### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **gizbâr**, represented by `{{H1490}}`, identifies the role of a **treasurer**. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire biblical text, pointing to its specific use within an administrative context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1490}}` is within an official decree issued by King Artaxerxes. In this royal edict, the **king** `{{H4430}}` commands all the **treasurers** in the region "beyond the river" to provide resources for Ezra the priest. This places the **treasurers** as financial officers within the Persian government, tasked with dispensing funds to support the mission related to the "law of the **God** `{{H426}}` of **heaven** `{{H8065}}`" [[Ezra 7:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The role of the treasurer is defined by its relationship to other figures of authority and action:
* `{{H4430}}` **melek**: (Aramaic) corresponding to a **king**. This is the ultimate authority who issues the command that the treasurers must obey, highlighting the top-down structure of the Persian empire [[Ezra 7:21]].
* `{{H2942}}` **ṭᵉʻêm**: (Aramaic) for **decree**. This is the formal, legally binding order given by the king. The treasurers were not acting on their own but were compelled by a royal **decree** to fulfill Ezra's requests ([[Ezra 7:21]], [[Ezra 6:12]]).
* `{{H5613}}` **çâphêr**: (Aramaic) meaning a **scribe**. The treasurers were instructed to supply Ezra, a priest and **scribe**, linking the secular financial office directly to the support of a sacred and legal mission [[Ezra 7:21]].
* `{{H7761}}` **sûwm**: (Aramaic) meaning to **make** or put. This word is used for the king's action of formally making a decree, setting into motion the official response required from the treasurers ([[Ezra 7:21]], [[Ezra 6:3]]).
### Theological Significance
While the term itself is administrative, its context carries theological weight by illustrating God's sovereignty.
* **Providential Provision:** The role of the **treasurer** demonstrates how God provides for His work through secular means. A pagan king's financial officers are directed to fund the restoration of worship in Jerusalem [[Ezra 7:21]].
* **Authority Serving Divine Will:** The decree to the **treasurers** shows a gentile **king** `{{H4430}}` and his administration acting as instruments to fulfill the purpose of the **God** `{{H426}}` of Israel. This aligns with the theme that God can set up and remove kings to achieve His plans [[Daniel 2:21]].
* **Legitimization of God's Servant:** By commanding his **treasurers** to obey Ezra, King Artaxerxes gives official state backing to Ezra's mission, validating his authority as a **scribe** `{{H5613}}` of God's law.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1490}}` **gizbâr** is a specific title for a **treasurer** or financial administrator. Its single, powerful use in scripture is not to detail the role itself, but to show how God can move the hearts of kings and use the official structures of a foreign empire, including its treasuries, to provide for and legitimize His divine purposes. The word marks a key point where secular power is commanded to serve sacred work.
TRV