Ezra 7:25

And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that [is] in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that [are] beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know [them] not.

And thou {H607}, Ezra {H5831}, after the wisdom {H2452} of thy God {H426}, that is in thine hand {H3028}, set {H4483} magistrates {H8200} and judges {H1782}, which may judge {H1934}{H1778} all {H3606} the people {H5972} that are beyond {H5675} the river {H5103}, all {H3606} such as know {H3046} the laws {H1882} of thy God {H426}; and teach {H3046} ye them that know {H3046} them not {H3809}.

"And you, 'Ezra, making use of the wisdom you have from your God, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people in the territory beyond the River, that is, all who know the laws of your God; and you are to teach those who don't know them.

And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them.

And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God that is in thy hand, appoint magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people that are beyond the River, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye him that knoweth them not.

Commentary

Context

Ezra 7:25 is part of a significant decree issued by King Artaxerxes I of Persia to Ezra the scribe and priest. This decree granted Ezra extensive authority to return to Jerusalem from Babylon, bringing resources for the temple and, crucially, to establish civil and religious order among the Jewish population in the province "beyond the river" (Trans-Euphrates), which included Judah. Ezra's journey and mission are detailed earlier in the chapter, beginning with his arrival in Jerusalem after a divinely protected journey (Ezra 7:6-10).

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Wisdom: The verse highlights that Ezra's mandate to set up magistrates and judges is rooted in "the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand." This acknowledges God's direct involvement in empowering Ezra and guiding his actions, even through a pagan king. Ezra's deep knowledge of God's law was not just academic but divinely imparted for practical governance.
  • Establishment of Justice and Order: A primary task for Ezra was to implement a legal system based on God's laws. This was crucial for the returning exiles to rebuild their society on a foundation of righteousness. The appointment of "magistrates and judges" underscores the need for sound, impartial judgment within the community, upholding biblical principles of justice.
  • Religious Education and Instruction: Beyond judging those who knew the law, Ezra was also commanded to "teach ye them that know them not." This emphasizes the vital role of education in the spiritual and social life of the people. It was not enough for laws to exist; they had to be understood and applied by all, highlighting the continuous need for spiritual instruction and discipleship.
  • The Sovereignty of God: Remarkably, a pagan king recognizes and empowers Ezra based on his God's wisdom, illustrating how God can use secular authorities to accomplish His purposes for His people and the advancement of His kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand" is significant. The Aramaic here implies not just intellectual knowledge but also the practical skill and ability to apply that divine wisdom. It suggests God had equipped Ezra with both the understanding of His laws and the capacity to implement them effectively in governing the people. The "laws of thy God" (dat Elaha) refers to the divine statutes and decrees, contrasting with human laws and emphasizing their sacred origin.

Practical Application

Ezra 7:25 offers enduring lessons for leadership and community. It underscores the importance of:

  • Godly Leadership: Leaders, whether in civil or spiritual spheres, should seek and operate under divine wisdom, allowing God's principles to guide their decisions and actions.
  • Justice and Equity: The need for fair and just governance based on sound, unchanging principles remains paramount for any thriving society or community.
  • Education and Discipleship: There is an ongoing responsibility to teach and explain God's truth to those who are unaware, fostering a deeper understanding and application of biblical principles in daily life. This aligns with the New Testament call to make disciples and teach them to obey all that Christ commanded.

This verse reminds us that God's plan often involves human agents, equipped by Him, to bring order, justice, and spiritual understanding to a world in need.

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

  • Deuteronomy 16:18

    ¶ Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.

  • 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.

  • James 1:5

    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  • Psalms 19:7

    ¶ The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.

  • Malachi 2:7

    For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

  • James 3:17

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

  • James 3:18

    And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
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