Ezra 7:13

I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and [of] his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.

I {H4481} make {H7761} a decree {H2942}, that all {H3606} they of {H4481} the people {H5972} of Israel {H3479}, and of his priests {H3549} and Levites {H3879}, in my realm {H4437}, which are minded of their own freewill {H5069} to go up {H1946} to Jerusalem {H3390}, go {H1946} with thee {H5974}.

I decree that everyone in my realm who belongs to the people of Isra'el, including their cohanim and L'vi'im, who, of his own free will, chooses to go with you to Yerushalayim, should go.

I hereby decree that any volunteers among the Israelites in my kingdom, including the priests and Levites, may go up with you to Jerusalem.

I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and their priests and the Levites, in my realm, that are minded of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with thee.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezra 7:13 (KJV)

Ezra 7:13 records a pivotal decree issued by King Artaxerxes I of Persia, granting permission for any Israelite, priest, or Levite within his vast empire to voluntarily return to Jerusalem with Ezra. This verse highlights the remarkable favor shown to the Jewish people by a pagan monarch, enabling the ongoing restoration of their religious and civil life after the Babylonian exile.

Historical and Cultural Context

This decree takes place during the post-exilic period, roughly 80 years after the first wave of Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel, following the decree of King Cyrus. While the Temple had been rebuilt and dedicated (see Ezra 6:14), the city of Jerusalem and its religious administration still required significant development. King Artaxerxes, unlike some of his predecessors, adopted a policy that was surprisingly supportive of the Jewish community's religious practices. His decree to Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, provided not only safe passage but also significant resources and authority for the journey and the work ahead in Jerusalem. This demonstrates the powerful influence God exerted even over the hearts of foreign rulers, aligning with His sovereign plan for His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence: The decree from King Artaxerxes is a clear testament to God's unseen hand working through human authorities, even pagan kings, to accomplish His purposes. It demonstrates God's ability to direct the hearts of kings for the benefit of His people and His plan for restoration.
  • Voluntary Service: The phrase "minded of their own freewill" is crucial. It emphasizes that the return was not compulsory but an opportunity for those with a willing heart to participate in God's work. This principle of voluntary service to God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of genuine desire and commitment.
  • Restoration and Renewal: This decree facilitated a further wave of returnees, essential for strengthening the Jewish community in Jerusalem. It was part of God's broader plan to restore His people, not just physically to their land, but spiritually to their covenant relationship, reinforcing the importance of Jerusalem as the spiritual center.
  • Royal Endorsement of Religious Practice: The King's explicit permission for priests and Levites to return underscores the importance of re-establishing proper religious order and worship in Jerusalem, indicating royal support for the Jewish faith.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "freewill" is nidbat libbam (Χ Χ“Χ‘Χͺ ΧœΧ‘Χ), literally "the freewill of their heart." The root nadav (Χ Χ“Χ‘) signifies a spontaneous, willing, or voluntary offering or action, often without compulsion. This highlights that the opportunity to return was for those who genuinely desired to participate in the rebuilding and spiritual renewal of Jerusalem, indicating a heart-level commitment rather than mere obligation.

Practical Application

Ezra 7:13 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  1. God's Sovereignty: We are reminded that God is at work even in unexpected places and through unlikely individuals, including secular authorities, to fulfill His purposes. We should trust in His overarching plan, even when circumstances seem challenging.
  2. The Call to Voluntary Service: God seeks those who are "minded of their own freewill" to serve Him. Our service, talents, and resources are most pleasing to God when offered out of a genuine, willing heart, not out of duty or compulsion.
  3. Opportunities for Participation: Just as the Jews had a clear opportunity to return and participate in God's work, believers today are called to engage in God's ongoing mission in the world, whether through local church ministry, missions, or living out their faith in their daily lives.
  4. Importance of Spiritual Foundations: The return of priests and Levites emphasizes the necessity of strong spiritual leadership and adherence to God's Word for a thriving community.
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Cross-References

  • Ezra 6:1 (3 votes)

    ΒΆ Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

  • Esther 3:15 (2 votes)

    The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

  • Psalms 148:6 (2 votes)

    He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.

  • Esther 9:14 (2 votes)

    And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons.

  • Revelation 22:17 (2 votes)

    And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

  • Philippians 2:13 (2 votes)

    For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

  • Ezra 5:13 (2 votes)

    But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon [the same] king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.