Ezra 7:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The narrative introduces the text of the royal letter Artaxerxes gave to Ezra, the priest and scribe of God's commandments.
What Does Ezra 7:11 Mean?
The writer pauses to present an official document. What follows is the very copy of the letter the king handed to Ezra. Before quoting it, the text again identifies Ezra by his calling: a priest and a scribe devoted to the words of the commandments of the LORD.
That a Persian emperor would put royal authority behind the law of Israel's God is striking. Ezra's standing rests not on political ambition but on his devotion to Scripture, and even a foreign king recognizes it. God can place His servants in positions of influence and give their work the backing of earthly powers. When a life is bound to God's word, the LORD can open the way for that word to be honored even in the halls of kings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 7:11
What does Ezra 7:11 mean?
The narrative introduces the text of the royal letter Artaxerxes gave to Ezra, the priest and scribe of God's commandments.