Ezra 7:26

KJV

And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether [it be] unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.

KJV (with Strong's)

And whosoever {H3606} will not {H3809} do {H1934}{H5648} the law {H1882} of thy God {H426}, and the law {H1882} of the king {H4430}, let judgment {H1780} be {H1934} executed {H5648} speedily {H629} upon him {H4481}, whether {H2006} it be unto death {H4193}, or {H2006} to banishment {H8332}, or {H2006} to confiscation {H6065} of goods {H5232}, or to imprisonment {H613}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whoever refuses to obey the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him swiftly, whether it be death, banishment, confiscation of goods or imprisonment."

Berean Standard Bible

If anyone does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let a strict judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.

American Standard Version

And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him with all diligence, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 7:26 articulates a stringent royal decree from King Artaxerxes, empowering Ezra to enforce both "the law of thy God" and "the law of the king" within the post-exilic Jewish community in Judea. This verse specifies the severe judicial consequences for disobedience, ranging from capital punishment to banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment, thereby establishing a robust legal framework intended to ensure order, adherence to established statutes, and the spiritual and civil integrity of the returning exiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 7:26 is the climactic statement within King Artaxerxes' comprehensive decree, which grants Ezra the scribe extraordinary authority. The preceding verses [Ezra 7:11-25](/ezra/7-11-25 "Ezra 7:11-25 - Artaxerxes' Letter to Ezra") detail the king's benevolent provisions, including financial support for temple worship, exemption from taxes for temple personnel, and, most significantly, the mandate for Ezra to appoint judges and magistrates to administer justice. This particular verse provides the punitive teeth to Ezra's newly bestowed authority, outlining the specific, severe penalties for any who would defy either divine or imperial law. It functions as a legal deterrent, ensuring the seriousness with which Ezra's mission of re-establishing the Mosaic Law would be received, and it paves the way for the practical implementation of these laws as Ezra begins his work in Jerusalem.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This decree was issued by Artaxerxes I in 458 BC, marking a pivotal moment in the post-exilic period, roughly 80 years after the initial return under Zerubbabel and Joshua. The Persian Empire, known for its administrative efficiency and relatively tolerant approach to its diverse subject peoples, often permitted local customs and religious laws to be maintained, provided they did not threaten imperial stability. Artaxerxes' explicit endorsement and enforcement of "the law of thy God" alongside "the law of the king" is a remarkable instance of a pagan ruler actively supporting the religious and legal framework of a conquered people. This was crucial for the Jewish community, which was striving to rebuild its identity and societal structure in Jerusalem under Persian suzerainty. The enumerated punishments—death, banishment, confiscation, and imprisonment—were standard judicial practices throughout the ancient Near East, reflecting the gravity with which legal transgressions were treated in imperial systems and underscoring the king's commitment to empowering Ezra's mission to re-establish the Mosaic Law as the foundational legal and moral code for the Jewish people. This context highlights the divine providence at work, using a pagan king to facilitate the restoration of God's people and their covenant relationship, as seen throughout the [book of Ezra](/ezra/1 "The Book of Ezra - Return from Exile").

* **Key Themes:** Ezra 7:26 powerfully encapsulates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's ability to work through secular rulers, even pagan kings like Artaxerxes, to achieve His purposes for His people. The king's decree, though politically motivated, ultimately serves to uphold God's law. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Law and Order**, emphasizing the necessity of a clear legal framework and swift justice for the stability and flourishing of any community, whether civil or religious. The command for judgment to be "executed speedily" reflects a desire for immediate and decisive action against transgression. Thirdly, it illustrates the **Gravity of Disobedience**, as evidenced by the severe and comprehensive list of penalties. This reinforces the high stakes involved in upholding both God's covenantal requirements and the king's civil mandates, which were seen as intertwined for the well-being of the nascent Jewish community. This aligns with Ezra's own commitment, as described in [Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Dedication to the Law"), to diligently study, practice, and teach the Law of the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Law (Aramaic, _dâth'_):** This Aramaic term (H1882), appearing twice in the verse, refers to a royal edict or statute. Its dual application—"the law of thy God" and "the law of the king"—is profoundly significant. When applied to God, it encompasses the Mosaic Law (Torah), representing divine, covenantal instructions. When applied to the king, it denotes an imperial decree or civil regulation. The use of the identical term for both underscores Artaxerxes' recognition of the divine law as a legitimate and enforceable legal code within his empire, particularly for the Jewish community, highlighting a unique convergence of religious and civil authority.
* **Judgment (Aramaic, _dîyn'_):** This Aramaic word (H1780) signifies a legal decision, sentence, or the tribunal itself. In Ezra 7:26, it refers to the legal process and the resulting verdict or punishment. The command "let judgment be executed" emphasizes the imperative nature of administering justice in accordance with the established laws. It conveys the authority vested in Ezra and the appointed magistrates to adjudicate cases and impose the prescribed penalties, ensuring accountability and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
* **Speedily (Aramaic, _ʼoçparnâʼ'_):** Derived from Persian (H629), this adverb conveys the sense of diligence, swiftness, and immediacy. It emphasizes that once a transgression against either God's law or the king's law is identified, the corresponding judgment is not to be delayed. This imperative for swift execution of justice was intended to serve as a powerful deterrent, reinforcing the seriousness of both divine and royal decrees and ensuring the rapid restoration of order and compliance within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king":** This opening clause establishes the comprehensive scope of the decree, targeting any individual who fails to obey either the divine statutes given to Israel or the civil mandates issued by the Persian monarch. The conjunction "and" signifies that both sets of laws are equally binding and their violation equally punishable under this specific royal edict. This highlights the unique historical context where a pagan king actively supports the enforcement of the Mosaic Law for a specific segment of his populace, recognizing its role in maintaining order and stability.
* **"let judgment be executed speedily upon him":** This phrase serves as the imperative command, demanding immediate and decisive action against the transgressor. The passive construction "let judgment be executed" implies that the authority to carry out these judgments is vested in Ezra and the appointed magistrates. The adverb "speedily" emphasizes the urgency and lack of tolerance for delay in the administration of justice, reinforcing the seriousness of the decree and its intent to maintain strict order.
* **"whether [it be] unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment":** This final clause enumerates the specific, escalating penalties for non-compliance. These four categories represent the range of severe punishments common in ancient Near Eastern legal systems. "Death" signifies capital punishment for the most egregious offenses. "Banishment" (exile) meant expulsion from the community or land, a severe social and economic penalty. "Confiscation of goods" involved the seizure of property, leading to financial ruin. "Imprisonment" involved incarceration, depriving the individual of freedom. This comprehensive list demonstrates the king's full commitment to empowering Ezra with the means to enforce the law rigorously.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 7:26 employs several significant literary devices to convey its authoritative and uncompromising message. Most prominent is **Enumeration**, seen in the detailed listing of specific, severe punishments: "death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment." This comprehensive list leaves no ambiguity regarding the consequences of disobedience, underscoring the gravity of the decree and its intended deterrent effect. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the phrase "the law of thy God, and the law of the king." This juxtaposition highlights the dual authority recognized and enforced by the decree, emphasizing the unique historical context where divine and imperial mandates converged to ensure order within the Jewish community. Furthermore, the verse is characterized by an **Authoritative Tone**, conveyed through the imperative "let judgment be executed speedily upon him" and the unyielding nature of the prescribed penalties. This tone reinforces the absolute power granted to Ezra and the king's unwavering commitment to maintaining strict adherence to the established legal framework.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 7:26 offers profound insights into the nature of law, justice, and divine authority. It demonstrates a rare historical instance where a pagan king not only tolerated but actively enforced the Law of God, recognizing its essential role in the social and moral fabric of the Jewish community. This highlights God's sovereignty, even over secular rulers, to orchestrate events for the good of His people and the advancement of His purposes. The verse underscores the principle that obedience to God's law is foundational for societal well-being and that there are indeed serious consequences for disobedience, both in the temporal and spiritual realms. It speaks to the divine desire for order, righteousness, and accountability within the community of faith, reflecting a consistent biblical theme that true flourishing comes from living in alignment with God's revealed will.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:13-14](/1_peter/2-13-14 "1 Peter 2:13-14 - Respect for Human Authority")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 7:26, though rooted in ancient Near Eastern judicial practices, carries timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, and He desires that His people live in obedience to His commands. While we live under grace and are not subject to the Mosaic Law's specific civil penalties, the New Testament consistently upholds the importance of respecting governing authorities and living as law-abiding citizens, unless those laws directly contradict God's higher law. This verse challenges us to consider our own commitment to both divine and just civil laws, recognizing that our conduct reflects on our faith and the God we serve. It also serves as a sober reminder that actions have consequences, and a healthy society, whether spiritual or civil, requires accountability and the administration of justice. Our pursuit of righteousness should not be solely out of fear of punishment, but out of love for God and a desire to see His kingdom values manifested in our lives and communities, contributing to their flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "dual authority" in Ezra 7:26 inform our understanding of Christian responsibility to both divine and civil law today?**
* **In what ways does the "speedy execution of judgment" in this verse reflect God's character, and how does it contrast with or complement His patience and mercy?**
* **What are the contemporary "consequences" for disobedience to God's law in a believer's life, even if they are not the ancient penalties listed here?**
* **How can we, as believers, actively promote justice and order in our communities, reflecting the principles seen in Ezra's mission?**

### FAQ
**Why would a pagan king like Artaxerxes endorse and enforce "the law of thy God" for the Jewish people?**

Answer: King Artaxerxes' decree was primarily motivated by pragmatic political considerations rather than religious conversion or theological affinity. The vast Persian Empire maintained stability by allowing conquered peoples a degree of autonomy, including the practice of their own religions and legal systems, as long as it contributed to imperial order and loyalty. By empowering Ezra to enforce the Mosaic Law, Artaxerxes was essentially delegating the internal governance of the Jewish community to a trusted leader, thereby ensuring order and preventing potential unrest in a distant province. The king understood that a stable, well-governed Jewish population, adhering to its own recognized laws, would be less likely to rebel and would contribute positively to the empire. This act also aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God using pagan rulers, like Cyrus and Artaxerxes, to fulfill His purposes for His people, as seen in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree and the First Return").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 7:26, with its emphasis on the absolute demands of law, the necessity of judgment, and the severe consequences for disobedience, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's righteous requirements in Jesus Christ. The "law of thy God" pointed to the perfect standard of righteousness that humanity, in its fallen state, consistently failed to uphold, leading inevitably to the need for divine judgment. While Ezra was empowered to execute temporal judgments for violations of the law, Jesus Christ is the one who perfectly fulfilled the Law in every respect ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")) and bore its ultimate, eternal penalty on the cross. He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), absorbing the "death, banishment, confiscation of goods, or imprisonment" that humanity justly deserved for its rebellion against God's holy law. Through His atoning sacrifice, those who believe in Him are no longer subject to the condemnation of the law but receive forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate Judge, to whom "all judgment has been committed" by the Father ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One, But Has Given All Judgment to the Son")). Thus, the swift and decisive justice mandated in Ezra 7:26 finds its ultimate and perfect expression in Christ, who both satisfies the demands of the law through grace and will one day execute final, righteous judgment on all humanity, establishing a kingdom where perfect justice and righteousness reign eternally ([Revelation 20:11-15](/revelation/20-11-15 "Revelation 20:11-15 - The Great White Throne Judgment")).

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 6:11

Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

Deuteronomy 13:1

¶ If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

Deuteronomy 13:18

When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do [that which is] right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.

Leviticus 20:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Leviticus 20:27

A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood [shall be] upon them.

Exodus 21:1

¶ Now these [are] the judgments which thou shalt set before them.

Exodus 21:22

¶ If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart [from her], and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges [determine].