TRV
Translation
King James Version
And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.
Complete Jewish Bible
They also delivered the king's orders to the king's viceroys and governors beyond the [Euphrates] River; and these gave their support to the people and to the house of God.
Berean Standard Bible
They also delivered the king’s edicts to the royal satraps and governors of the region west of the Euphrates, who proceeded to assist the people and the house of God.
American Standard Version
And they delivered the king’s commissions unto the king’s satraps, and to the governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God.
World English Bible Messianic
They delivered the king’s commissions to the king’s satraps, and to the governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and God’s house.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they deliuered the Kings commission vnto the Kings officers, and to the captaines beyond the Riuer: and they promoted the people, and the house of God.
Young's Literal Translation
and they give the laws of the king to the lieutenants of the king and the governors beyond the river, and they have lifted up the people and the house of God.
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In the KJVVerse 12,238 of 31,102
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Commentary on Ezra 8 verses 31–36
31 ¶ Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.
32 And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.
33 Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;
34 By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was written at that time.
35 Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering unto the LORD.
36 And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.
We are now to attend Ezra to Jerusalem, a journey of about four months in all; but his multitude made his marches slow and his stages short. Now here we are told,
I. That his God was good, and he acknowledged his goodness: The hand of our God was upon us, to animate us for our undertaking. To him they owed it, 1. That they were preserved in their journey, and not all cut off; for there were enemies that laid wait for them by the way to do them a mischief, or at least, like Amalek, to smite the hindmost of them, but God protected them, Ezr 8:31. Even the common perils of journeys are such as oblige us to sanctify our going out with prayer and our returns in peace with praise and thanksgiving; much more ought God to be thus eyed in such a dangerous expedition as this was. 2. That they were brought in safety to their journey's end, Ezr 8:32. Let those that have stedfastly set their faces towards the new Jerusalem proceed and persevere to the end till they appear before God in Zion, and they shall find that he who has begun the good work will perform it.
II. That his treasurers were faithful. When they had come to Jerusalem they were impatient to be discharged of their trust, and therefore applied to the great men of the temple, who received it from them and gave them an acquittance in full, Ezr 8:33, Ezr 8:34. It is a great ease to one's mind to be discharged from a trust, and a great honour to one's name to be able to make it appear that it has been faithfully discharged.
III. That his companions were devout. As soon as they came to be near the altar they thought themselves obliged to offer sacrifice, whatever they had done in Babylon, Ezr 8:35. That will be dispensed with when we want opportunity which when the door is opened again will be expected from us. It is observable, 1. That among their sacrifices they had a sin-offering; for it is the atonement that sweetens and secures every mercy to us, which will not be truly comfortable unless iniquity be taken away and our peace made with God. 2. That the number of their offerings related to the number of the tribes, twelve bullocks, twelve he-goats, and ninety-six rams (that is, eight times twelve), intimating the union of the two kingdoms, according to what was foretold, Eze 37:22. They did not any longer go two tribes one way and ten another, but all the twelve met by their representatives at the same altar.
IV. That even the enemies of the Jews became their friends, bowed to Ezra's commission, and, instead of hindering the people of God, furthered them (Ezr 8:36), purely in complaisance to the king: when he appeared moderate they all coveted to appear so too. Then had the churches rest.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 31–36. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Ezra and Nehemiah
They also delivered the king's edicts to the satraps, etc. Another edition has: And they glorified the people and the house of God. Therefore, they uplifted the people by making royal authority, with which Ezra was exalted, honorable to all. They also uplifted the house of God by adorning it more splendidly with vessels and gifts which the king, his counselors, and his princes sent to it; and by freeing its ministers and priests from tributes and taxes, except to the Lord alone. Mystically, however, the people and the temple of God held one and the same figure of the holy Church; which Ezra and the sons of the exile uplift, by bringing from Babylon the vessels sacred to God, when holy preachers, gathering to it, by the Lord's gift, the assemblies of believers, make it honorable to all even strangers and show it as awe-inspiring. Likewise, the same preachers, when they elevate those whom they instruct either by their examples in good conduct or by words towards the perception of the heavenly rewards, they now uplift the people and the house of God, because they indeed bring great joy both to those dwelling in the heavenly homeland and to those still journeying on earth.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Ezra 8:36 marks the successful culmination of Ezra's administrative efforts upon arriving in the Persian province of Judah, demonstrating how divine providence orchestrated support for the returning exiles and the rebuilding of the Temple. Having delivered King Artaxerxes' official decrees, the Jewish leaders secured the cooperation of regional Persian officials, who actively "furthered" the people and the sacred work of restoring the house of God in Jerusalem, underscoring God's ability to work through secular authorities to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Ezra 8:36 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. The phrase "the house of God" functions as a Metonymy, where the physical structure of the Temple stands in for the entire religious and communal life of Israel centered around worship and the divine presence. The verse also serves as a Narrative Climax and Resolution for the journey section of Ezra, providing a satisfying conclusion to the account of Ezra's trust in God's protection during the perilous trip. The successful delivery of the commissions and the subsequent support from pagan officials highlight a Divine Irony or Paradox: God's people, who relied solely on Him, are ultimately aided by the very secular powers that had previously held them captive. This demonstrates God's sovereign ability to use any means, even those seemingly opposed to His people, to accomplish His redemptive purposes.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 8:36 is a profound testament to God's sovereign control over all earthly powers and His faithfulness to His covenant people. It illustrates that divine providence is not limited to miraculous interventions but often works through the ordinary channels of human governance and administration. God can incline the hearts of kings and officials, even those who do not acknowledge Him, to serve His purposes, ensuring the advancement of His kingdom work. This challenges believers to recognize God's hand in unexpected places and to trust that He is orchestrating events behind the scenes, even in complex political or social landscapes. The support given to "the people, and the house of God" underscores God's commitment to the restoration of His community and the sanctity of His dwelling place, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 8:36 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us that God works through diverse channels, not just overtly spiritual ones. We should not limit our expectation of God's provision to only religious means; He can and does use secular systems, governments, and even individuals who do not acknowledge Him, to further His kingdom work. This calls for a broader perspective on divine activity in the world. Secondly, Ezra's example teaches us that wisdom and faith go hand-in-hand. While his faith in God's protection was paramount, he also exercised practical wisdom by securing the necessary civil authority through the king's commissions. Believers are called to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves," as Jesus instructed in Matthew 10:16, combining deep trust in God with prudent action in the world. Finally, just as the Persian officials "furthered the people, and the house of God," we are called to support the work of the church and the spread of the Gospel, whether through our resources, time, or influence. This verse is a powerful reminder that God delights in the advancement of His kingdom, and He often uses His people, in conjunction with His sovereign orchestration of external circumstances, to achieve it.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "on this side the river" mean?
Answer: "On this side the river" refers to the region west of the Euphrates River, known in Aramaic as Trans-Euphrates or Abar-Nahara. This was a significant satrapy (province) within the vast Persian Empire. The mention of officials from this region highlights the extensive reach of King Artaxerxes' authority and the broad geographical scope of the support Ezra received, ensuring his mission was recognized and aided across a vast territory. This geographical detail underscores the wide-ranging administrative cooperation Ezra secured.
Why did Ezra need "commissions" if he trusted God for protection?
Answer: While Ezra famously demonstrated profound faith by refusing a military escort and trusting God for protection on the dangerous journey, as recorded in Ezra 8:22, he also exercised practical wisdom. The "commissions" were official royal decrees that provided legal authority and administrative recognition. These documents were crucial for navigating the political landscape, securing cooperation from local officials, and ensuring that the work of rebuilding the Temple and community could proceed without legal or bureaucratic hindrance, as outlined in Ezra 7:11-26. God often works through both supernatural provision and human prudence, and Ezra's actions exemplify this balance, showing that faith does not negate the need for responsible and wise action.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 8:36, with its depiction of pagan rulers unwittingly serving God's redemptive purposes, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the universal kingship of Jesus Christ. The earthly support provided by Artaxerxes' officials to the "house of God" foreshadows the ultimate building of the spiritual temple, the Church, through Christ's redemptive work. Christ's kingdom is not of this world, yet He holds all authority in heaven and on earth, as declared in Matthew 28:18, sovereignly using earthly means, including governments and societal structures, to advance His eternal purposes. The "furthering" of the people and the house of God in Ezra's day culminates in Christ's ongoing work of building His Church, which is His body and the new Temple of God, as described in Ephesians 1:22-23 and 1 Corinthians 3:16. Just as the Persian officials were instrumental in Ezra's mission, so too does Christ, the "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Revelation 19:16), orchestrate all things, even the actions of secular authorities and unexpected circumstances, to ensure the spiritual growth and global expansion of His Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, as promised in Acts 1:8.