That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, etc . The primary application of the money sent by Ezra was to be the maintenance of the Jewish ritual in its full splendour. The residue was, however, to be employed in any way that Ezra, acting under Divine guidance, might direct (see below, verse 18). Apparently, this residue was actually employed on beautifying the temple (see verse 27). read more
The vessels also. It does not appear that these were sacred vessels belonging to the temple, like those which Cyrus had intrusted to Zerubbabel for restoration to the house of God. Rather, it would seem, they were a part of the voluntary "offering" mentioned in Ezra 7:15 , in which they are distinctly included ( Ezra 8:25-28 ). We may perhaps conclude that the vessels sent with Zerubbabel had proved insufficient in number for the great festivals. read more
Whatever more shall be needful. Here the terms of the firman are very wide indeed, and authorise apparently an unlimited application of the royal revenue, or, at any rate, of the revenue of the province, to any purpose in any way connected with the temple. Probably it was expected that Ezra's own discretion would act as a restraint. If this failed, the royal treasurers would see that the amounts specified in verse 22 were not exceeded. The king's treasure-house is not the royal... read more
The decree of Artaxerxes to the treasurers. Embodied in the letter of the Persian king to Ezra we have certain directions addressed through him to the treasurers beyond the river. These directions, though emanating from a heathen source, suggest the principles which should guide liberality in the cause of God , as to its measure, its spirit, and its reasons. I. THE MEASURE . 1. This should be generous. "Whatsoever Ezra the priest," etc. 2. It should not be reckless. ... read more
Unto a hundred talents of silver. At the lowest estimate of the Jewish silver talent, this would be a permission to draw on the royal treasury to the amount of £24,000 sterling. If we adopt the views of Mr. R.S. Peele ('Dict. of the Bible, Articles, MONEY and WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ), it would authorise drawing to the amount of £40,000. A hundred measures of wheat. Literally, "a hundred cors of wheat," as given in the margin. The cor is variously estimated, at 44.25 gallons... read more
Why should there be wrath against the realm? In the seventh year of Artaxerxes Longimanns there was "wrath against the realm" of Persia in a very dangerous quarter, viz; Egypt. Egypt had revolted from the Persians in b.c. 460, and in the following year, with the assistance of the Athenians, had driven the last Persian out of the country. A vain attempt was made by an embassy to Sparta, towards the close of b.c. 459, to force Athens to recall her troops. In b.c. 458, Artaxerxes'... read more
We certify you. The use of the plural is curious. Hitherto the king has made every permission and command to rest on his own sole authority (see Ezra 7:12 , Ezra 7:13 , Ezra 7:21 ). Now that he reaches the most important point in the whole of his decree—the permanent exemption of a large part of the people from liability to taxation of any kind, his style changes, and he says, " We certify you." Perhaps he speaks in the name of himself and his successors ; or possibly he means... read more
And thou, Ezra . This conclusion would be by itself sufficient to remove the document out of the ordinary category of "decrees" or "edicts," and to render it, what it is called in verse 11, nishtevan , "a letter." After the wisdom of thy God, that is in thy hand. i.e. "that is in thy possession." Set magistrates and judges. Both the words used are derived from roots signifying "to judge," and it is difficult to draw any distinction between them. The one translated "magistrates" is... read more
Finally, to Ezra is intrusted distinctly the civil government of the Jewish people, with power to fine, imprison, banish, or put to death offenders, as he may think right. These powers were always intrusted by the Persians to the civil administrators of provinces, who were autocrats within their respective territories, and responsible to the king alone for the exercise of their authority. read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
The Pulpit Commentary - Ezra 7:16
All the silver and gold that thou canst find. Rather, "that thou canst obtain"— " all that thou canst get my other subjects to give thee." Compare the proclamation of Cyrus ( Ezra 1:4 , Ezra 1:6 ). read more