Ezra 7:26

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.

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}.

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."

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.

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

Ezra 7:26 (KJV) stands as a powerful declaration within King Artaxerxes' decree, granting authority to Ezra the scribe concerning the administration of justice in Judea. This verse outlines the severe consequences for those who would disregard either the divine law of God or the civil law of the Persian king, emphasizing strict adherence to established order.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is part of a significant decree issued by King Artaxerxes I of Persia (c. 458 BC), allowing Ezra, a priest and scribe, to return to Jerusalem. Ezra's mission was crucial for the post-exilic Jewish community, focusing on spiritual and administrative restoration. The Persian Empire was known for its organized governance and relative religious tolerance, often allowing conquered peoples to live by their own laws, provided they did not conflict with imperial rule. Here, Artaxerxes specifically endorses the enforcement of the "law of thy God," recognizing its importance for the Jewish people's societal stability, alongside the "law of the king." This dual authority highlights the unique intersection of religious and civil governance under Persian oversight during the return from Babylonian exile.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Dual Authority: The verse underscores the interwoven nature of divine and civil law. For the Jewish people, obedience to God's commandments was paramount, and here, it is reinforced by the secular authority of the Persian king. This demonstrates a rare instance where imperial power actively supported the enforcement of religious statutes.
  • Impartial Justice: The phrase "let judgment be executed speedily upon him" emphasizes the swift and decisive nature of justice. This was intended to maintain order and deter disobedience, ensuring that both God's law and the king's law were taken seriously by the community.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: A clear list of severe penalties—death, banishment, confiscation of goods, and imprisonment—is presented. These were common forms of punishment in the ancient Near East, signifying the gravity of violating either divine or royal decrees and the importance of upholding righteous conduct.
  • Order and Governance: Beyond punishment, the decree aimed to establish a stable and functioning society in Jerusalem, built upon adherence to legal and moral principles. Ezra's primary role was to teach and implement these laws, as seen in Ezra 7:10.

Linguistic Insights

The term "law" used here in the Aramaic text of Ezra can refer to both divine law (often Torah in Hebrew contexts) and royal decree (dath in Aramaic). The phrase "the law of thy God" specifically points to the Mosaic Law, the covenant given to Israel. The inclusion of "speedily" (Aramaic: hathith) conveys an urgency and immediacy in the application of justice, leaving no room for delay or evasion.

Practical Application

While specific ancient punishments are no longer applicable, the principles embedded in Ezra 7:26 remain relevant. It highlights the importance of:

  • Respect for Law: Believers are called to respect and obey governing authorities, as long as their laws do not contradict God's higher law. The New Testament similarly encourages submission to governing authorities for the sake of order and a clear conscience.
  • Accountability and Consequences: There are always consequences for actions, whether in civil society or in one's spiritual walk. This verse reminds us that disobedience, both to divine commands and just human laws, carries a price.
  • Divine Order: The passage underscores God's desire for order and righteousness within His people. Ezra's mission was not just about rules, but about restoring a people to a right relationship with God through obedience to His statutes.

Ezra 7:26 serves as a powerful reminder of the serious nature of law and the dual responsibility to uphold both divine and just civil decrees for the flourishing of society.

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

  • 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].
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