Ezra 7:22

KJV

Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing [how much].

KJV (with Strong's)

Unto {H5705} an hundred {H3969} talents {H3604} of silver {H3702}, and to an hundred {H3969} measures {H3734} of wheat {H2591}, and to an hundred {H3969} baths {H1325} of wine {H2562}, and to an hundred {H3969} baths {H1325} of oil {H4887}, and salt {H4416} without {H3809} prescribing {H3792} how much.

Complete Jewish Bible

up to three-and-a-third tons of silver, 500 bushels of wheat, 500 gallons of wine, 500 gallons of olive oil and unlimited amounts of salt.

Berean Standard Bible

up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit.

American Standard Version

unto a hundred talents of silver, and to a hundred measures of wheat, and to a hundred baths of wine, and to a hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 7:22 meticulously itemizes the substantial provisions decreed by King Artaxerxes I of Persia for the temple service in Jerusalem. This verse enumerates vast quantities of silver, wheat, wine, and oil, alongside an unlimited supply of salt, all designated for the needs of the restored worship and the sustenance of the Levitical personnel. This royal generosity underscores God's sovereign hand orchestrating the post-exilic restoration of His people and their spiritual practices in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 7:22 is embedded within a pivotal section of the book of Ezra, specifically within the royal decree issued by King Artaxerxes I, found in [Ezra 7:11-26](/ezra/7-11 "Ezra 7:11-26 - King Artaxerxes' Decree to Ezra"). This decree marks a significant turning point, authorizing Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, to lead a second wave of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem. Unlike the earlier return under Zerubbabel focused on rebuilding the temple structure, Ezra's mission was primarily to restore the proper worship practices, enforce the Mosaic Law, and establish the spiritual order of the community. The detailed provisions in this verse are not mere administrative details but are foundational for the daily sacrifices, offerings, and the overall functionality of the temple as the center of Israelite worship, demonstrating the king's full endorsement and provision for Ezra's divinely inspired task.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Ezra 7:22 is the mid-5th century BCE, during the reign of Artaxerxes I (465-424 BCE), a powerful monarch of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Following the Babylonian exile, Persian policy, initiated by Cyrus the Great, generally permitted and even encouraged subject peoples to return to their homelands and worship their gods, believing this fostered stability within the empire. This decree to Ezra was not an isolated act but part of a broader Persian strategy that saw the restoration of local cults as beneficial for imperial control. The lavishness of the provisions reflects the immense wealth of the Persian Empire and the king's authority to allocate vast resources. Furthermore, the detailed nature of the decree, including specific quantities of precious metals and foodstuffs, highlights the bureaucratic precision of the Persian administration and the significant value placed on temple cults, even by a pagan ruler.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it showcases **Divine Providence through Royal Decree**, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to work through unexpected channels, even pagan kings, to accomplish His purposes for His people's restoration. Artaxerxes' decree, though politically motivated, was ultimately a testament to God's overarching plan for the spiritual and physical rebuilding of Jerusalem. Secondly, the **Generous Provision for Worship** is evident in the specified amounts—one hundred talents of silver, one hundred measures of wheat, one hundred baths of wine, and one hundred baths of oil. This abundance underscores the king's (and by extension, God's) commitment to the sanctity and proper functioning of the temple worship, ensuring that the necessary elements for sacrifices and offerings were readily available. Thirdly, the verse contributes to the theme of the **Restoration of Temple Service**, as these supplies were essential for the various offerings and ceremonies prescribed by the Mosaic Law, allowing the temple in Jerusalem to once again function as the vibrant center of Israelite worship. Finally, the phrase "salt without prescribing" highlights an **Unrestricted Supply** for a crucial commodity, not only for food preservation but also as a required component in grain offerings (as seen in [Leviticus 2:13](/leviticus/2-13 "Leviticus 2:13 - The Requirement of Salt in Offerings")) and symbolic of an enduring covenant (as referenced in [Numbers 18:19](/numbers/18-19 "Numbers 18:19 - The Covenant of Salt")). This open-ended provision emphasizes the unreserved support for the temple's needs.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Talent (Hebrew, _kikkār'_):** A talent was a very large unit of weight, typically around 75 pounds (or approximately 34 kilograms). One hundred talents of silver, therefore, represented an immense sum, equivalent to roughly 7,500 pounds (over 3,400 kg) of silver. This quantity signifies an extraordinary level of royal generosity and the significant financial resources dedicated to the temple's restoration and ongoing service. It underscores the king's serious commitment to Ezra's mission.
* **Measure (Hebrew, _kor'_):** The Hebrew term for "measures" in the context of wheat is _kor_ (or _cor_), which was a dry measure. A _kor_ was roughly equivalent to 10 baths or about 6.2 bushels (approximately 220 liters). One hundred _kor_ of wheat would have been a substantial amount, providing ample grain for daily offerings, sustenance for the temple personnel, and perhaps for the general population in need.
* **Bath (Hebrew, _bath'_):** A _bath_ was a liquid measure, approximately 6 gallons (or about 22 liters). One hundred baths of wine and one hundred baths of oil represent significant quantities for both libation offerings (wine) and for anointing, lamps, and food preparation (oil). These provisions were crucial for the regular functioning of the temple rituals and the daily lives of those serving there.
* **Salt without prescribing (Hebrew, _melach bil'di ketav'_):** This phrase literally translates to "salt without writing" or "without a written limit." Salt was an indispensable commodity in the ancient world, not only for preserving food but also for its symbolic significance in covenants and its explicit requirement in grain offerings (cf. [Leviticus 2:13](/leviticus/2-13 "Leviticus 2:13 - The Salt of the Covenant")). The unquantified provision of salt suggests an open-ended, unlimited supply, emphasizing the king's complete and unreserved commitment to providing whatever was necessary for the temple's needs, echoing the boundless provision of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Unto an hundred talents of silver":** This opening clause immediately establishes the magnitude of the king's generosity. The "hundred talents" signifies an enormous sum of precious metal, indicating a substantial financial endowment for the temple's needs, including repairs, purchase of sacrificial animals, and general expenses. This was not a token gesture but a significant investment.
* **"and to an hundred measures of wheat":** Following the silver, the decree specifies an equally generous provision of staple food. "Measures" (kor) of wheat would have provided sustenance for the priests and Levites, and also been used for the various grain offerings and bread required for temple rituals. This ensured the practical needs of the temple community were met.
* **"and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil":** These liquid provisions were essential for the daily functioning of the temple. Wine was used for libations, accompanying sacrifices, and for the priests' consumption. Oil was vital for anointing, for the lamps in the temple (such as the menorah), and for preparing offerings. The identical quantity for both underscores their equal importance in the temple's liturgical and practical life.
* **"and salt without prescribing [how much]":** This final clause highlights a unique aspect of the decree: an unlimited supply of salt. Salt was crucial for food preservation and, more significantly, was a required component in every grain offering (cf. [Leviticus 2:13](/leviticus/2-13 "Leviticus 2:13 - The Salt of the Covenant Offering")), symbolizing purity, permanence, and the enduring nature of the covenant. The absence of a prescribed limit emphasizes the king's full commitment to ensuring all necessary elements for worship were available without constraint.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 7:22 employs several literary devices to convey its message of lavish provision and divine orchestration. The repeated use of "an hundred" for silver, wheat, wine, and oil creates a sense of **Hyperbole** or extreme abundance, emphasizing the extraordinary generosity of the king's decree. This repetition also lends a rhythmic, almost poetic quality to the list, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the provisions. The inclusion of "salt without prescribing" serves as a powerful **Symbolism**, as salt in ancient Israel represented permanence, purity, and the enduring nature of covenants (e.g., a "covenant of salt"). Its unlimited provision thus symbolizes an unreserved and lasting commitment to the temple's needs, echoing God's own boundless faithfulness. The entire decree, as presented in Ezra, functions as a narrative device to illustrate **Divine Providence**, showcasing how God sovereignly works through human instruments, even pagan rulers, to accomplish His redemptive purposes for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 7:22 stands as a powerful testament to God's faithful and abundant provision for His people and His work, often utilizing unexpected channels. The lavish decree of a pagan king, Artaxerxes, for the restoration of temple worship in Jerusalem, demonstrates God's sovereignty over all earthly powers. It reminds us that God is not limited by human political structures or religious affiliations; He can move the hearts of rulers and orchestrate circumstances to ensure His purposes are fulfilled and His people are sustained. This verse underscores that when God calls His people to a task, He also provides the necessary resources, whether directly or through the generosity of others. It highlights the principle that God's kingdom work is never hindered by a lack of resources, but rather by a lack of faith or obedience.

* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Haggai 1:8](/haggai/1-8 "Haggai 1:8 - Build the Temple, and I Will Be Pleased")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2-corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed provisions in Ezra 7:22 offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. Firstly, they serve as a powerful reminder of God's boundless generosity and His commitment to sustaining His work in the world. Just as He moved the heart of Artaxerxes to provide for the physical temple, so too does He continue to provide for His spiritual temple—the Church—and its mission today. This should cultivate a deep trust in God's provision, encouraging us to step out in faith, knowing that He will equip us for every good work. Secondly, this verse challenges us to consider our own role in God's economy. The king's lavish giving for the temple inspires us to be generous stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, whether financial, material, or spiritual. Our contributions, no matter how small or large, are vital for the continued spread of the Gospel, the building up of the body of Christ, and the care of those in need. It calls us to participate cheerfully and sacrificially in God's ongoing work, recognizing that our giving is an act of worship and partnership with the divine plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the lavish provision in Ezra 7:22 challenge my understanding of God's faithfulness and generosity?**
* **In what ways might God be calling me to contribute generously to His work today, whether through my resources, time, or talents?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem uncertain?**
* **What "salt without prescribing" — an unlimited resource or blessing — has God provided in my life that I might be overlooking or underutilizing for His glory?**

### FAQ

**Why did a pagan king like Artaxerxes provide such lavish support for the Jewish temple?**

Answer: King Artaxerxes' decree, while seemingly altruistic, was likely rooted in a combination of political pragmatism and divine influence. From a political standpoint, the Persian Empire generally adopted a policy of religious tolerance and support for local cults within its vast territories. By allowing and even funding the restoration of temples and religious practices, Persian kings fostered stability, gained the loyalty of their diverse subject peoples, and potentially believed that the gods of these peoples would bless the empire. Furthermore, the decree explicitly states that Ezra was to ensure the law of God was observed, which would contribute to order and governance in the province. However, the biblical narrative consistently attributes such acts to God's sovereign hand, moving 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")). Thus, while Artaxerxes had his own reasons, the ultimate explanation for this extraordinary generosity is divine providence, fulfilling God's plan for the restoration of His people after the Babylonian exile and the re-establishment of proper worship in Jerusalem.

**What is the significance of "salt without prescribing"?**

Answer: The phrase "salt without prescribing" (literally "salt without writing") signifies an unlimited, unquantified provision of salt. This holds both practical and symbolic significance. Practically, salt was a vital commodity in the ancient world for food preservation and as a seasoning. Symbolically, salt held profound meaning in Israelite culture and worship. It was a required component in every grain offering presented to the Lord, symbolizing purity, preservation, and the enduring nature of the covenant (as commanded in [Leviticus 2:13](/leviticus/2-13 "Leviticus 2:13 - The Salt of the Covenant Offering")). Furthermore, a "covenant of salt" (as mentioned in [Numbers 18:19](/numbers/18-19 "Numbers 18:19 - The Covenant of Salt for the Priesthood") and [2 Chronicles 13:5](/2-chronicles/13-5 "2 Chronicles 13:5 - A Covenant of Salt with David")) denoted an unbreakable, perpetual agreement. Therefore, providing salt without limit underscored the king's deep commitment to the temple's needs and, more profoundly, reflected God's own boundless and enduring faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, ensuring that nothing essential for pure and lasting worship would ever be lacking.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The lavish provisions for the temple in Ezra 7:22 find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The silver, wheat, wine, and oil, meticulously detailed for the temple's sustenance and sacrificial system, all point forward to the perfect and all-sufficient provision found in the person and work of Christ. The Old Testament temple, with its sacrifices and offerings, served as a shadow of the reality to come, and Jesus is that reality ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow of Good Things to Come")). He is the ultimate Lamb of God, whose single, perfect sacrifice on the cross forever atoned for sin, rendering the continuous animal sacrifices unnecessary ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The wine and oil, used for libations and anointing, foreshadow the new covenant established in Christ's blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in Christ's Blood")) and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which believers receive through Him ([1 John 2:27](/1-john/2-27 "1 John 2:27 - The Anointing You Received from Him")). Moreover, the "salt without prescribing," symbolizing an enduring covenant, is fully realized in the eternal covenant of grace secured by Christ, a covenant that will never be broken or diminished ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). Just as Artaxerxes provided without limit for the physical temple, God the Father provided His Son without reservation, the ultimate and inexhaustible provision for our spiritual needs, making us living temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1-corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")).

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

Luke 16:6

And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

Luke 16:7

Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.

Leviticus 2:13

And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.

Ezekiel 45:14

Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, [ye shall offer] the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, [which is] an homer of ten baths; for ten baths [are] an homer: