standard Version

And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers that are beyond the River, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 7:21 records a remarkable decree from King Artaxerxes I of Persia, unequivocally commanding all imperial treasurers west of the Euphrates River to promptly and fully supply whatever Ezra, identified as "the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven," might require for his mission to Jerusalem. This pivotal verse underscores the extraordinary royal endorsement and material support granted to Ezra, enabling him to undertake the crucial work of spiritual and administrative restoration among the post-exilic Jewish community in Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 7:21 is an integral part of a comprehensive royal decree issued by King Artaxerxes I, detailed in Ezra 7:12-26. This decree follows the initial returns of exiles under Zerubbabel and Joshua (Ezra 1-6), who focused on rebuilding the temple. Ezra's arrival marks a new phase, shifting the focus from physical reconstruction to spiritual and legal restoration. The decree itself is written in Aramaic, indicating its official nature as a Persian state document. Verse 21 specifically addresses the financial and logistical support, immediately preceding sections that outline the specific materials and funds to be provided, the exemption of temple workers from taxes, and the king's explicit authorization for Ezra to appoint judges and enforce the Law. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for Ezra's immense authority and the resources at his disposal, demonstrating the king's full backing for Ezra's mission, which is rooted in Ezra's own commitment to the Law as stated in [Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Commitment to the Law").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The decree was issued by Artaxerxes I Longimanus, who reigned over the vast Achaemenid Persian Empire from 465 to 424 BC. This period was characterized by Persian administrative efficiency and a policy of relative religious tolerance, particularly towards peoples who posed no political threat and whose religious practices could contribute to the empire's stability. The phrase "beyond the river" (Aramaic: `עֲבַר נַהֲרָה`, `'avar nahara`) refers to the satrapy of Trans-Euphrates, a major administrative division of the Persian Empire that encompassed Syria, Phoenicia, and Judah. Persian kings often utilized local religious leaders and laws to maintain order and loyalty within their diverse empire. Artaxerxes' decree to his "treasurers" (Aramaic: `גִּזְבְּרַיָּא`, `gizbarayya`), who were high-ranking financial officials, highlights the centralized control and the king's absolute authority over the vast resources of his empire. This royal support for the Jewish community was not unprecedented, echoing the earlier decrees of Cyrus the Great for the temple's rebuilding, as recorded in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree") and [Ezra 6:1-5](/ezra/6-1 "Ezra 6:1-5 - Darius's Confirmation of Cyrus's Decree").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, **Divine Providence and Royal Support** is paramount; it showcases God's sovereign hand orchestrating events and influencing even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes for His people, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"). Artaxerxes' decree is a tangible manifestation of God working through unexpected channels. Second, **Ezra's Authority and Mission** is central. The king's explicit recognition of Ezra as "the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven" granted him unparalleled religious and civil authority, vital for his mission to restore the Law of Moses as the governing principle for the Jewish community. This highlights the importance of qualified, divinely appointed leadership. Third, the command "it be done speedily" emphasizes **Expeditious Action** and the urgency of the mission. This ensured that Ezra's vital work of spiritual and administrative reform in Jerusalem would not be hindered by bureaucratic delays, reflecting a divine urgency behind the restoration project.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Artaxerxes (Persian, _Artakhshatra_):** This is the Greek transliteration of the Old Persian name `Artaxšacā`, meaning "whose reign is through truth" or "great warrior." Artaxerxes I Longimanus (meaning "long-handed," perhaps due to a physical characteristic or a long reach of power) was a significant figure in Persian history, known for his long reign and administrative capabilities. His decree here is not merely a benevolent act but likely a pragmatic decision to maintain stability in a distant province by supporting a recognized local leader and his religious practices, thereby securing loyalty and potentially preventing unrest.
* **Scribe (Hebrew, _sōp̄ēr_):** The Aramaic equivalent `sāphrā` is used here. In the post-exilic period, a `sōp̄ēr` was far more than a mere copyist. Ezra's title "scribe of the law of the God of heaven" signifies a highly trained scholar, interpreter, and teacher of the Mosaic Law. This elevated status, combined with his priestly lineage, made Ezra uniquely qualified to lead the spiritual and legal restoration of the Jewish community, bridging the gap between sacred text and practical application.
* **Speedily (Aramaic, _ḥafīz_):** This adverb means "quickly, promptly, without delay." The inclusion of this term in the royal decree underscores the king's intent that Ezra's requests be met with immediate compliance and without bureaucratic obstruction. It reflects the king's earnestness in facilitating Ezra's mission, ensuring that the necessary resources and support were not held up by administrative red tape, thereby giving Ezra a clear mandate and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I, [even] I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree":** This opening emphasizes the personal authority of the king. The repetition "I, even I" (Aramaic: `וַאֲנָה אֲנָה`, `wa'anah 'anah`) serves as a strong rhetorical device, underscoring the direct, personal, and unchallengeable nature of the royal command. It leaves no doubt that this is a direct edict from the highest authority in the empire.
* **"to all the treasurers which [are] beyond the river":** This specifies the recipients of the decree: the high-ranking financial officials responsible for the vast satrapy of Trans-Euphrates. By addressing them directly, the king ensures that the necessary resources are made available from the imperial coffers, bypassing local administrative layers that might otherwise impede the process.
* **"that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you":** This grants Ezra an extraordinary level of authority and discretion. The king acknowledges Ezra's dual roles as both a religious leader ("the priest") and a legal expert ("the scribe of the law of the God of heaven"). The phrase "God of heaven" was a common Persian designation for the supreme deity, indicating a recognition of Israel's God as a powerful, universal deity, even if not exclusively worshipped by the king. This clause empowers Ezra to request any necessary resources without specific itemization, trusting in his judgment and the divine nature of his mission.
* **"it be done speedily":** This final command reinforces the urgency and efficiency expected in fulfilling Ezra's requests. It mandates prompt action, minimizing any potential delays or bureaucratic hurdles, and ensuring that Ezra's mission proceeds without unnecessary hindrance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Royal Decree Formula**, characteristic of ancient Near Eastern official documents, which begins with the king's direct declaration and proceeds to state his command and its recipients. The **Repetition** of "I, even I" (`wa'anah 'anah`) serves as a powerful device for **Emphasis**, highlighting the personal authority and unwavering will of King Artaxerxes behind the decree. This is not a mere bureaucratic directive but a personal mandate from the sovereign. Furthermore, the detailed identification of Ezra as "the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven" functions as a form of **Appellation** or **Title Attribution**, lending immense credibility and authority to Ezra's person and mission within the context of the Persian administration. The entire decree, as represented by this verse, implicitly demonstrates **Divine Sovereignty** through the unexpected influence of a pagan king, showcasing God's ability to use any means to achieve His purposes for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 7:21 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign control over world leaders and empires, demonstrating that His purposes for His people will prevail, even through seemingly secular or pagan channels. It highlights that divine work is often accomplished through human agents who are faithfully prepared, like Ezra, and that God provides the necessary resources and authority for His calling. The king's recognition of "the God of heaven" also subtly points to the universal scope of God's dominion, influencing even those outside the covenant community to serve His ends. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that when God's people are devoted to His Word and His work, He can open doors and provide support from the most unexpected sources.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the LORD")
* [Isaiah 45:1-3](/isaiah/45-1 "Isaiah 45:1-3 - God's Anointing of Cyrus")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 7:21 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that God is actively at work in the world, orchestrating circumstances and influencing individuals—even those outside the church—to advance His kingdom purposes. Just as Artaxerxes was moved to provide for Ezra's mission, we can trust that God will provide the necessary resources, open the right doors, and grant the needed authority for the work He calls us to do. This verse challenges us to be like Ezra: diligently prepared in heart, committed to studying, obeying, and teaching God's Word ([Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Commitment to the Law")), and ready to step into the opportunities God provides. It also underscores the importance of efficiency and diligence in our service; when God provides a clear path, we are called to act "speedily" and faithfully, recognizing the divine urgency behind His kingdom work. Our faithfulness in small things can unlock great provisions for God's grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry are you waiting for God's provision or opened doors? How does Artaxerxes' decree encourage you?**
* **How does Ezra's dual role as "priest" and "scribe of the law" inform your understanding of spiritual leadership today?**
* **What does "it be done speedily" imply about our attitude and responsiveness when God calls us to action?**

### FAQ

**Why would a pagan king like Artaxerxes support Ezra's mission to restore the Law of the Jewish people?**

Answer: Artaxerxes' support for Ezra's mission, while seemingly benevolent, was primarily rooted in pragmatic Persian imperial policy. The Persian Empire, vast and diverse, found it effective to maintain stability by supporting local religious and legal structures, provided they did not threaten Persian rule. By empowering Ezra, a respected Jewish leader and expert in their law, Artaxerxes likely sought to ensure order, loyalty, and efficient administration within the satrapy of Trans-Euphrates, which included Judah. A stable, well-governed Jewish community, operating under its own laws (which were seen as divinely sanctioned), would contribute to the overall peace and prosperity of the empire. Furthermore, the Persian kings often acknowledged the "God of heaven" as a powerful deity, and securing the favor of such a deity through supporting His worshipers was also a common practice, as seen in [Ezra 6:10](/ezra/6-10 "Ezra 6:10 - Darius's Decree for Prayer").

**What was the significance of the phrase "beyond the river" in this decree?**

Answer: The phrase "beyond the river" (Aramaic: `'avar nahara`) was the official Persian administrative designation for the satrapy (province) west of the Euphrates River. This vast region included Syria, Phoenicia, and Judah. By addressing the decree to "all the treasurers which are beyond the river," King Artaxerxes was specifically commanding the highest financial officials in that entire region to provide for Ezra's needs. This demonstrates the extensive reach of the king's authority and the specific geographical scope of the provision. It highlights that the support for Ezra was not just a local arrangement but an imperial directive, giving Ezra immense authority and access to significant resources across a wide territory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 7:21, though set in the post-exilic period, points forward to Christ in profound ways. Ezra, as "the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven," foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")) and the perfect embodiment and interpreter of God's Law. While Ezra was sent with a decree to restore the Law to a remnant of Israel, Jesus came not merely to restore but to fulfill the Law and the Prophets ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The extraordinary provision and authority granted to Ezra by a pagan king prefigure the even greater divine provision for Christ's mission and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Just as Artaxerxes ensured Ezra's work would be "speedily" done, God the Father ensured the swift and decisive completion of Christ's redemptive work, culminating in His resurrection and ascension. Ultimately, the resources and authority provided for Ezra's mission of restoring the old covenant community pale in comparison to the boundless grace and power given to Christ for the building of His church, the new covenant community, which He promised to build and against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")).

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 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 4:16

We certify the king that, if this city be builded [again], and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.

Ezra 4:20

There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all [countries] beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.

Ezra 6:6

Now [therefore], Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which [are] beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

Ezra 7:10

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do [it], and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Ezra 7:13

I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and [of] his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.