Ezra 7:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The letter opens with the king's grand title and a greeting of peace to Ezra, scribe of the law of the God of heaven.
What Does Ezra 7:12 Mean?
The letter begins in formal court style. Artaxerxes names himself 'king of kings,' a title of vast earthly power, and addresses Ezra as a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, sending him a greeting of peace. From here the document is recorded in the Aramaic of imperial correspondence.
Even the mightiest human title, 'king of kings,' is here writing to commission the service of the God of heaven. The earthly sovereign acknowledges a higher one above the sky. There is gentle irony in it: the greatest king of the age becomes a servant of the LORD's purposes, sending peace and provision to rebuild true worship. God remains sovereign over every sovereign, and He bends the grandest of thrones toward His own ends.
Ezra 7:12 in the Original Language
God of heaven (Elah shemayya, אֱלָהּ שְׁמַיָּא) -- an Aramaic title for the LORD as the supreme God who rules over all from heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezra 7:12
What does Ezra 7:12 mean?
The letter opens with the king's grand title and a greeting of peace to Ezra, scribe of the law of the God of heaven.