Ezra 7:23

Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

Whatsoever {H3606} is commanded by {H2941}{H4481} the God {H426} of heaven {H8065}, let it be diligently {H149} done {H5648} for the house {H1005} of the God {H426} of heaven {H8065}: for {H1768} why {H4101} should there be {H1934} wrath {H7109} against {H5922} the realm {H4437} of the king {H4430} and his sons {H1123}?

Whatever is ordered by the God of heaven is to be performed exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should wrath come against the realm of the king and his sons?

Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons?

Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?

Commentary

Context

Ezra 7:23 is part of a significant royal decree issued by King Artaxerxes I of Persia (Longimanus) to Ezra the scribe and priest, authorizing his journey to Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerxes' reign (around 458 BC). This decree granted Ezra extensive authority and resources to re-establish the law of God among the Jewish exiles who had returned to Judah, to beautify the Temple, and to organize its services. The king's concern in this verse is palpable: he fears divine wrath against his own kingdom if the commands concerning the God of heaven and His house are not diligently carried out.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Obedience: The verse underscores the supreme authority of God's commands, even over earthly kings. Artaxerxes acknowledges that what is "commanded by the God of heaven" must be "diligently done." This principle of unwavering obedience to God's will is central to the post-exilic restoration.
  • Reverence for God's House: The "house of the God of heaven" (the Temple in Jerusalem) is presented as a sacred place demanding meticulous care and adherence to divine instructions. Its proper functioning was seen as vital for maintaining favor with God.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The king's motivation is explicitly stated: "for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?" This reveals a pagan ruler's recognition of the potential for divine judgment, echoing warnings found throughout the Old Testament regarding the serious consequences of neglecting God's commands.
  • God's Sovereignty over Rulers: This passage powerfully illustrates God's ability to work through pagan kings to accomplish His purposes, moving the heart of a powerful monarch to facilitate the restoration of His people and worship. The concept of God's control over the hearts of kings is a recurring biblical theme.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "God of heaven" (Aramaic: 'elah shemayya') is a significant title for God in the post-exilic books of Ezra and Daniel. It emphasizes His universal dominion and supremacy, often used by non-Israelite rulers who acknowledge a supreme deity, yet perhaps without a full understanding of His covenantal relationship with Israel. The term "wrath" (Aramaic: regaz) signifies strong indignation or divine anger, implying severe judgment or punishment.

Practical Application

Ezra 7:23 offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us that:

  1. Diligent Obedience is Paramount: Our commitment to obeying God's commands should be earnest and thorough, not half-hearted. This applies to all areas of life, from personal conduct to our service in the church.
  2. Reverence for Spiritual Things: Just as the physical Temple was to be respected, so too should we approach spiritual matters—worship, the Word of God, and the Church (as the body of Christ)—with deep reverence and care.
  3. Consequences are Real: While we are under grace, the principle that disobedience can have negative consequences, both personally and corporately, remains. This verse encourages us to live in a way that honors God, not out of fear, but out of a deep love and respect for Him.
  4. God Works in Mysterious Ways: We are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He can use any person or circumstance, even unexpected ones, to fulfill His divine plan and advance His kingdom.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 119:4

    ¶ Thou hast commanded [us] to keep thy precepts diligently.

  • Ezra 7:18

    And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.

  • Zechariah 12:3

    And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

  • 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.

  • Ezra 6:10

    That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

  • 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.
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